Old-school spaghetti
why make this recipe
Old-school spaghetti is a classic comfort food. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This dish brings back memories of family meals and cozy gatherings. It’s also simple to make and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it combines pasta with colorful vegetables and creamy sauce, which makes it a satisfying meal.
how to make Old-school spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 454 grams rotini
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 227 grams sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 liter grated cheese
- 60 ml sour cream
- 794 grams red pasta sauce
- 3/4 liter grated cheese
Directions:
- Cook the rotini in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, green bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the red pasta sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and mix well with the sauce and vegetables.
- Stir in sour cream and mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
how to serve Old-school spaghetti
Serve Old-school spaghetti hot from the oven, making sure each serving gets some of the cheesy topping. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a full meal.
how to store Old-school spaghetti
To store Old-school spaghetti, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
tips to make Old-school spaghetti
- Use fresh vegetables for better flavor.
- Don’t skip the sour cream; it adds a nice creaminess.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on what you have on hand.
variation
You can add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein. For a healthier version, try using whole grain pasta and adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but rotini holds the sauce well.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and use vegetable broth if needed.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.
Old-school Spaghetti
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 454 grams rotini Use any pasta shape, but rotini holds the sauce well.
- 794 grams red pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt For the pasta water.
Vegetables
- 1 medium green bell pepper Chopped.
- 1 medium onion Chopped.
- 227 grams sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
Creamy Topping
- 60 ml sour cream Adds creaminess to the dish.
- 3/4 liter grated cheese For topping; feel free to use different cheeses.
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic For flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, green bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the red pasta sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and mix well with the sauce and vegetables.
- Stir in sour cream and mix until well combined.
Baking
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
