We know a good plate of baked spaghetti when we see on especially when it’s inspired by Fazoli’s. We’ve made this dish plenty of times, so trust us when we say this recipe is as close as it gets to the real thing. If you’re craving that perfect mix of cheesy, saucy, and hearty, you’re in the right place.
Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a comforting pasta dish made with tender spaghetti, rich Fazoli’s Spaghetti Sauce, seasoned ground beef, and loads of melted cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish brings together classic Italian flavors in a way that’s both simple and satisfying.
Want to know the secret to getting that ooey-gooey cheese just right? Keep reading we’re sharing all the tips and tricks to make this dish taste just like it came from Fazoli’s Pizza Baked Spaghetti.
What Does Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Taste Like?
Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti is the perfect blend of rich, tangy marinara sauce, tender pasta, and gooey, melted cheese. The spaghetti absorbs all the flavors of the savory Italian seasoning and garlic, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
If you include ground beef, it adds a hearty, meaty texture that complements the creamy layers of mozzarella and Parmesan. The top layer bakes to golden, bubbly perfection, giving each bite a slightly crispy, cheesy edge. It’s like a cross between classic spaghetti and lasagna-cheesy, saucy, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re craving a cozy homemade meal or a nostalgic taste of Fazoli’s, this baked spaghetti delivers pure comfort food bliss in every forkful!
Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Ingredients
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (optional, for a meaty version)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
✔️ Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
✔️ Colander (for draining pasta)
✔️ Skillet (if using ground beef)
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ 9×13-inch baking dish
✔️ Aluminum foil and Oven
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Baked Spaghetti Fazoli’s Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti at home
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti using a colander and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat
If you’re adding ground beef, cook 1 pound in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of marinara sauce, the cooked ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Prepare
Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture and toss until fully coated. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Cover
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Finish Baking and Serve
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the spaghetti sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti
1. Classic Garlic Bread
Honestly, is there anything better than warm, buttery garlic bread with baked spaghetti? We always toast up a few slices, slather them with garlic butter, and let them crisp up in the oven. The golden crunch + cheesy spaghetti? Unmatched.
2. Side Salad
A fresh Caesar salad or a simple garden salad with balsamic dressing cuts through all that cheesy richness. We love mixing in crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions-because, let’s be honest, a little green makes us feel better about going back for seconds.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Okay, hear us out-roasted zucchini or Fried Okra, bell peppers, or asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan make the perfect side. It adds just the right amount of smoky, caramelized flavor to balance out the pasta.
4. Meatballs
Sometimes, we go full Italian restaurant mode and serve this baked spaghetti with homemade Cava Lamb Meatballs. The extra juicy, saucy bite makes the whole dish feel even more indulgent.
5. A Hearty Bowl of Soup
Ever tried pairing tomato basil soup or a creamy roasted red pepper soup with baked spaghetti? We have, and wow-it’s like dipping your fork into a hug in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights!
6. Bruschetta
When we’re feeling a little extra, we make bruschetta-aka crispy baguette slices topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. It’s bright, tangy, and totally levels up the meal.
7. Sauteéd Spinach or Kale
On the nights when we realize, “Oh yeah, we should probably eat more greens,” we quickly sauté some spinach or kale with olive oil and garlic. It takes five minutes and adds a little earthy, savory flavor to balance all that cheese.
8. Baked Chicken Parmesan
If we’re feeling really fancy (or just extra hungry), we serve this spaghetti alongside crispy baked chicken Parmesan. The crunchy, cheesy crust on the chicken with the soft, melty pasta? A total flavor explosion.
9. Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, so this one is for when we’re fully embracing cheat day. A few crispy mozzarella sticks on the side make this meal feel like it came straight from a comfort food dream.
Some Tips on This Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Recipe
1. Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti
I always make sure to cook my pasta just until al dente (a little firm) because it keeps cooking in the oven. If it’s too soft at the start, it might turn mushy after baking!
2. Season the Pasta Water
Adding a good pinch of salt to the boiling water makes a huge difference! It gives the spaghetti a better taste from the inside out.
