Spaghetti Dish
Submitted by programr
Baked spaghetti pie with a pasta crust, cottage cheese layer, seasoned ground turkey filling, and melted mozzarella. A lighter take on spaghetti casserole using egg whites.
YIELD
8 servingsPREP
30 minCOOK
25 minREADY
55 minThis baked spaghetti dish layers a pressed pasta crust, creamy cottage cheese, seasoned ground turkey with tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella into a casserole that slices like a pie.
The pasta crust is the clever part. Cooked angel hair gets mixed with melted margarine, egg whites, and Parmesan, then pressed into the bottom of the pan. It bakes into a firm, sliceable base that holds the layers above it together. Egg whites instead of whole eggs keep it lighter.
Fat-free cottage cheese spreads over the crust as a creamy middle layer, adding tang and protein without extra fat. The turkey filling goes on top: browned ground turkey with onion, peppers, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Shredded mozzarella crowns everything and melts into a bubbly, golden cap during the 25-minute bake.
This is a great make-ahead dinner. Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Kitchen Tips
- Press the pasta firmly and evenly into the pan so it holds together when sliced
- Drain any fat from the turkey filling before layering to keep the casserole from getting greasy
- Let it rest 5 minutes after baking so the layers set and slices hold their shape
Variations
- Use ground beef or Italian sausage instead of turkey for a richer filling
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a more traditional Italian flavor
- Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the turkey filling for extra vegetables
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven at 350℉ (180℃).
Prepare 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan with cooking spray.
Tp prepare crust, cook pasta in a saucepan with a large amount of boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender.
Drain well.
Return to saucepan and stir margarine, egg whites, and Parmesan cheese into hot pasta.
Press spaghetti mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.
Spread cottage cheese over crust.
To prepare filling, cook turkey, onion, and peppers in a skillet until meat is no longer pink.
Drain off fat, if needed.
Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and salt.
Spread meat mixture over cottage cheese.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over meat mixture.
Bake for 25 minutes.
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