Are you ready to elevate your pasta game? This make-ahead skillet baked spaghetti recipe not only offers an exciting twist to traditional spaghetti, but also provides a convenient and delicious solution for our busy lifestyles. The creamy and flavorful combination of parmesan and fontina cheese, paired with the freshness of basil and cherry tomatoes, makes this a family favorite. The best part? It can be prepared ahead of time and baked when you're ready to serve, making it perfect for weekday dinners or entertaining guests.
Photos of Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Pay special attention to the fontina cheese and half and half cream in this recipe. Fontina cheese is a cow's milk cheese with a slightly nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture, which can usually be found in the cheese section of most supermarkets. If unavailable, you could substitute it with Gruyere or Mozzarella. The half and half cream is a mix of equal parts whole milk and light cream, and is often used in desserts and creamy sauces. It can typically be found in the dairy section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti
spaghetti: A type of pasta made from durum wheat and water, this is the star of our dish.
olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and squash, and also tossed with the cooked spaghetti for a silky texture.
parmesan: A hard, granular cheese that adds a rich and salty flavor.
garlic: Provides a strong and pungent flavor.
yellow squash: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and lovely color to the dish.
eggs: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the spaghetti together when baked.
half and half: This blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream adds a rich, creamy element to the dish.
cherry tomatoes: These small, round tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color.
fresh basil: Adds a sweet, peppery flavor. It's a must for the authentic Italian taste.
fontina: A mild and slightly nutty cheese, it melts wonderfully, making our spaghetti extra cheesy and creamy.
One reader, Giraud Lai says:
This make-ahead skillet baked spaghetti recipe is a game-changer! It's a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser. The flavors meld beautifully, and the dish is a hit every time. Plus, the convenience of preparing it in advance is a lifesaver for busy days. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Skillet Baked Spaghetti
How to prepare the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in heavily salted water until al dente, then toss with olive oil and parmesan.
How to cook the squash: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, then add the squash and cook until tender.
How to bake the spaghetti: Transfer the spaghetti to an ovenproof skillet, sprinkle with parmesan, and bake until golden and heated through.
How To Make Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti
This delicious baked spaghetti recipe can be made ahead in a skillet, and filled with healthy ingredients like yellow squash, fontina, and cherry tomatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbspaghetti
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1cupparmesan,(3 oz) shredded, divided
- ½tspsalt,divided
- ground black pepper,to taste
- 2clovesgarlic,finely chopped
- 1yellow squash,(10 oz) cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 3large eggs
- 1½cupshalf and half
- 1½cupscherry tomatoes,(about 8 oz) halved
- 1handfulfresh basil
- 6ozfontina,cut into small cubes
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
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Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 9 minutes, or until al dente.
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Taste a strand of spaghetti to make sure it’s almost cooked but not soft, which is usually about 2 minutes before the package directions indicate.
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Drain in a colander.
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Return the pasta to the (now empty) pot and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil and ½ cup of the parmesan.
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Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt and some ground black pepper, to taste.
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In a large (11- to 12-inch) ovenproof skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil.
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Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the squash and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender.
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Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and some ground black pepper to taste.
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Stir the cooked zucchini into the pot with spaghetti.
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In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and cream. Add it to the pot with the pasta.
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Add the tomatoes, basil, and fontina cubes. Mix thoroughly using tongs.
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Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet used to cook the squash.
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At this point, the pasta can be baked right away, or it can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
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Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of parmesan over the pasta.
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Bake for 40 to 45 minutes for spaghetti baked right away, until the top is golden and the pasta is hot all the way through, or bake for 45 to 50 minutes for spaghetti made ahead and cold from the fridge.
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Cool briefly and cut into slices to serve.
Recipe Notes
Substitute zucchini when yellow squash is not in season. This recipe is also great with leftover shredded chicken, sausage, or any other meat.
Nutrition
- Calories: 702.74kcal
- Fat: 32.66g
- Saturated Fat: 15.81g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.56g
- Carbohydrates: 70.65g
- Fiber: 4.31g
- Sugar: 6.52g
- Protein: 32.05g
- Cholesterol: 165.12mg
- Sodium: 788.53mg
- Calcium: 578.21mg
- Potassium: 694.71mg
- Iron: 2.52mg
- Vitamin A: 256.88µg
- Vitamin C: 14.84mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Your Skillet Baked Spaghetti
To ensure your spaghetti is cooked to perfection, it's important to taste test it before draining. Pasta continues to cook a little bit after it's drained due to the residual heat, so aim for a texture that's just shy of al dente when you drain it. This way, your spaghetti will be perfectly cooked by the time you're ready to serve it. Additionally, when adding the eggs and cream mixture to the pot with the pasta, make sure the pasta is not too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs. You want a creamy, smooth consistency for your baked spaghetti.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients the night before, such as chopping vegetables and grating cheese, to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and herbs, saving time on prep work.
Cook extra: Make a larger batch of the skillet baked spaghetti and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
One-pot wonder: Use a large ovenproof skillet to cook the entire dish, minimizing the number of dishes to wash later.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and avoid unnecessary clutter.
Substitute Ingredients For Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti Recipe
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine is a good substitute for spaghetti in this recipe as it has a similar texture and shape, and will work well with the other ingredients.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a similar aromatic flavor to the dish.
yellow squash - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for yellow squash, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a substitute for eggs, providing a binding agent in the recipe.
half and half - Substitute with whole milk and heavy cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream can be used as a substitute for half and half, providing a similar richness to the dish.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes, providing a similar sweet and juicy flavor to the dish.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, providing a different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
fontina - Substitute with gouda: Gouda cheese can be used as a substitute for fontina, providing a similar creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
Presenting Your Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti
Elevate the plating: When presenting the skillet baked spaghetti, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, shallow serving dish or individual plates to showcase the layers of pasta, vegetables, and cheese.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle the dish with freshly torn basil leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation. The vibrant green basil will provide a beautiful contrast against the golden-brown baked spaghetti.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the baked spaghetti. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a glossy sheen to the dish, giving it a professional touch.
