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My kitchen has been filled with the most incredible aromas lately thanks to this twist on classic spaghetti. I've been perfecting this creamy Spaghetti Alfredo casserole and my family can't get enough of it. The combination of rich alfredo sauce melted cheese and hearty meat sauce creates pure magic in every bite. Trust me this will become your new go to pasta dish.
What Makes This Recipe Special
After years of making regular baked spaghetti I started experimenting with adding alfredo sauce and it was a total game changer. The way the creamy sauce wraps around each strand of pasta while the meat sauce adds that perfect savory kick just works. My neighbor even asked for the recipe after her kids raved about it at our last block party.
Grab These Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 lb, cooked al dente for the perfect pasta texture.
- Italian Sausage or Ground Beef: 1 lb, cooked and crumbled for a flavorful meat sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: 1 jar (24 oz), your favorite brand for a rich tomato base.
- Butter: ½ cup, unsalted, for a creamy alfredo sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups, to create a luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, for a nutty, cheesy flavor in the alfredo sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded, for a gooey, bubbly topping.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
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Let's Get Cooking
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and mix in parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed.
- Make the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, brown Italian sausage or ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Toss cooked spaghetti with alfredo sauce and spread into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
My Secret Tips
I've learned a few tricks making this casserole over the years. Spring for the good parmesan it makes such a difference in the sauce. When I'm feeling spicy I use hot Italian sausage and my husband loves it. That pasta water trick is gold for getting the perfect sauce consistency don't skip it.
Prepping Ahead
This casserole is my secret weapon for busy weeks. I often put it together the night before and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to add some extra baking time if it's coming straight from the cold. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months just thaw it overnight when you're ready to use it.
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Feed a Crowd
When my sisters come over with their families this is my go to dish. It easily serves 8 to 10 people and everyone always goes back for seconds. I usually whip up a quick salad and some garlic bread on the side and dinner is done.
Mix It Up
Some nights I toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach just to change things up. My daughter prefers it with turkey sausage and my son likes extra red pepper flakes in his portion. That's what I love about this recipe you can really make it your own.
Saving Leftovers
This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 4 days. Just cover it well when reheating to keep all that creamy goodness from drying out. The microwave works fine for quick lunches but if I'm warming up the whole dish I pop it in the oven covered with foil.
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Perfect Pairings
We love serving this with a big crisp Caesar salad and warm crusty garlic bread. On special nights I'll open a bottle of red wine for the grown ups. Even my pickiest eaters clean their plates when this is on the menu.
Meal Prep Magic
Sunday meal prep is so much easier with this recipe. I portion it out into containers for quick lunches during the week. My husband says his coworkers always peek over at his lunch with envy when he brings this in.
Budget Friendly Comfort
Don't let the fancy name fool you this recipe is actually super budget friendly. I stock up on pasta when it's on sale and often use store brand cheese. It tastes just as amazing and keeps our grocery budget happy.
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Company Worthy
Every time I serve this at a dinner party guests ask for the recipe. There's something about those creamy layers and golden cheese top that just looks impressive. Plus I can prep it ahead which means more time with my guests.
Family Favorite
My kids do a happy dance when they smell this cooking. It's become our Friday night tradition and even my little ones who usually avoid new foods love this casserole. The cheese pull when you serve it gets them every time.
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Potluck Star
This casserole has earned me quite a reputation at neighborhood potlucks. The dish always comes home empty and I've learned to keep copies of the recipe handy. Something about combining two favorite pasta dishes just makes everyone happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this spaghetti alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge. When baking from cold, add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What's the best spaghetti sauce to use?
Recommended store-bought options include Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic Marinara, Carbone, Rao's, and La Famiglia DelGrosso. Any quality marinara sauce will work well.
- → Can I freeze this pasta casserole?
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze. Thaw completely before baking as directed.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
While the recipe calls for spaghetti, you can substitute with linguine or fettuccine for similar results. The key is cooking the pasta al dente.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.