Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, approximately two minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated.
Using a spoon and a fork, twirl portions of the pasta mixture into nests and place them into a greased muffin tin. Make sure to create a hollow center in each nest to hold the cheese and any additional fillings.
Place a mini mozzarella ball in the center of each nest, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. If desired, add cooked Italian sausage, green olives, or Italian bread crumbs for extra flavor and texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges of the nests are crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use a variety of pasta sauces and toppings to customize your nests according to your preferences. If you have leftover pasta, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up.
Additionally, you can make the nests ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Enjoy serving warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat!