Tucci Benucch's Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Indulge in nostalgia with our Baked Spaghetti Tucci Benucch recipe – a taste of classic Italian-American comfort right at home! #RecipeLove

Baked Spaghetti Tucci Benucch

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Italian
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 450 calories

Tucci Benucch was a popular Italian restaurant located in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Although the restaurant closed its doors in 2018, it was known for its classic Italian dishes, including their baked spaghetti.

The baked spaghetti dish at Tucci Benucch was a comforting and hearty Italian-American favorite. These dishes often include cooked spaghetti noodles, a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce (sometimes with ground meat like beef or sausage), plenty of melted cheese (typically mozzarella and Parmesan), and sometimes breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

The cooked spaghetti is typically mixed with the tomato sauce and meat, if included, to create a flavorful pasta mixture. Then, it's layered in a baking dish with generous amounts of cheese. Some versions might also have additional seasonings like garlic, oregano, and basil for extra flavor.

The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step allows the flavors to meld together, and the cheese creates a deliciously gooey topping.

Baked spaghetti is usually served hot, straight from the oven, in individual portions.

Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Pesto Baked Spaghetti! Dive into a world of cheesy, pesto-infused deliciousness. 🍝🧀 #PastaPerfection

Ingredients

12 ounces of spaghetti
1 cup of basil pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of pine nuts
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Method Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the creamy pesto sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Add the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and pine nuts evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

This creamy pesto baked spaghetti is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, combining the richness of cream with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto. Enjoy your unique and delicious meal!

Recipe Video

Baked Spaghetti Tucci Benucch

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Recipe Tags: Baked Spaghetti Tucci Benucch, Baked Spaghetti Tucci Benucch Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving the Creamy Pesto Baked Spaghetti recipe I provided earlier is simple and delightful. Here's how you can do it:

Portion it Out: Use a spatula or serving spoon to scoop out individual servings of the baked spaghetti from the baking dish.
Garnish: Just before serving, garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and a hint of extra basil flavor, enhancing the overall presentation.
Sides and Extras (Optional): While the baked spaghetti is a complete dish on its own, you can consider serving it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more substantial meal.
Plates and Utensils: Place each portion on a plate, and provide forks or spaghetti utensils for easy enjoyment.
Enjoy! Serve the creamy pesto baked spaghetti while it's still warm. The melted cheese and creamy pesto sauce will be at their best when enjoyed immediately.

Tips

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality pesto sauce, as it will be a prominent flavor in the dish. If you have the time, consider making homemade pesto for even fresher taste.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti to al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when bitten. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.
Balance the Creamy Sauce: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired level of creaminess. You can add a bit more or less to suit your taste.
Seasoning is Key: Taste the creamy pesto sauce before combining it with the pasta. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, Parmesan cheese is salty, so go easy on the salt if you're generous with the cheese.
Experiment with Additions: You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken for extra flavor and variety.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dish while it's in the oven to prevent excessive browning. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil and continue baking.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Matters: Consider serving the baked spaghetti in individual baking dishes for an elegant presentation, especially if you're entertaining guests.
Enjoy Creatively: This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with side dishes. A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or garlic bread makes excellent accompaniments.

Ingredient Substitutes

Pesto Sauce: If you don't have basil pesto, you can try using other pesto varieties such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce won't be as rich, but it will still be creamy.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices, but you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for unique flavors.
Spaghetti: While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine if you prefer.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren't available, you can use regular diced tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste and texture.
Pine Nuts: Pine nuts can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. You can substitute them with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a similar crunch.
Fresh Basil: If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil, but use it sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Alternatively, you can omit it if you don't have any on hand.
Meat (Optional): If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat. You can also substitute it with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or meatless ground "beef."
Gluten-Free Version: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti or other gluten-free pasta options. Ensure that other ingredients like pesto and sauces are also gluten-free.
Dietary Modifications: For dietary restrictions, you can use vegan cheese and plant-based cream alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.