The Creamiest Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Spaghetti Alfredo is a creamy Italian classic that delivers comfort with every forkful.

Pasta and cheese come together in a silky sauce that feels rich and satisfying.

Each twirl of noodles coated in velvety cream showcases the beauty of simple ingredients.

With just a few pantry staples, home cooks can easily prepare this dish at home.

Butter, parmesan, and cream blend smoothly to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

The result is a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in little time.

Spaghetti Alfredo offers an easy way to enjoy a timeless favorite that always pleases at the dinner table.

Creamy Baked Pasta Classic Satisfies

• Craft Comfort Food: Indulge in a hearty pasta dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep cravings with its rich, creamy layers.
• Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Combines classic Italian flavors with cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable recipe that works as a main course, can be prepped ahead, and delivers taste right from your own kitchen.

Baked Pasta Classic Ingredient Lineup

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base for this creamy baked dish.
• Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein to the recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture and golden brown topping.

• Butter, Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a smooth and luxurious alfredo sauce that coats the pasta.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Adds depth and traditional tomato flavor to the meat layer.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic and intense flavor to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, herbal note.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the pasta doesn’t stick to the baking dish.

How to Make Creamy Baked Pasta

Tips for Perfect Baked Pasta

• Keep the reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, ensuring a perfectly creamy texture.
• Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce excess grease and maintain a lighter dish.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become more cohesive.
• Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to maximize flavor and add a vibrant touch.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Fun Variations for Creamy Baked Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to meat sauce and mix in diced jalapeños for those who love extra heat.
• Light Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and create a tangier sauce.

Ways to Serve Creamy Baked Pasta

• Casual Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty pasta dish delivers comfort and deliciousness.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare extra portions and store in refrigerator for quick reheating during busy weekdays, ensuring delightful meals are always ready.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Serve alongside crisp green salad and garlic bread to create a complete meal that will impress guests with minimal effort.
• Movie Night: Pair with chilled red wine or cold beer for adults, and sparkling juice for kids, transforming dinner into a memorable experience.

Storing Baked Pasta the Right Way

• Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to preserve moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Keep frozen for maximum 2 months. Ensure you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in microwave with a splash of extra pasta water or cream to restore moisture. Use medium power and stir occasionally to prevent drying out.
• Reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Repeated warming can degrade texture and quality of the pasta and sauce.

FAQs

Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy parmesan-loaded spaghetti alfredo delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with luxurious simplicity. Rich pasta swirls promise pure indulgence you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound Italian sausage

Pasta and Cheese:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook spaghetti in rapidly boiling water until it reaches al dente texture. Extract and set aside 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining completely.
3. Create the alfredo sauce by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then introduce cream and simmer until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and incorporate parmesan cheese until smoothly melted.
4. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the prepared alfredo sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Transfer and evenly distribute the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish.
5. In the same skillet, brown the Italian sausage and drain excess fat. Incorporate spaghetti sauce into the meat, creating a robust meat sauce.
6. Distribute the meat sauce uniformly over the pasta layer. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top for a rich, melty finish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and the cheese melts completely. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose thicker pasta like rigatoni or ziti for a heartier texture that holds sauce better than spaghetti.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to create a lighter version without compromising creamy consistency.
• Prepare entire dish up to baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a meat-free alternative that maintains rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 724
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1022 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg