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Today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart (and stomach!). It’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Baked Alfredo Spaghetti that always gets rave reviews, whether I’m serving it to my family or taking it to a potluck.
This recipe is inspired by a dish I once had at a restaurant, but over time, I’ve tweaked and perfected it into my own signature version. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a generous layer of melted cheese – need I say more?
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with people of all ages. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in.
- Easy to Customize: While I love the classic combination of flavors, feel free to add your own personal touch! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even cooked chicken or shrimp would be delicious additions.
Let’s Gather Our Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Baked Spaghetti:
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese blend
- 2 (16 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce (I love using Rao’s Homemade Alfredo Sauce for an extra touch of flavor!)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
Optional Toppings:
- 1 (16 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen cooked meatballs
Expert Tip: For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated kind.
Now, Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water – this enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, but for about 2 minutes less than the recommended time. We want the spaghetti to be al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it bakes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Cheesy Alfredo Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese blend, 1 ½ jars of Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
- Gently stir everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated in the cheesy goodness.
Expert Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the cheese mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to trap the heat and ensure that the spaghetti cooks evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the center is heated through.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil.
- Drizzle the remaining ½ jar of Alfredo sauce over the top of the baked spaghetti.
- If you’re using the optional toppings, heat the marinara sauce and meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat. Once heated through, spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce over the baked spaghetti.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the baked spaghetti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and make it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
This baked Alfredo spaghetti is absolutely divine on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
FAQs About Baked Alfredo Spaghetti:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I freeze baked Alfredo spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
What are some other toppings I can add?
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and add your favorite veggies, proteins, or cheeses. Some delicious options include:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Cooked chicken or shrimp
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted red peppers
- Crumbled bacon
- Different types of cheese, like Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is the classic choice for this dish, you can definitely experiment with other pasta shapes. Fettuccine, penne, or even rotini would work well. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
Nutritional Information:
This baked Alfredo spaghetti is undeniably delicious, but it’s also quite rich and calorie-dense. Here’s the nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 628
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 27g
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can lighten up this dish by using low-fat Alfredo sauce, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat pasta. You can also bulk up the recipe with additional vegetables.
Enjoy!
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as my family does. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and completely satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media!
Happy cooking!
External Links:
- Rao’s Homemade Alfredo Sauce: https://www.raos.com/product/sensitive-recipe-alfredo-sauce/
- Tips for Cooking Perfect Pasta: https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-boil-pasta
- Delicious Garlic Bread Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/garlic-bread
