Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce
by Tarla Dalal

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Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce is an all-time favourite pasta preparation that appeals to all with its simple yet tangy flavour. Here, the spaghetti is cooked in a flavourful tomato sauce, garnished with cheese, and baked till perfectly done.

When making tomato-based sauces for pastas, it is good to add a dash of cream as given in this recipe, because it improves the mouth-feel and also balances the flavour of the sauce so the tanginess does not get overwhelming. You will find the Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce quite convenient to prepare on any day, because it uses only everyday ingredients and it also quite easy to make.

Serve with plain Toasted Triangles or Garlicky Corn, Tomato and Cheese Toast or you can top it with some Cheesy Potato Balls or Broccoli and Potato Balls and enjoy it as a satiating one-dish meal.

Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce recipe - How to make Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce

2 cups cooked spaghetti
2 cups roughly chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped capsicum
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp chilli powder
4 tbsp tomato ketchup
salt to taste
2 tbsp fresh cream
1/4 cup grated processed cheese
2 tsp butter

Method

Combine the tomatoes and ½ cup of water in a deep non-stick pan, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Cool completely and blend in a mixer till smooth. Keep aside.
Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a broad non-stick pan, add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
Add the capsicum and sauté on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
Add the tomato mixture, sugar, chilli powder, tomato ketchup and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Add the spaghetti and cream, mix gently and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring occasionally.
Pour the spaghetti into a baking dish, sprinkle cheese evenly over it. Put dollops of butter evenly over it.
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200ºc (400ºf) for 20 minutes.
Serve hot.

Nutrient values per serving

Energy	284 cal
Protein	9.7 g
Carbohydrates	39.5 g
Fiber	2.3 g
Fat	10.4 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Vitamin A	723.6 mcg
Vitamin B1	0.6 mg
Vitamin B2	0.2 mg
Vitamin B3	2.9 mg
Vitamin C	58.4 mg
Folic Acid	38.4 mcg
Calcium	127.6 mg
Iron	2.3 mg
Magnesium	0 mg
Phosphorus	0 mg
Sodium	274.9 mg
Potassium	245.4 mg
Zinc	0.5 mg

Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce Video by Tarla Dalal

Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce recipe with step by step photos

Recipe Notes for Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce

For the tomato sauce use red and ripe tomatoes. Also, you can make use of canned tomatoes.
Cooked spaghetti should be 'al dente' or 'firm to the bite'. Check our recipe to cook pasta perfectly at home.
Besides cheese and dollops of butter, sprinkle some crushed cheeseling biscuits or breadcrumbs evenly over the spaghetti for a cheesy-crunchy mouth-feel.
You can have the Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce without baking, but with a melty layer of cheese on top it tastes awesome.

Cooking the tomatoes for the Tomato Sauce

For the tomato sauce, put the tomatoes in a deep non-stick pan.

Add ½ cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Once the tomatoes are soft and cooked, transfer them in a mixer jar.
Cool completely and blend them in a mixer till smooth. Keep aside.

For the Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce

Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a broad non-stick pan.
Add the onions.

Sauté the onions on a medium flame for 2 minutes. They should be soft and translucent.
Add the capsicum.
And sauté again on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
Add the cooked and blended tomato mixture.
Add sugar. This will remove the tanginess and lightly sweeten the tomato sauce.

Add the chilli powder. Instead of chilli powder you can use dry red chilli flakes.
Add tomato ketchup for enhancing the flavour and colour.
Add salt to taste and mix well. Cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked spaghetti.
Add the fresh cream. It provides a rich and lustrous texture to the pasta sauce.

Now mix gently and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring occasionally.

Making Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce

Pour the prepared spaghetti with tomato sauce into an ovenproof baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over spaghetti.
Dot it with dollops of butter.
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200ºC (400ºF) for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Looking for an appetizing side dish to pair your Baked Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce? Check out our Italian bread recipes and make fresh breads like focaccia, garlic bread, etc.

Maleka

on 24 Feb 19 01:38 PM

Can we make this sauce & keep & use it whenever needed If yes how many days can u keep the sauce

Siya

on 16 Jan 19 11:20 PM

Hi, can we make this recipe before-hand for a party and it will still be moist enough and taste good?

Tarla Dalal

18 Jan 19 09:57 AM

Hi Siya, You can keep the boiled spaghetti and sauce ready. Just before serving, quickly toss them and bake it. However, if you do not have that much time after the guest arrives, add some milk and bake it again for a while.

Archana

on 24 Jun 16 04:49 PM

A quick recipe.. spaghetti in tomato sauce.. saucy and tangy with a slight crunch of the capsicum.. and a cheesy texture on top.. This is loved by kids..

Eat to live

on 19 Dec 11 01:52 AM

Very yummy and simple recipe. you can use less cream and it still tastes good.