Meatless Baked Spaghetti

Name: Meatless Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces gluten-free spaghetti noodles, cooked per box instructions; 2 large eggs, whisked; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (✅ ); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon dried oregano (✅ ); 1 tablespoon dried parsley (✅ ); 16 ounces 2% cottage cheese (✅ ); 28- ounce marinara sauce (✅ ); 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (✅ )

By: Jodi / Published on July 16, 2018 Updated on November 6, 2024 / 53 Comments

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This easy Meatless Baked Spaghetti recipe is a quick dinner idea that kids love. A vegetarian baked spaghetti that comes together quickly.

Meatless meals don’t have to be boring! Try this baked spaghetti that’s packed with vegetarian protein sources.

A slice of baked spaghetti on a white plate with a fork with the 9x13 pan with bright colored flowers on a white pan in the background.

In this dish, traditional spaghetti gets a vegetarian twist that will leave your taste buds thanking you. We understand that meatless meals often get a bad rap for being dull or lacking in protein, but this baked spaghetti recipe defies those stereotypes. It’s brimming with a variety of vegetarian protein sources that not only make it a nutritious choice but also a flavorful one. If you’re looking for a meat filled option be sure to check out our No-Boil Lasagna.

How To Make

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Boil pasta according to package directions, drain
In a medium-sized bowl, add cooked pasta
Whisk eggs
Add shredded Parmesan, garlic, oregano, and parsley to spaghetti and whisked eggs. Mix well.
Pour spaghetti mixture into prepared baking pan
Spread cottage cheese on top of spaghetti, top with marinara sauce
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top
Bake 30 minutes or until set

In a medium-sized bowl, add parmesan cheese and spices to the cooked pasta.

Add whisked eggs to the mixture, then stir.

Add spaghetti mixture to a pan coated with non-stick cooking spray.

cottage cheese spread on pasta in a baking pan

Top with cottage cheese then spread to cover the pasta.

Top the cottage cheese with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes!

Mozzarella cheese being sprinkled by hand over marinara sauce in a 9x13 inch white pan on a white marble table.

Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs and garlic instead of dried ones. Fresh ingredients can elevate the flavor of your dish.
Season Well: Taste the spaghetti mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste for better flavor.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the spaghetti mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, like provolone, cheddar, or fontina, to create unique flavor profiles.
Herb Variations: Try using fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different herb flavor in your dish.
Gluten-Free Options: If you need to keep the dish gluten-free, make sure your spaghetti noodles and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the spaghetti noodles. Cooking them al dente (firm to the bite) will prevent them from becoming too mushy when baked.
Grease the Pan Properly: Ensure you coat the baking pan evenly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
Layering: When layering your ingredients, try to distribute them evenly to ensure every bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
Garnish: After baking, you can garnish your spaghetti bake with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to make it look more appealing and add a burst of freshness.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This will make it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Serve with a Side: Consider serving your vegetarian spaghetti bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This is great for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare in advance.
Freeze for Later: This dish also freezes well. You can portion it into individual servings, wrap them tightly, and freeze for future quick and easy meals.

A pan of baked spaghetti with a square being lifted out of the pan by hand at an angle with a kitchen towel in the background.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or need to store the baked dish, allow it to cool to room temperature first. Then, cover the baking pan or transfer portions into airtight containers. Place it in the refrigerator. The spaghetti bake can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store the spaghetti bake for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe airtight containers. Be sure to label and date the containers for easy identification. The spaghetti bake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen spaghetti bake, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Slow thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor. You can also reheat it from frozen, but it will take longer.
Reheating: To reheat the spaghetti bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s in a baking dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, use a microwave or a covered oven-safe container.

What to serve with Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake?

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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