There’s something magical about baked spaghetti that hits differently than regular stovetop pasta. Maybe it’s the way the flavors meld together in the oven, or how the cheese gets all golden and bubbly on top – but this baked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and cheese has become my absolute go-to comfort food recipe! 😋
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Let me tell you why this baked spaghetti is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. First off, it’s ridiculously easy – we’re talking about throwing everything into one dish and letting the oven do all the work. No boiling pasta separately, no multiple pots to wash. Just pure, delicious simplicity!
The cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness as they bake, creating this incredible sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. And that cheese on top? Chef’s kiss 👌 It gets perfectly golden and creates the most satisfying contrast with the tender pasta underneath.
Ingredients for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing baked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes:
- 250g spaghetti (yes, we’re using it raw – trust the process!)
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved (these little gems are the star of the show)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Provençal herbs to taste
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (or 100ml tomato sauce)
- 200ml water
- 100g cheese (mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese)
How to Make the Best Baked Spaghetti Ever
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This baked spaghetti needs that perfect temperature to cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden top!
Step 2: Layer Your Raw Spaghetti
Here’s where the magic happens – place your raw spaghetti directly into your baking dish. I know it seems weird, but this is what makes this baked spaghetti recipe so special. The pasta cooks perfectly in the oven, absorbing all those incredible flavors.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Drizzle that olive oil over your spaghetti, then add your halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Season generously with salt, pepper, and those lovely Provençal herbs. Give everything a gentle toss – you want every piece of baked spaghetti coated with those aromatics.
Step 4: Create Your Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your tomato paste and water until smooth. This creates the perfect sauce base for your baked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes. Pour this mixture evenly over your pasta – it might look like a lot of liquid, but trust me, the pasta will absorb it all!
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle that gorgeous cheese all over the top. This is what’s going to give your baked spaghetti that irresistible golden crust we’re all craving! 🧀
Step 6: The Baking Magic
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Then – and this is crucial – remove that foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. You’ll know your baked spaghetti is ready when you can smell that incredible aroma filling your kitchen!
Pro Tips for Baked Spaghetti Success
- Don’t skip the foil step – it helps the pasta cook evenly without drying out
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps everything set up perfectly
- Customize your cheese – while mozzarella is classic, try mixing in some parmesan for extra flavor
- Cherry tomatoes are key – they have the perfect sweetness and won’t make your baked spaghetti watery
Why This Baked Spaghetti Recipe Works Every Time
This baked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and cheese is foolproof because we’re cooking everything together. The pasta releases its starch, the tomatoes break down into a natural sauce, and everything melds into pasta perfection. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – just one dish!
The beauty of this baked spaghetti is that it’s completely customizable. Feeling fancy? Add some fresh basil. Want more protein? Throw in some cooked chicken or Italian sausage. Missing vegetables? Toss in some zucchini or bell peppers with those cherry tomatoes.
Serving Your Perfect Baked Spaghetti
Serve this baked spaghetti hot, straight from the oven when that cheese is still bubbling! It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. And honestly? The leftovers are even better the next day – the flavors just keep getting more amazing.
This baked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and cheese has become such a hit in my house that I make it at least twice a month. It’s comfort food at its finest – warm, satisfying, and made with love. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation too! 🍅✨
Buon appetito! 😊
Print
The Ultimate Baked Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese 🍝
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting one-pan baked spaghetti dish with burst cherry tomatoes, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs. Raw pasta cooks perfectly in the oven while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 250g spaghetti
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Provençal herbs to taste
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (or 100ml tomato sauce)
- 200ml water
- 100g cheese (mozzarella or favorite melting cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Place raw spaghetti directly into baking dish
- Drizzle olive oil over spaghetti and add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic
- Season with salt, pepper, and Provençal herbs, then gently toss to coat
- Whisk tomato paste and water until smooth, then pour evenly over pasta
- Sprinkle cheese over the top
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
- Don’t skip the foil step – it helps pasta cook evenly without drying out
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for best results
- Cherry tomatoes are key for perfect sweetness without making dish watery
- Customize with different cheeses like parmesan for extra flavor
- Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or vegetables for variations
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, one pan pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, oven baked pasta, Italian recipe