Baked spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti recipe

Who doesn't love a dish that brings together delicious pasta, succulent meat and a flavorful sauce, all au gratin in the oven? Baked spaghetti is not only a comforting meal, but also a great choice for a family dinner or a get-together with friends. In this recipe, we'll explore every step, from boiling the pasta, to preparing the sauce, to the final baking. With some helpful tips and suggestions for variations, I'll help you achieve a perfect result that will impress everyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 250 g spaghetti
- 100 g chicken breast
- 30 g salami
- 150 g tomato paste
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 50 g olives (optional)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 egg
- 100 g cottage cheese (or cheese)
- olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Spaghetti preparation

1. Boiling Pasta:
Start by bringing 2.5 quarts of water to the boiling point. Add salt to taste; this will intensify the flavors of the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes until al dente. It is important to stir occasionally for even cooking. Once cooked, drain and allow to cool slightly.

Making the sauce

2. Flavored Sauce:
In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium heat. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes and add to the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Adding the salami cut into small cubes will add a savory and savory touch to the sauce.

3. Vegetables and Seasonings:
Once the meat is well browned, add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Then stir in the diced tomatoes and olives. The fresh tomatoes will add delicious flavor and texture to the sauce.

4. Finalizing the Sauce:
Once the vegetables have softened, add tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. If you want a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of chili powder.

Assembly and Baking

5. Combining Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and prepared sauce. Make sure each spaghetti is well coated with sauce. This step is essential to ensure even flavor in every bite!

6. Preparation for Oven:
Grease a baking sheet with a little olive oil. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the pan, leveling it evenly. Beat the egg in a small bowl and pour evenly over the pasta mixture. This will act as a binder, giving a creamy texture.

7. Final Touch:
Grate the teleme cheese or cottage cheese and sprinkle generously over the top. This layer will turn beautifully golden and crisp as it bakes.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and insert the tray. Bake for 30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy. The flavor that will fill your kitchen during this time will be irresistible!

Serving

Once the baked spaghetti is done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to stabilize, making it easier to serve. You can garnish with a few leaves of fresh basil for extra freshness and an appealing look.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. A bottle of white wine or fresh lemonade would also complement the meal perfectly.

Possible Variations

- Vegetarian: You can omit the meat and add vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant or mushrooms for a vegetarian variation.
- Tomato Sauce: Instead of tomato paste, you can use ready-made tomato sauce or even a marinara sauce for a different taste.
- Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella for a creamier texture or Parmesan for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Pasta is an excellent source of energy, chicken breast provides lean protein and vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Teleme or cheese provides extra calcium and protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni or fusilli.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Baked spaghetti can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

3. Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze spaghetti in the oven in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator before cooking it again.

4. What other recipes can I try?
If you like this type of dish, I also recommend trying lasagna or moussaka. A baked pizza recipe could also be a great choice for a family dinner.

I hope this baked spaghetti recipe will become one of your favorites! It's simple, delicious and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -250 g spaghetti -100 g chicken breast -30 g salami -150 g tomato paste -2 tomatoes -1 bell pepper -1 onion -olives -1 clove of garlic -1 egg -100 g cow cheese (or cheese) -olive oil -salt and pepper