3. Drain the Pasta Well
Nobody likes watery spaghetti! After boiling, I always shake the colander a few times to get rid of extra water. Too much moisture can make the baked spaghetti soggy.
4. Brown the Beef Properly
If you’re using ground beef, cook it until no pink is left and drain the grease. Trust me, skipping this step can make your dish oily!
5. Pick a Good Marinara Sauce
A rich, flavorful marinara sauce makes all the difference. If I have time, I use a homemade one, but a good store-bought brand works great too!
6. Mix Everything Well
I always make sure to stir the spaghetti and sauce together really well before putting it in the baking dish. This way, every bite has a perfect mix of pasta, sauce, and seasoning.
7. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and taste so much creamier. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
8. Let It Rest Before Serving
I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting it sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set up and makes serving way easier. No more messy spaghetti spills!
9. Add Extra Cheese on Top
More cheese = more happiness! I like to sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top right before serving for that perfect cheesy finish.
10. Make It Ahead for Easy Dinners
This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights! I sometimes make it the day before, keep it in the fridge, and just bake when ready. It tastes even better the next day!
How to Store and Reheat Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Properly
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze in a tightly sealed dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef optional, for a meaty version
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti using a colander and set it aside.
- If you’re adding ground beef, cook 1 pound in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of marinara sauce, the cooked ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture and toss until fully coated. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the spaghetti sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze in a tightly sealed dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Common Queries on This Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti?
Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti is a cheesy, comforting pasta dish served at Fazoli’s, a popular Italian-American fast-casual restaurant. It’s made by tossing spaghetti in a flavorful marinara sauce, layering it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and then baking it until the top is golden and bubbly. It’s one of those meals that feels like homemade comfort food, but with a restaurant-style twist!
2. Is Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti healthy?
Well, let’s be honest-this is not exactly a low-calorie dish, but it’s definitely one worth indulging in. The cheese, pasta, and marinara sauce make it rich and satisfying. If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can swap in whole wheat pasta, use lean ground turkey instead of beef, or reduce the amount of cheese. But sometimes, you just need that cheesy, baked goodness!
3. Is baked spaghetti the same as lasagna?
Not quite, but they are similar! Lasagna is made with flat pasta sheets layered with sauce and cheese, while baked spaghetti uses long noodles tossed in sauce and cheese before baking. Think of it like lasagna’s less fussy, easier-to-make cousin-you get all the cheesy, saucy goodness without the layering hassle!
4. What is a Fazoli’s?
Fazoli’s is an Italian-American fast-casual restaurant chain known for its pasta, baked dishes, and unlimited breadsticks (yes, unlimited!). It’s like a mix between fast food and a sit-down Italian restaurant, making it a favorite for quick, delicious pasta dishes. Their Baked Spaghetti is one of the most popular menu items!
5. Can I make Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti without meat?
Absolutely! The ground beef is totally optional. If you prefer a meatless version, just skip the beef and go straight to mixing the marinara sauce with seasonings and spaghetti. You can even add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
6. How do I prevent my baked spaghetti from drying out?
The key to keeping it moist is not overcooking the pasta and making sure there’s enough sauce. Spaghetti should be al dente before baking, and it helps to cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. If it still looks dry after baking, a drizzle of extra marinara sauce before serving works wonders!
7. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, and that’s one of the best things about baked spaghetti! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold. Perfect for meal prepping!
8. What cheese works best for baked spaghetti?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices because they melt beautifully and add that signature cheesy pull. If you want to mix things up, try adding some provolone, ricotta, or cheddar for extra flavor. Whatever you do, don’t skip the cheese-it’s what makes baked spaghetti so delicious!
9. How long does baked spaghetti last in the fridge?
It’ll stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. When reheating, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes per serving or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Adding a little extra marinara before reheating helps bring it back to life!
10. Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Perfect for busy nights!
Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti is a simple, yet incredibly delicious comfort food that brings all the Italian-American flavors to your dinner table. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist (extra cheese, anyone?), this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and let the cheesy goodness speak for itself!
Enjoy & happy cooking!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!
Delicious
Thanks
Thanks for the exact recipe, came our perfect
Thanks for your feedback chris