Ingredients
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8 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
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2 large eggs, whisked
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
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1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef or chicken)
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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½ teaspoon Italian herbs
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1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a deep-dish pie plate.
Place the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it cool slightly if it’s still very hot.
2. Make the Pasta Crust
In a separate bowl, mix the whisked eggs with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Add the mixture to the spaghetti and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
Transfer the spaghetti to the prepared pie plate. Spread it across the bottom and up the sides to form a pie crust.
3. Cook the Turkey
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Check that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain any excess liquid or grease if needed.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce into the pan with the cooked turkey. Stir to combine and let it warm through.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Layer
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Stir until evenly mixed.
6. Assemble the Pie
Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti crust. Spoon the turkey and tomato sauce mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Finish with the grated mozzarella.
7. Bake
Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot.
8. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for several minutes before cutting. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
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Cook the spaghetti al dente: Slightly firm noodles hold their shape better in the pie. Overcooked pasta can make the base soft.
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Coat the noodles evenly: Make sure the egg and Parmesan mixture reaches the spaghetti throughout. This helps the crust hold together after baking.
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Drain excess liquid: Too much moisture from the cooked turkey or sauce can make the pie difficult to slice.
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Let it rest: Give the pie a few minutes to settle after baking so the layers hold together more easily.
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Use your favorite sauce: A good jarred marinara works perfectly and saves time.
