Name: Baked Spaghetti Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. spaghetti; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 quart half and half; ½ cup heavy cream; 4 cups sharp cheddar; 4 cups mozzarella

If you’re a fan of mac and cheese but also love the comforting texture of spaghetti, this Baked Spaghetti Mac and Cheese is your dream come true.

It’s rich, creamy, perfectly seasoned, and packed with melty cheddar and mozzarella in every bite. This dish takes comfort food to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two classic favorites: spaghetti + mac and cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection

Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy nights

Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like bacon or jalapeños

Satisfies both pasta and cheese cravings in one delicious dish

Ingredient Highlights

Spaghetti: A unique twist that brings a fun, slurp-worthy texture to traditional mac and cheese.

Butter & Flour: The base of the roux for a smooth and velvety cheese sauce.

Spices: Kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, and granulated garlic add just enough heat and flavor.

Half and Half + Cream: Makes the sauce rich and indulgent without being too heavy.

Cheddar & Mozzarella: Sharp cheddar for bold flavor and mozzarella for stretch and melt.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Only boil your spaghetti for 6 minutes—it will finish cooking in the oven.

Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltability and flavor.

Add the half and half gradually to avoid lumps in your sauce.

Don’t skip the cayenne—it adds depth without making it spicy!

Let it rest 5–10 minutes before cutting into squares for cleaner slices.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Mac and Cheese

Sep 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water for 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sep 2: Make the Roux

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.

Add flour and whisk for 30 seconds until smooth.

Sep 3: Season It Up

Stir in salt, pepper, cayenne, and granulated garlic.

Sep 4: Add Dairy

Slowly whisk in the half and half in thirds, then pour in the heavy cream.

Sep 5: Make the Sauce

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and stir in 2 cups cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella until melted.

Sep 5: Assemble the Dish:

In a greased 9×13 casserole dish, add cooked spaghetti, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup cheddar.

Sep 7: Top and Bake

Pour cheese sauce over the pasta, stir to combine, then top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Sep 8: Serve

Let cool slightly, cut into squares, and serve warm.

What to Serve With It

Pair this cheesy baked spaghetti with:

A crisp green salad

Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts

Garlic bread or buttery rolls

Fried chicken or grilled sausage for extra protein

Variations & Substitutions

Add protein: Mix in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or bacon before baking.

Spice it up: Add hot sauce or extra cayenne for a spicy kick.

Mix cheeses: Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a flavor twist.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and a 1:1 GF flour blend for the roux.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven (covered) until heated through.

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Elbow macaroni, penne, or shells all work great.

How can I make this spicier?
Add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Do I have to bake it?
Baking helps meld the flavors and adds a cheesy top, but you could skip it if you prefer a stovetop version.

Why add both cheddar and mozzarella?
Cheddar gives it flavor, while mozzarella adds gooey stretchiness.

What if I don’t have half and half?
You can use a mix of milk and cream (equal parts) instead.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything in the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What size pan should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti Mac and Cheese is a comfort food hybrid that your whole family will request again and again. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection—it’s pasta night done right!

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed hit.