This delicious Cheesy Baked Spaghetti combines perfectly cooked pasta with a creamy red pepper sauce, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, rich dish that’s sure to be a hit with the entire family. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or a delightful pasta bake to serve at gatherings.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 300g (10.5 oz) spaghetti
- 1 raw sweet red pepper
- 40g (3 tbsp) butter
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 10g (1 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) chicken broth
- 125 g (½ cup) cream (20% fat)
- 100g (1 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 100g (1 cup) cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Some vegetable oil
- A bunch of fresh dill
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add salt to taste and a little vegetable oil.
- Cook 300g spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the red pepper, onion, garlic, and dill.
- In a pan, melt 40g butter and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the red pepper to the pan and cook until soft.
- Sprinkle 10g flour over the veggies and stir well.
- Gradually pour in 300 ml chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add 125g cream and stir until combined.
- Add half the Parmesan and cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and mix until well-coated.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped dill before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a simple green salad.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a classic combination.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
Cooking Tips:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
- Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps when adding flour.
Nutritional Benefits:
- This dish provides a good source of calcium from the cheese.
- The spaghetti provides energy through carbohydrates.
- Red peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- The dill offers added vitamin A and C, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
- This recipe includes a balanced mix of fats, proteins, and carbs for energy.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Nut-free: This recipe does not contain nuts.
- Not gluten-free: Contains flour and pasta with gluten.
- Contains dairy: Not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and comforting: The sauce is rich, cheesy, and velvety smooth.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty pasta bake.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Great for leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s an excellent option for potlucks or dinner parties.
Conclusion: This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Creamy Red Pepper Sauce is the perfect comfort meal, combining rich, creamy flavors with hearty pasta. The golden baked cheese on top is irresistible, and the dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne or fusilli work well in this recipe.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven after thawing.
- Can I use low-fat cream? Yes, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
- What other cheeses can I use? Gouda or mozzarella can be great alternatives to cheddar.