There’s something about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that immediately feels like a hug on a plate. This Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe hits all the right notes—rich, comforting, and utterly irresistible. It’s just the kind of meal that turns a regular night into a special occasion without any fuss.

A close-up of a white rectangular dish filled with baked spaghetti. The bottom layer shows golden-yellow spaghetti noodles, topped with a thick layer of red tomato sauce mixed with chunks of meat. The top layer is melted white cheese, bubbling slightly and stretched as a silver spoon lifts a portion. Small green herbs are sprinkled on the cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort dinners. It has that perfect balance of creamy sauce, hearty meat, and melty cheese that everyone in my family raves about. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together!

All-in-one bake: It combines spaghetti, Alfredo sauce, savory meat sauce, and cheese in one dish—minimal pots and pans!
Flavors that sing: The Cajun-spiced beef and creamy garlic Alfredo complement each other beautifully for a balanced, flavorful bite every time.
Family favorite: Everyone from kids to adults enjoys this dish, which makes dinnertime stress-free and fun.
Flexible and forgiving: You can tweak the spices or swap cheeses to suit your pantry or cravings without losing the magic.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and satisfyingly creamy texture. Here’s why each piece counts:

Flat lay of cooked al dente spaghetti noodles arranged in a neat bundle, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely diced white onion, another small white bowl holding diced green bell pepper, a small white bowl with a warm red marinara sauce, a half cup of unsalted butter in a white bowl slightly softened, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl with heavy cream, a small white bowl filled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small white bowl containing mixed dried Italian spices, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti noodles: Cooked al dente so they hold up well in the bake and don’t turn mushy.
Ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty flavor with a bit of fat to enrich the sauce.
Onion and green bell pepper: These soften in the beef mixture, lending sweetness and freshness.
Cajun seasoning: It builds warmth and a mild kick that makes the meat sauce uniquely delicious.
Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning: Classic seasonings to deepen the flavor profile.
Marinara sauce: Adds acidity and tomato richness to balance the creamy Alfredo.
Unsalted butter: The base to make the Alfredo sauce luxuriously smooth.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic in the sauce makes a world of difference for aroma and taste.
Heavy cream: The star that makes the Alfredo thick and velvety.
Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty goodness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts to a bubbly, gooey topping that’s pure comfort food bliss.
Dried parsley flakes (optional): A fresh color pop and subtle herb flavor for garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this creamy Alfredo spaghetti bake recipe is how adaptable it is. I love to customize it depending on what’s in the fridge or mood I’m in, and I encourage you to get creative too!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier punch—it’s a total crowd pleaser!
Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to keep it filling.
Dairy swap: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream if you want a lighter version, but the sauce will be thinner.
Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, onions, or even sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully for more color and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe

The image shows two plates of spaghetti with meat sauce and melted cheese on top, each with a mix of orange-yellow noodles and brown ground meat pieces, garnished with small green herbs. The melted cheese is white, soft, and draped in patches over the pasta and meat, with some pieces appearing stretchy and warm. To the left, there is a clear glass of iced tea with ice cubes and a lemon wedge on the rim. The setting has a white marbled surface with a blurred white cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pasta

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Meanwhile, cook a pound of spaghetti according to the package directions, aiming for al dente texture—that means firm to the bite, not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Flavorful Meat and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, toss in your ground beef along with finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks, stirring occasionally until the meat loses its pink color and the veggies soften—about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease carefully.

Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce

Pour in a jar of marinara sauce and reduce the heat to low. Let this cozy mix simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring from time to time to let those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

While the meat sauce is simmering, melt half a cup of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it’ll taste bitter. Slowly stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly into that dreamy creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Alfredo Sauce

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the Alfredo sauce until every strand is luxuriously coated. Then, pour this cheesy goodness into your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Layer the Meat Sauce and Cheese

Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the Alfredo-covered spaghetti. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan cheese across the surface. This layering builds that irresistible golden, bubbly crust we’re all craving.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish uncovered in your oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese has melted beautifully and starts to bubble. If you want a little extra browning, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two—but keep a close eye!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top for a pop of fresh color and a hint of herbaceous flavor, then scoop out generous portions and enjoy immediately. Trust me, everyone’s going to ask for seconds.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this creamy Alfredo spaghetti bake recipe from good to unforgettable. These little nuggets have saved me many times!

Don’t overcook pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente so it holds its texture after baking and doesn’t turn mushy.
Drain excess grease: Make sure to drain fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy final dish without losing flavor.
Simmer sauces low and slow: Let the meat sauce and Alfredo gently bubble to deepen flavors without scrambling the cream.
Layer cheeses well: Using both mozzarella and Parmesan gives you that perfect gooey melt and a sharp, nutty kick.

How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe

creamy alfredo spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes—just a simple touch that brightens the plate and adds color contrast. Sometimes I add freshly cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if we want a little heat to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness, I love serving this with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some sautéed garlic green beans. A slice of crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce is also a must-have in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this for a dinner party, I’ve served it straight from cute individual ramekins for a personal touch. It’s fun to garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan shavings. And setting it on a wooden board with some colorful sides makes it feel special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I find that gently reheating in the oven helps bring back that freshly baked texture more than the microwave, which can sometimes make it a bit dry.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this bake both before and after baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly.

Reheating

For leftovers, I usually reheat at 325°F covered with foil to retain moisture, baking for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil in the last few minutes crisps the cheese topping back up nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful to cook it according to package directions and keep an eye on texture since gluten-free pasta can soften faster during baking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a thinner sauce. To thicken, simmer gently a bit longer. For dairy-free, try coconut cream with a mild flavor, though it will slightly change the final taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Then simply pop it in the oven when ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since the dish will be cold.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheating in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F) covered with foil works best to keep the dish moist. Removing the foil near the end crisps the cheese topping again. Avoid the microwave for large portions as it can dry out the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it just feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or having friends over, it always delivers that perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Give it a try—you'll be amazed at how simple ingredients turn into an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal.