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To make creamy oven baked spaghetti, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You will need a few key tools for this recipe: - A large pot for boiling spaghetti - A skillet for making the sauce - A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A greased baking dish for oven baking Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Spaghetti: Look for high-quality pasta. Whole grain or gluten-free options work well too. - Onion: Select firm onions with smooth skin. They should feel heavy for their size. - Garlic: Choose plump garlic bulbs. Avoid any that are soft or sprouting. - Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes without additives for the best taste. - Cream and Cheese: Look for full-fat options. This gives the dish a rich flavor. - Herbs: If possible, use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter taste. By picking fresh ingredients, you enhance the flavor and texture of your creamy oven baked spaghetti. Enjoy the process of selecting what you’ll use! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to cook the spaghetti. Boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Set it aside while you make the sauce. Now, let’s make the sauce. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about five minutes. You want it soft and clear. Then, add two cloves of minced garlic and stir for about one minute. The smell will be amazing! Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and one cup of heavy cream. Add one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. Let this mixture simmer for five to seven minutes. It should thicken slightly as it cooks. In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti and your creamy sauce. Mix until the pasta is fully coated. Now, transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish. Top it with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half a cup of grated parmesan cheese. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor! To make your creamy oven baked spaghetti pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also mix in some parsley for a fresh twist. Dried herbs work well too. Use oregano and basil to deepen the flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a kick if you like spice. Many cooks overcook their pasta. Cook it just until al dente. This helps the pasta hold its shape. Also, make sure to mix the sauce and pasta well. You want every bite to be creamy and flavorful. Avoid using low-quality cheese. Good cheese makes a big difference in taste. For a great cheese melt, use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while parmesan adds a nice crust. Sprinkle the cheese evenly on top of the pasta. This ensures it melts evenly. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps set the cheese and sauce. Enjoy your dish! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor profile of your dish. Add it right before serving to maintain its vibrant taste. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your spaghetti al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some sauce for a better texture. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the flavor. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or meatballs to the pasta mixture before baking. {{image_2}} You can easily make creamy oven baked spaghetti vegetarian. Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream. Use a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add great taste and texture. This way, you keep the dish rich and colorful. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’s a tasty and healthy option everyone will enjoy. If you want to add protein, chicken or sausage works great. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. It gives a nice texture and flavor. For sausage, choose spicy or sweet, depending on your taste. Cook it before adding it to the sauce. Mix it well with the spaghetti for a hearty meal. Either option makes this dish filling and satisfying. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti. There are many good brands available. Just cook it like regular pasta. The creamy sauce pairs well with gluten-free noodles. You won’t miss a thing! Make sure to check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients. Enjoy all the same flavors with this simple swap. To store your creamy oven baked spaghetti, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well. This helps prevent any smells from mixing in. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it. Just cover it to keep the steam in. Heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. If you want to save some for later, freezing is great. Allow the spaghetti to cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and date them. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Cook them just like spaghetti. The cooking time might change a bit, so check the package. Different shapes add fun to the dish. Use what you have on hand. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese instead of mozzarella and parmesan. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. These swaps keep the creaminess while catering to your needs. Creamy oven baked spaghetti pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread adds crunch and flavor. You could also serve some steamed veggies for a healthy touch. A light red wine can enhance the meal, too. Enjoy your dinner! You learned about making creamy oven baked spaghetti from start to finish. I covered key ingredients, special tools, and tips for choosing fresh items. You found easy steps for prepping, cooking, and baking. I shared tricks for better flavor and avoiding mistakes. I included variations for diets and how to store leftovers. Now, you can create a delicious dish that everyone loves! Enjoy the fun of cooking and make it your own.

Creamy Oven Baked Spaghetti

A delicious and creamy spaghetti dish baked to perfection with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the creamy tomato sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is completely coated.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
Keyword baked pasta, creamy sauce, spaghetti