There’s something uniquely comforting about this Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe—it’s like all the best Italian flavors cozy up in one bubbly, cheesy casserole. Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without fuss.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked spaghetti layered beneath a thick topping of melted white cheese that stretches as a silver fork lifts a serving. The bottom layer shows long, golden noodles mixed with chunky red tomato sauce, while the top is covered with a browned layer of melted cheese sprinkled with green herbs. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth visible on the side. 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

I honestly get excited every time I make this Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe because it brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory layers that feel both indulgent and homey. Plus, it’s practical and surprisingly easy to pull off.

Comfort Food at Its Finest: The rich Alfredo sauce combined with hearty meat sauce creates a comforting, filling meal perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep much of this in advance, making it ideal for busy nights or when hosting friends.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You won't need fancy ingredients to get impressive results—just pantry staples and fresh touches.
Family Favorite: It’s been a crowd-pleaser every single time I serve it, even with picky eaters at the table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this bake plays a role to balance creaminess, tanginess, and savoriness. The blend of cooked spaghetti with rich Alfredo and hearty, spiced meat sauce gives you that layered texture and flavor you want in a baked pasta.

Flat lay of cooked al dente spaghetti noodles arranged in a gentle nest, a mound of raw ground beef with a bright red hue, a small white ceramic bowl of finely diced white onion, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped green bell pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, four whole uncracked garlic cloves scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale cream heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded white parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich red marinara sauce, and a small white ceramic bowl containing mixed reddish-brown cajun seasoning powder, golden off-white garlic powder, light tan onion powder and dried Italian herb flakes combined, sprinkled with a small pinch of kosher salt and black pepper beside it, and a small white ceramic bowl with delicate dried green parsley flakes, all 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: Cooking them al dente is key since they cook more in the oven and you don’t want mushy pasta.
Ground beef: Provides a savory backbone with plenty of flavor and satisfying texture.
Onion and green bell pepper: These add subtle sweetness and freshness to the meat sauce.
Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning: A combo that brings warm, aromatic spice without overpowering the dish.
Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy tomato base that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Unsalted butter: The fat gives the Alfredo sauce its velvety texture and flavor depth.
Garlic: Essential for that fragrant, savory bite in the Alfredo sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to creamy richness that coats every strand of spaghetti.
Parmesan cheese: Provides umami and sharpness, helping the sauce thicken and become luscious.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Season to taste and enhance all the other flavors.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts up nicely on top giving you that gooey, golden crust everyone loves.
Dried parsley flakes (optional): A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh, mild herb note.

📝

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 my favorite things about this Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you love your pasta extra spicy or want to make it vegetarian-friendly, it’s flexible enough to suit your mood and pantry.

Variation: I’ve swapped the ground beef for Italian sausage or even shredded rotisserie chicken—both tastes fantastic and change the texture slightly.
Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty, veggie-packed version.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning when cooking the meat sauce if you want more heat.
Cheese lover’s dream: Feel free to mix in other melty cheeses like fontina or provolone for a richer topping.

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

The image shows two white plates filled with spaghetti piled high. Each plate has a base layer of long, pale yellow spaghetti noodles mixed with pieces of ground meat and bits of onion and red pepper. Over the noodles, an orange sauce coats the spaghetti thickly. On top of the sauce are small dollops of white melted cheese and some green herbs sprinkled for color. To the left of the plates, there is a tall glass of iced tea with ice cubes and a lemon wedge inside. The plates rest on a wooden surface with a soft white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly

Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package instructions but aim for al dente—firm to the bite. This makes sure your pasta holds up nicely in the oven without turning soggy. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauces.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up into crumbles. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and all the seasonings (Cajun, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian). Let everything cook until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies soften, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and lower the heat to simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

While the meat sauce simmers, melt unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid bitterness. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep cooking and stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating that irresistibly creamy base for your pasta.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Alfredo, Then Layer Your Bake

Toss your cooked spaghetti right into the Alfredo sauce, making sure every strand is luxuriously coated. Spoon this creamy pasta mixture into your greased baking dish, then top evenly with the simmered meat sauce. Don’t skip this layering step—it keeps every bite full of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a little extra parmesan cheese over the top. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen here is just heavenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some dried parsley flakes for a little color and fresh flavor note. Serve straight from the pan for a rustic, comforting presentation.

Top Tip

After making this a handful of times, I’ve noticed a few tricks that make all the difference between good and spectacular. Each one has saved me from common mishaps and upped the wow factor.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I can’t stress this enough—al dente pasta means it won’t turn mushy after baking.
Drain Fat Well: Any grease left from the beef can make the bake greasy, so drain thoroughly.
Simmer Meat Sauce Gently: Low and slow heat helps deepen the flavor without drying out the sauce.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and gives that fresh, sharp Parmesan flavor you want in Alfredo.

How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this bake off with a sprinkle of parsley flakes—they brighten up the look and add a mild, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper or even fresh basil leaves work wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser here, perfect for mopping up every last bite of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. You can also layer it in clear glass baking dishes to show off the creamy and meaty layers—it’s almost too pretty to eat (but you won’t want to stop!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the bake cool completely, then cover tightly and store leftovers in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and still tastes great reheated.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and pull it out a day before reheating. Just note that the texture might shift slightly but the flavors stay delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions but watch the timing to avoid drying out the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works best for the texture and layering, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to al dente.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this bake freezes very well. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then store it in airtight freezer-safe containers. It’s best to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for even cooking.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the ground beef and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant instead. You can also add more veggies like spinach or kale to bulk it up. The sauces stay the same and it remains just as delicious.

Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare both the meat sauce and Alfredo sauce a day ahead, refrigerate them separately, and assemble the bake just before baking. This makes dinner prep super quick on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti Bake Recipe has become a go-to in my home because it hits all the right notes—a luscious sauce, familiar flavors, and a hearty feel that somehow never gets old. I’m confident you’ll find it just as rewarding to make and to eat. Next time you want that warm, cheesy hug on a plate, give this recipe a try—you won't regret it.