The Creamiest Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Creamy, indulgent spaghetti alfredo sends taste buds on a delightful Italian culinary journey that promises pure comfort.

Cheese and pasta blend into a rich, silky masterpiece waiting to be savored.

Each twirl of tender noodles coated in velvety sauce tells a story of simple yet luxurious ingredients.

Home cooks can effortlessly recreate this classic dish with just a handful of pantry staples.

Butter, parmesan, and cream dance together to create a sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.

The magic happens when simple components transform into something extraordinary.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance straight to your dinner table, ready to impress and satisfy.

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 restaurant-quality 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

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking magic to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Drop spaghetti into a pot of rolling boiling water.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, snag a quarter cup of pasta water on the side – this liquid gold will come in handy later.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Alfredo

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for about 30 seconds.

Pour in heavy cream and watch it transform into a luxurious sauce.

Take the skillet off the heat and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into silky smoothness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the dreamy alfredo sauce.

Spread this creamy mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Brown the Meat

In the same skillet, brown Italian sausage until it’s perfectly cooked.

Drain away any excess fat.

Stir in spaghetti sauce to create a rich, meaty layer.

Step 6: Create Delicious Layers

Spread the hearty meat sauce over the creamy pasta base.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and the cheese melts into golden deliciousness.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped basil or parsley on top before serving.

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 Magic: 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

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage, mushrooms, or skip the meat layer entirely. The creamy alfredo sauce will still provide great flavor.

• What kind of cream works best for the alfredo sauce?

Heavy cream or whipping cream are ideal. They create a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Avoid using half-and-half or milk, as they won’t thicken as well.

Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 35 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

Scale 1x2x3x

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, Lunch
• 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