Description

A creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole that is perfect for busy weeknights. This one-dish wonder combines al dente pasta with rich marinara sauce and a generous layer of melted cheese, ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt for pasta water
Olive oil (for sauce)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Drain pasta and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in a splash of olive oil for 1 minute.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine the cooked spaghetti and sauce in the prepared baking dish, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta, then top with Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 680
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 11
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18

Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, cheesy pasta, family dinner, comfort food