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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can compare to the warm, cheesy embrace of pasta. Enter Mini Spaghetti & Cheese Noodle Nests, a playful yet sophisticated take on traditional spaghetti. This recipe not only brings the familiar flavors of your favorite pasta dish but also presents them in a charming and unique way that is sure to capture the attention of both kids and adults alike. The idea of crafting little nests from spaghetti is not just visually appealing but also adds a fun twist that can transform a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

Mini Spaghetti & Cheese Noodle Nests

Discover the fun and delicious world of Mini Spaghetti & Cheese Noodle Nests! This recipe takes classic comfort food and transforms it into charming, bite-sized creations that both kids and adults will adore. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a playful snack, these pasta nests are easy to prepare with spaghetti, a delightful blend of cheeses, and simple seasonings. Get ready to impress your guests with a visually stunning dish that’s as tasty as it is fun!

Ingredients
  

8 ounces spaghetti

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Fresh basil, for garnish

Olive oil, for greasing the muffin tin

Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

    Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

      Assemble the Nests: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with olive oil. Take small handfuls of the cooked spaghetti and twist them into nests, placing each nest into a muffin cup. Press gently down to form a little well in each nest.

        Fill the Nests: Spoon the cheese mixture into each spaghetti nest, filling them generously but being careful not to overflow. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the filling down.

          Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

            Cool and Garnish: Once baked, let the nests cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Remove them carefully using a small spatula. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

              Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 mini nests