Garlic Parmesan Baked Spaghetti

If you love classic spaghetti but want something a little more comforting and satisfying, Garlic Parmesan Baked Spaghetti is the perfect dish to try. It combines tender spaghetti with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, plenty of Parmesan cheese, and a golden baked topping that turns an everyday pasta dinner into something special.

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients while delivering layers of flavor. The garlic adds warmth, the Parmesan brings a salty and nutty richness, and baking everything together gives the pasta lightly crisp edges while keeping the center creamy and tender.

It is an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner, a weekend meal, or a dish to prepare ahead of time when you want something easy to put in the oven later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked spaghetti is:

• Comforting and flavorful: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan create a wonderfully savory combination.
• Simple to prepare: Most of the ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples.
• Perfect for sharing: One baking dish makes plenty for a family meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors become even more delicious after resting and reheating.

Ingredients

For about 6 servings, you’ll need:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup additional mozzarella or Parmesan for the topping
• Olive oil or cooking spray for the baking dish

Freshly grated Parmesan works especially well here because it melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a stronger, richer flavor than many pre-grated varieties.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until just shy of al dente.

The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it completely soft at this stage.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti well and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.

Place a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook the garlic gently for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. You want it fragrant and lightly softened without allowing it to become dark or burnt.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

Let the mixture warm gently for 2–3 minutes. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan.

Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the cream and creates a smooth, flavorful sauce.

If the sauce becomes thicker than you’d like, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water. The starchy water helps loosen the sauce while allowing it to cling beautifully to the spaghetti.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

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