Oven-Baked Spaghetti
on Jun 12, 2024, Updated May 21, 2025
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Finding toddler meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare can be a challenge for busy moms. That’s why I’m excited to share this one-pan Oven-Baked Spaghetti recipe! It’s a delightful dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to make. This recipe requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Why this Easy Oven-Baked Spaghetti is Great for Toddlers and Families
- Nutritious: This recipe combines protein from the chicken broth and cheese with the carbohydrates from the spaghetti, creating a balanced meal. You can easily add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to boost the nutritional value even further.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The classic combination of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese is a hit with most toddlers. The mild flavors are perfect for young palates, while the garlic and oregano add a touch of extra flavor.
- Convenient: This one-pan dish minimizes cleanup, saving you time and effort. Plus, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making it an easy go-to recipe for busy nights.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo or a meat sauce, or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 16 oz marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 tsp minced garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Baked Spaghetti for Kids
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a 9×13 oven-safe baking dish, combine the spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, chicken broth or water, oregano, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Make sure the spaghetti is uncooked and fully submerged in the liquid.
- Mix Everything Together: Stir the ingredients together, ensuring that the noodles are evenly distributed and coated with the sauce and broth.
- Bake: Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Spaghetti: Any pasta works! Try penne, rotini, or whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. Gluten-free pasta can also be used if needed.
Marinara Sauce: Swap with any pasta sauce your family enjoys, like tomato basil, veggie-packed sauces, or even a creamy tomato blend.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free cheese if needed.
Add-ins: Mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, lentils, or finely chopped vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) to boost nutrition and flavor.
Storing Oven-Baked Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven until heated through.
- Freezer: If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze the cooked spaghetti in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Questions
Can I use another pasta, or gluten-free pasta?
- Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap it for any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or even use short shapes like penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Swap in any gluten-free pasta for gluten allergies.
Can I add veggies or protein?
- Yes—this recipe is very flexible! Try mixing in cooked ground beef, turkey, or lentils, or stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Is this healthy baked spaghetti toddler-friendly?
- Absolutely. The soft noodles and cheesy marinara make it easy to chew and mild in flavor, which toddlers usually enjoy. You can even chop it up a bit for younger eaters.
More Easy Toddler-Approved Dinner Recipes
Veggie Orzo – This toddler-friendly Veggie Orzo is a colorful, easy-to-eat pasta packed with soft veggies and gentle flavors. Perfect as a quick lunch or simple side dish.
Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels are a fun, flaky snack made with pastry, melty cheese, and finely chopped broccoli—ideal for little hands and lunchboxes.
3 Ingredient Chicken Nuggets – These 3 Ingredient Chicken Nuggets are a quick, wholesome alternative to store-bought—made with just chicken, egg, and cheese. Baked, not fried!
Feta Orzo Bake – Feta Orzo Bake is a cozy, one-dish meal filled with orzo, soft tomato, and creamy crumbled feta. It’s a simple and satisfying option for toddlers and families.
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo – Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a rich, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta—all prepped in the crockpot for minimal effort.
I hope you love this easy oven-baked spaghetti recipe as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!
Oven-Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 16 oz marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth, or water
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 tsp minced garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 oven-safe baking dish, combine the spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, chicken broth or water, oregano, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Make sure the spaghetti is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Stir the ingredients together, ensuring that the noodles are evenly distributed and coated with the sauce and broth.
- Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a sprinkle of parmesan!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am an 81 year old Great Grandmother. These recipes are special.
This is a wonderful help for busy new Mothers. Thank you for sharing.
Added fried ground beef with onion, garlic and fresh basil. Used gluten free pasta. This was a great basic recipe!!
Looks really good would like to try it