If you’re craving that cozy, comforting pasta dinner that feels like a big warm hug, you’re going to love this Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe. It’s loaded with cheesy goodness, rich creamy sauce, and a hearty meat layer that just brings everything together. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese gives this bake a silky, luscious texture you just can’t resist.
- Hearty & Flavorful: A seasoned beef and veggie sauce layered right on top adds depth and a little kick that balances the creamy noodles perfectly.
- Ever-So-Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a great recipe for any level of home cook.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish always impresses and satisfies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together so beautifully: the creamy Alfredo sauce clings to each strand of spaghetti while the savory beef and marinara topping adds a delicious contrast. Remember to grab good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor punch.
- Spaghetti noodles: Cook them al dente so they hold up well in the bake without getting mushy.
- Ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef and peppers.
- Green bell pepper: Gives a subtle freshness that lightens up the richness.
- Cajun seasoning: A little spice goes a long way to elevate the meat sauce flavor.
- Garlic powder & garlic cloves: Double garlic for that irresistible aroma and taste.
- Onion powder: Helps boost savory undertones in the meat sauce.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Classic herb mix that makes the sauce sing.
- Marinara sauce: Opt for a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade if you prefer fresher flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the silky base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is the heart of your creamy sauce—don’t skimp!
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is ideal for melting smoothly and adding that nutty, cheesy essence.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: For seasoning to taste and balancing all the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, bubbly baked cheese topping.
- Dried parsley flakes (optional): Adds a touch of color and mild herb flavor as a garnish.
Variations
I love how versatile this Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe is — feel free to make it your own! Adding or swapping ingredients keeps it fresh and fun every time I make it.
- Vegetarian Version: I once replaced the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and cooked lentils—it was a huge hit and just as hearty.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or swap cajun seasoning for chipotle powder to amp up the heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Add some shredded gouda or fontina in the cheese mix for extra creaminess and flavor nuances.
- Seasonal Veggies: Toss in roasted zucchini or spinach for a veggie boost that works beautifully with the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep your noodles and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente — this step is key because you don’t want mushy spaghetti once it bakes!
Step 2: Cook the savory beef and veggie sauce
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Add your Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Breaking up the beef into little crumbles helps it cook evenly and soak up all those spices. Cook about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the veggies are tender. Drain the excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Make the creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce
While your meat sauce simmers, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating that gloriously creamy texture.
Step 4: Combine spaghetti with creamy sauce and layer your bake
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into your Alfredo sauce and stir until every strand is beautifully coated. Pour this comforting mixture into your prepared baking dish, then spoon the savory meat sauce evenly on top.
Step 5: Add cheese topping and bake to bubbly perfection
Top your bake with the shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns bubbly and golden. Feel free to broil for a minute or two at the end if you want that extra melted cheese crust—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top for a fresh pop of color, and get ready to serve a dinner that brings all the cozy comfort you crave.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: I learned this the hard way! Cooking the spaghetti al dente ensures that it won’t get soggy after baking.
- Simmer the Meat Sauce: Letting the meat sauce simmer for 15 minutes really deepens the flavor and softens the veggies.
- Freshly Shred Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that may affect how it melts, so shredding your own makes a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye during the bake—15 minutes is enough to melt the cheese and heat through without drying out the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve this bake, I usually add a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes for a little green pop and mild herb flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving also elevates the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this creamy parmesan spaghetti bake are a bright, crisp Caesar salad and some garlic bread. The fresh greens and crunchy bread balance the rich pasta wonderfully and make it feel like a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving individual portions in small ramekins and topping them with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil. It makes the presentation feel extra special but stays easy and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover spaghetti bake in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 3 days. It’s still delicious the next day, just make sure to reheat it properly to keep that creamy texture intact.
Freezing
If I want to save time in the future, I freeze this bake before adding the mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake till bubbly—just like fresh!
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This keeps the sauce creamy and cheese melty without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bake up to the point of adding the mozzarella and extra Parmesan topping, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This makes dinner prep super easy on busy evenings.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it al dente and check the marinara sauce ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this pasta bake?
Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternatives, and follow the recipe as usual. It’s just as tasty and comforting.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe turns out every single time — it’s straightforward, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing. When I first made it, my family went crazy for the rich sauce and cheesy topping. It’s become my go-to when I want to serve a homecooked meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent baked pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, layered with a flavorful Cajun-spiced ground beef and vegetable marinara, and topped with a generous blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole delivers comfort and luxury in every bite.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 16 ounces (1 pound) spaghetti noodles (cooked al dente)
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
Alfredo Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later use. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, finely diced onion, finely diced green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the meat mixture, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: While the meat sauce simmers, melt the unsalted butter in a dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Spaghetti in Alfredo: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles directly into the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to ensure all noodles are evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the Alfredo-coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the meat sauce over the top, covering the noodles.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer, then top with the additional shredded parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top for a fresh, herby finish if desired. Serve hot, enjoying this decadent and flavorful Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Notes
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti has become a viral sensation due to its rich, comforting flavors and filling nature, making it a perfect dinner that everyone loves!
- For a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning.
- Using freshly shredded cheeses ensures better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 887 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1244 mg
- Fat: 59 g
- Saturated Fat: 33 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg
