Pizza Pasta Pie
A savory pizza pasta pie combining spaghetti, spinach, and cheese with flavorful pizza sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp toasted wheat germ
- 1 Tbsp Parkay margarine ⓘ
- 3 oz cooked and drained spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz can pizza sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
- 2 1/2 oz jar mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3/4-quart baking dish and sprinkle with toasted wheat germ; set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir margarine into hot cooked spaghetti.
- Beat 1 egg and add to spaghetti with half of the Parmesan cheese and 1/8 teaspoon salt; mix well.
- Form the spaghetti mixture into a crust in the prepared dish.
- Using paper towels, squeeze excess liquid from drained spinach over the pasta crust.
- Drain the cottage cheese and in a small bowl, beat the remaining egg; add the drained cottage cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the spinach layer in the crust.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine pizza sauce, shredded carrot, chopped mushrooms, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- Spoon the pizza sauce mixture over the cottage cheese layer.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pie is heated through.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some Italian sausage or diced bell peppers to the pizza sauce mixture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. For a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the spinach as possible to prevent a soggy crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza Pasta Pie is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Consider serving it with My Mom'S Sicilian Potato Salad for a heartier meal. A light red wine or sparkling water makes a refreshing accompaniment. Leftovers can also be enjoyed cold as a flavorful snack!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal but be cautious not to overheat, as it may become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Pasta Pie contains roughly 406 calories, with 28g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (74% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 779mg per serving (34% 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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it briefly until wilted, then drain well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dish. This will provide a fresher flavor and texture to your Pizza Pasta Pie.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. To enhance the flavors, consider adding more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or olives. You can also use a meat substitute or additional cheese for extra flavor without compromising the vegetarian aspect.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Pizza Pasta Pie a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.
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).