Use a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the baked spaghetti in individual cast-iron skillets or mini cocottes for a charming and rustic presentation. This adds a touch of sophistication and allows each guest to have their own personalized portion.
Create a cheese lattice: After baking, carefully arrange thin slices of fontina cheese in a lattice pattern over the top of the spaghetti. This intricate design adds a touch of artistry to the dish and showcases the gooey, melted cheese.
Accentuate with cherry tomatoes: Halve a few cherry tomatoes and strategically place them around the dish to add bursts of color and freshness. The vibrant red of the tomatoes will create visual interest and balance the overall presentation.
Serve with a side salad: Accompany the skillet baked spaghetti with a small side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This not only adds a complementary element to the dish but also elevates the overall dining experience.
Dust with freshly grated Parmesan: Just before serving, lightly dust the baked spaghetti with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan. This final touch adds a touch of elegance and a burst of savory flavor to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Preparing Skillet Baked Spaghetti
Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the spaghetti. It should be large enough to hold the pasta and water comfortably.
Colander: A colander is used to drain the cooked spaghetti after boiling.
Ovenproof skillet: An ovenproof skillet is necessary for baking the spaghetti in the oven. It should be able to withstand high oven temperatures.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used for whisking the eggs and cream before adding them to the pasta.
Tongs: Tongs are helpful for mixing the pasta and other ingredients thoroughly.
Baking dish: If you choose to make the spaghetti ahead of time and refrigerate it, a baking dish will be needed to transfer the pasta from the pot to the dish before refrigerating.
Knife: A knife is used for chopping the garlic, squash, and basil.
Grater: A grater is used to grate the parmesan cheese.
Whisk: A whisk is used for mixing the eggs and cream together in the small bowl.
Storing and Freezing Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti
- To store the make-ahead skillet baked spaghetti in the refrigerator, let it cool completely to room temperature after assembling the dish in the skillet. Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove the skillet from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled skillet baked spaghetti. After assembling the dish in the skillet, let it cool completely to room temperature. Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the dish with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To bake the frozen skillet spaghetti, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, remove the skillet from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and foil, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is heated through.
- Alternatively, you can bake the frozen skillet spaghetti directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), remove the plastic wrap and foil, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is heated through. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the skillet loosely with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Baked Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover baked spaghetti in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the spaghetti is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place individual portions of the leftover spaghetti on microwave-safe plates and heat them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the spaghetti is steaming hot. Be sure to stir the spaghetti halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a large amount of leftover baked spaghetti, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Place the spaghetti in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or tomato sauce to help moisten the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Stir the spaghetti occasionally as it reheats, and add more liquid if needed. Heat until the spaghetti is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
For a crispy top layer, reheat the leftover baked spaghetti under your oven's broiler. Place the spaghetti in an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the spaghetti to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover baked spaghetti. Place individual portions of the spaghetti in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the spaghetti is heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Interesting Trivia About Skillet Baked Spaghetti
The skillet baked spaghetti recipe is a great make-ahead dish for busy days. It can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, making it a convenient option for meal planning. This dish is a delicious combination of flavors and textures, with the creamy egg and half-and-half mixture binding the spaghetti and the savory squash, tomatoes, and fontina cheese. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side, and it's perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good the next day!
Is Preparing Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti Cost-Effective?
This skillet baked spaghetti recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as spaghetti, parmesan, eggs, and vegetables, are generally affordable and readily available. The versatility of this dish also allows for the incorporation of budget-friendly substitutions. With an estimated cost of approximately $15, this recipe provides a satisfying meal for a family of four. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its simplicity, delicious flavors, and the convenience of being able to prepare it ahead of time.
Is This Skillet Baked Spaghetti Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This make-ahead skillet baked spaghetti recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like:
- Yellow squash, which is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C
- Cherry tomatoes, offering lycopene and vitamin C
- Fresh basil, providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:
- High amounts of cheese (parmesan and fontina), which are high in saturated fat and sodium
- Half and half, adding more saturated fat and calories
- Refined pasta, which is lower in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain options
While the recipe does incorporate some vegetables, the overall balance leans towards a high-fat, high-calorie dish.
To make this recipe healthier, I would suggest the following modifications:
- Replace the regular spaghetti with whole grain or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for lower-fat varieties
- Swap the half and half for a lighter option, such as low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil, or replace some of it with a low-sodium vegetable broth for sautéing the garlic and squash
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still retains the comforting flavors of a baked spaghetti dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti Recipe
This make-ahead skillet baked spaghetti recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of tender spaghetti, creamy fontina, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The make-ahead option adds convenience without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for busy schedules. The dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. The golden, cheesy crust adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Overall, this recipe is a winner for its delicious taste and practicality.
Enhance Your Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Make-Ahead Skillet Baked Spaghetti Recipe:
This make-ahead skillet baked spaghetti recipe is a perfect balance of convenience and flavor. The use of fresh ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic ensures a burst of vibrant flavors. The combination of fontina and parmesan creates a rich and creamy texture, while the inclusion of yellow squash adds a delightful crunch. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a foolproof cooking process, and the option to prepare it ahead of time provides flexibility for busy schedules. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful preparation to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal.
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