Spaghetti Nests

A recipe for Spaghetti Nests! Strands of thin spaghetti are arranged into nests, baked until set, then topped with tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.

These Spaghetti Nests are such a fun way to serve pasta! Spaghetti noodles are boiled until just tender before tossing in a parmesan egg coating. The pasta is then twirled and arranged in ramekins or mini springform pans to form the nest-like shape.

Bake the ramekins in a 350˚F (180˚C) oven until the pasta is set and starting to turn golden. This not only helps hold the twirls in place, but also creates a light, crispy texture around the edges.

To serve, add some warm tomato sauce to the center of each Spaghetti Nest and top with three fresh mozzarella balls to mimic the eggs.

A Few Spaghetti Nest Tips

I made the pasta nests with thin spaghetti, but you can also swap for angel hair. The cooking time may vary.

If using springform pans, allow the pasta to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan. The nests may fall apart if not set and slightly cooled.

I added about 1/4 cup fresh, finely chopped parsley to the egg mixture. If desired, you can use basil, chives, or a mixture. It is a great way to use up leftover fresh herbs.

Adjust the amount of salt as needed based on the sodium level of your tomato sauce.

I warmed the tomato sauce before adding to the pasta nests, but didn’t allow it to get too hot. Otherwise, the heat may melt the mozzarella balls.

I topped the Spaghetti Nests with small fresh mozzarella balls to resemble eggs, but you can also serve them with smaller meatballs.

Want a bit of heat? Mix about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes into the egg mixture before tossing with the spaghetti.

This recipe can easily be doubled to create 8 spaghetti-filled ramekins.

Notable Ingredients

Ciliegine are small fresh mozzarella balls about the size of a cherry. You can also use Bocconcini, which are slightly larger.

These can be found in the refrigerated specialty cheese section of many large American supermarkets.

Looking for more recipes with spaghetti?

Try my:

• Spaghetti Grilled Cheese
• Filipino Spaghetti
• Spaghetti Pie

This recipe was originally published in November 2014 and updated March 2022.

Spaghetti Nests Recipe

Adapted from Food Network

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Spaghetti Nests

A recipe for Spaghetti Nests! Strands of thin spaghetti are arranged into nests, baked until set, then topped with tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.

Course Main

Cuisine N/A

Keyword cheese, mozzarella, nest, noodle, parmesan, pasta, spaghetti

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (227 grams) dried thin spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (40 grams) freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup (9 grams) fresh parsley finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil for drizzling and greasing the ramekins
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 12 small fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Grease 4 (4 inch, 10 centimeter) shallow ramekins or mini springform pans with olive oil.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until barely al dente, just tender.
• Drain thoroughly and toss lightly in olive oil. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Toss the mixture quickly with the slightly cooled pasta until thoroughly coated.
• Use tongs or a large fork to twirl 1/4 of the pasta and transfer to the prepared ramekin.
• Repeat with remaining pasta. Make a large indentation in the center of each pasta twirl and drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil.
• Place the ramekins or springform pans on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake in preheated oven until set and beginning to turn golden on edges, about 15 minutes.
• Allow to cool for 10 minutes. If using springform pans, allow to cool for 15-20 minutes, then gently remove from the pans using a thin spatula.
• While the pasta nests are baking, warm the tomato sauce in a small saucepan.
• Transfer the warmed tomato sauce to the center of each pasta nest.
• Place three mozzarella balls in the center of each nest over the tomato sauce and serve immediately.