Baked Long Fusilli Casserole (Baked Spaghetti)

Do you love baked spaghetti? Then you have to try our Baked Long Fusilli Casserole -it is our beloved “baked spaghetti” casserole, only it is easier! This one is made with Italian tomato sauce, long curly strands of fusilli pasta, and melted-gooey cheeses. So yummy, it makes a cozy and satisfying meal on those busy weeknights when you need one!

Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole…

Baked long fusilli casserole is comfort food at its best, just like a lasagna, only it’s easier! The noodles are layered with our mom’s marinara sauce, and topped with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Then it’s baked until the cheeses are melted, and it is heated thoroughly.

Best of all? It is deliciously creamy inside and has a fun curly noodle texture that surprises everyone after their first bite!

What is fusilli pasta?

Fusilli pasta is a long, curly strand of pasta, and it is usually sold in imported Italian gourmet stores. Fusilli pasta is not a pasta commonly found in every supermarket, but you can sometimes find it in the Home Goods gourmet section, Whole Foods, Italian shops, and Amazon.

How To Make Baked Long Fusilli Casserole?

If you LOVE baked spaghetti? Then you’ll fall in love with this recipe! With a few easy steps and a handful of ingredients, we’ll show you how to make this easy-baked long fusilli casserole right in your kitchen!

So let’s get started!

Overview: Ingredients You Will Need:

For this recipe, you will need 5 main ingredients, plus a large casserole dish to put it all together.

• Tomato Sauce – about 2 to 4 cups of already prepared tomato sauce is needed.
• Pasta – you will only need one package (16 ounces) of long fusilli pasta.
• Ricotta – you will need only 1 large container of part-skim (or whole-milk) ricotta cheese.
• Grated Cheese – choose grated parmesan cheese, and you will need about 1/2 cup.
• Mozzarella – one package of shredded mozzarella will suffice.
• Baking Dish – a 9 x 13 baking dish is good for this recipe.

Recipe Tips

• The Ricotta: We prefer to use whole milk ricotta with this recipe, simply because it tastes better and it will “melt” more smoothly.  But part-skim ricotta will work just fine (which is what I had on hand).
• The Tomato Sauce: Plus, fresh-tasting tomato sauce is the key to making this pasta dish taste even more delicious! And, we prefer to use our Mom’s Quick Marinara Sauce for this easy recipe! So make a big batch!
• Use Hearty Tomato Sauce: With this recipe, you can also make it with a hearty sauce, like a classic bolognese or our authentic Italian tomato sauce (family recipe) and pork ragu.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is made with only 5 ingredients, and baked in less than 30 minutes, helps me put dinner on the table in a snap! 

Directions to Make this Easy Baked Pasta Casserole:

If this is your first time making this casserole, no worries, it is relatively easy. Plus, our full recipe card is located at the bottom. But first, let’s go run through the steps so you can understand what’s involved before you begin:

1. First, bring a pot of water to a full boil.  Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water. When water comes to a full boil, toss in the fusilli pasta and gently stir it

   Meanwhile, heat some marinara sauce (about 4 cups) on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s very hot.

2. Next, using a large ladle, spread on the bottom of the casserole dish a layer of tomato sauce, about 1 + 1/2 cups.

3. Place the rest of the ingredients nearby, and next to your 9 x 13 pyrex baking dish.

4. When fusilli pasta is al-dente (tender to the bite), drain in a colander, and immediately transfer into the casserole dish, over the layer of tomato sauce.  Use a fork to help spread the fusilli pasta evenly.  QUICK NOTE: The curly pasta will start to absorb the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

5. Next, top the steaming pasta with a few spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, and spread it (the best you can) with the back of the spoon.  Don’t worry if it’s not spread evenly – it will melt while baking.

   6. Next, spoon the remaining marinara sauce on top and spread it evenly using the back of the spoon.  Make sure the layer of tomato sauce covers the curly pasta entirely.  Then sprinkle with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

6. 
7.  Finally, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella on top.  Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil and BAKE in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 20 to 25 minutes, then remove the aluminum and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese on top is completely melted

8. 

8. Set it aside for a few minutes before cutting.  Cut into squares and serve it like a lasagna.

QUICK NOTE: *Keep in mind that baking times will vary depending on the brand and the age of the oven you use.

FAQ’s

1. Can we make this recipe with a different tomato sauce? Yes, you can use your favorite tomato sauce! Try this recipe with a hearty bolognese sauce, or any leftover or our 8 recipes for Sunday sauces you prefer.
2. Can we use jarred tomato sauce? Yes, you can, and you can use Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, it is the one of the best-tasting sauce for a jarred brand.
3. How to store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. What if we cannot find fusilli pasta? Can we use a different pasta? Yes, you can use spaghetti noodles, imported linguine, and fettucine noodles with this recipe. The “pasta-bilities” are endless!
5. Can we make it ahead? Yes, you can prepare this casserole, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it into your fridge, and you can make it one day before.
6. Can we freeze this casserole? Yes, like most casseroles, you can freeze before baking, or after it’s baked. Just be sure the casserole is completely cooled before covering it with a sheet of aluminum foil and freezing.
7. How long can we freeze this casserole? This baked spaghetti can be kept frozen for up to 1 month.
8. If frozen, how to thaw? Very easy to thaw. Just leave it overnight in the fridge, then take it out in the morning to fully thaw in time for dinner.

Bake and Serve!

Easy Baked Long Fusilli Casserole makes the perfect meal and one the whole family will enjoy! This is an easy and delicious casserole to serve your family and friends. The kids will love the curly pasta texture along with the creaminess from the melted ricotta and melted cheese on top. So yummy! 

Try this recipe!

ENJOY!!

 

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Hello Friends!  Are you cooking and baking with us?  If you try our baked long fusilli casserole recipe, let us know and leave a comment below!  We’d love to hear from you! 🙂

Happy Baking!