This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of Parmesan and Cheddar with the sweet bite of red pepper. The creamy cheese sauce envelops the spaghetti, creating a casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s easy to make and bakes to perfection in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti: 300g (10.5 oz)
- Sweet Red Pepper: 1, finely chopped
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Flour: 1 heaping tablespoon (about 10g)
- Chicken Broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Cream: 125 ml (1/2 cup)
- Butter: 40g (3 tablespoons)
- Parmesan Cheese: 100g (1 cup), grated
- Cheddar Cheese: 100g (1 cup), grated
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the cream to the pan, bringing the sauce to a gentle boil while stirring. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine and Bake:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Evenly spread the finely chopped sweet red pepper over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Final Touches:
- After 15 minutes, sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the Cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor profile—Gruyère or Fontina work well in place of Cheddar.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Spaghetti provides carbohydrates for energy, while the cheese offers calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
- Sweet red pepper is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and eye health.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
