Florida Spaghetti
A comforting baked pasta dish featuring shell pasta, melted Provolone cheese, savory tomato sauce, and crispy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook shell pasta for 7 minutes from boiling; drain.
- Heat tomato sauce and minced garlic in a saucepan.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and garlic mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 12-inch baking pan.
- Lay slices of Provolone cheese on top of the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, ensuring not to overcook.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the pasta mixture. You can substitute the Provolone cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred. If you want a creamier texture, try adding a cup of ricotta cheese into the pasta before baking. To save time, use pre-minced garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Florida Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top can brighten the dish. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with Almost Sugarless Pie for dessert, creating a delightful end to your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florida Spaghetti contains roughly 1217 calories, with 50g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (99% of the Daily Value), calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2125mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Florida Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage. Assemble it in the baking pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer to avoid margarine, you can use unsalted butter or olive oil as a substitute. Both will provide a rich flavor to the dish. For a healthier option, consider using a plant-based butter substitute that fits your dietary needs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Florida Spaghetti is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat. However, ensure that the cheese and margarine used are also vegetarian-friendly. To enhance the dish, add some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).