Baked Spaghetti with the Perfect Pasta Sauce

Easy baked pasta with the perfect tomato sauce to which a ricotta cheese mixture has been added, baked in the oven till golden brown and bubbling.

📝 Ingredients

• 1/4 cup good quality olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely shredded
• 2 cans crushed tomatoes (400 g each)
• 1 can tomato sauce (400 g)
• 1/2 carton tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
• 200 g fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella for topping ((440 lb))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 190 C (375 F)
2. 2--- For the tomato sauce: ---
3. 3Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan until hot, then add the diced onion and carrot, sauteing over medium heat for around 5 minutes until softened.
4. 4Add garlic and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
5. 5Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, dried and fresh herbs, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6Bring to a boil, then cover and lower heat to a simmer. Simmer for around 30 min or longer if you have it!
7. 7--- For the pasta noodles: ---
8. 8Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente . Drain and set aside.
9. 9--- For the ricotta cheese sauce: ---
10. 10Whisk together the Parmesan cheese, ricotta, and the eggs until combined.
11. 11--- To put it together: ---
12. 12When the tomato sauce is done, add the cooked noodles in and stir until combined. Add the cheese mix and stir.
13. 13Place mixture into a baking dish or skillet, top with fresh sliced mozzarella or shredded mozzarella and bake for around 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbling or golden. You might want to broil for the last 2 minutes.
14. 14Garnish with extra fresh basil and parsley and enjoy!