There’s just something incredibly comforting about a cheesy, rich pasta bake, and this Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe hits all the right notes with a spicy twist. The blend of creamy alfredo sauce, zesty Cajun seasoning, and melty cheese makes it a real crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

A white casserole dish filled with baked spaghetti is shown with a woman's hand holding a large silver serving spoon lifting a portion from the dish. The dish has three clear layers: a bottom layer of golden cooked spaghetti noodles, a middle layer of reddish tomato sauce with small meat pieces, and a thick top layer of melted white cheese with a slightly golden brown tint and sprinkled with green herbs. The background is a white marbled texture with a cloth partially visible beneath the dish. The cheese layer stretches with strings as the serving spoon lifts the pasta portion. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became one of my kitchen staples, and I’m excited to share why it might just become yours too. It’s that kind of dish where every bite feels indulgent yet familiar, with just enough Cajun spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming the creamy goodness.

Bold Flavor Fusion: The Cajun seasoning perfectly balances the rich, creamy sauce and melting cheeses for a flavor-packed experience.
Simple to Prepare: Despite feeling fancy, it’s a one-bake wonder after some quick stovetop steps—ideal for busy cooks.
Family Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults tends to adore it, making dinner drama-free and utterly satisfying.
Versatile: You can easily swap proteins or adjust the spice level to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the spicy foundation of Cajun seasoning to the creamy, cheesy sauce that envelopes the pasta. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes each one shine, plus tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of al dente cooked spaghetti noodles arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a mound of fresh ground beef raw and bright red, one small whole brown onion with smooth skin, one whole green bell pepper glossy and firm, fresh garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of dried Italian seasoning and Cajun spices, whole white eggs with clean shells, and a sprinkle of fresh green parsley leaves placed symmetrically around, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti noodles: Classic long pasta works wonderfully here; cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy in the bake.
Ground beef: This adds hearty, savory depth; lean or regular beef both work, just drain excess fat after cooking.
Onion and green bell pepper: These aromatics soften while cooking, adding sweetness and crunch that contrast nicely with the creamy sauce.
Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that layers in smoky heat, paprika, and herbs—feel free to add more if you like it spicy!
Garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning: These spices boost the savory, herbal profile and round out the meat sauce.
Marinara sauce: A jarred tomato sauce adds acidity and umami that cuts through the richness.
Butter and garlic: The base for your creamy alfredo, garlic adds that irresistible fragrant kick.
Heavy cream and parmesan cheese: These two create the luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti beautifully.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
Dried parsley flakes (optional): A fresh, subtle herbaceous note for garnish to brighten the dish before serving.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m a big fan of personalizing this creamy pasta bake depending on what’s on hand or how spicy I’m in the mood for. Trust me, making it your own only enhances the magic here.

Swap the protein: I sometimes use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist.
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor.
Adjust heat level: For a bolder punch, extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce works wonders.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and extra bell peppers; you won’t miss the meat at all.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Two white plates hold servings of spaghetti mixed with a reddish-orange meat sauce rich with small pieces of ground meat and cooked onions. Each plate has melted white cheese spots on top, garnished with small green herb flakes. The spaghetti threads are thick and coated evenly in the sauce, with some meat pieces visible between them. To the side, a tall clear glass contains iced tea with a lemon wedge placed inside, showing condensation on the glass. The setting is on a white marbled surface, with a blurred white and blue cloth in the background giving a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the pasta just right

Start by boiling your spaghetti until it’s just al dente — firm but cooked through. This is key because it will cook further in the oven, and you don’t want it too soft and mushy. Drain and set aside while you make your sauces.

Step 2: Build a flavorful Cajun meat sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning before breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef loses all its pink and the veggies soften, about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step — those browned bits are flavor gold! Drain any excess grease, then pour in the marinara sauce and turn down to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld those flavors.

Step 3: Make the luscious creamy sauce

While the meat sauce simmers, melt half a cup of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Now pour in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring as the cheese melts and the mixture thickens slightly. This creamy base is what makes everything so decadently good.

Step 4: Combine spaghetti with cream sauce and assemble

Once your creamy sauce is ready, stir in the cooked spaghetti until every noodle is generously coated. Pour this saucy spaghetti into your greased baking dish, then spread the simmered meat sauce evenly on top.

Step 5: Cheese it up and bake

Cover the meat sauce with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Pop the dish into a 350°F oven uncovered and bake for around 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is deliciously melted and bubbly. If you want a golden crust, slide it under the broiler for an extra minute or two – just watch carefully!

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some dried parsley flakes over the top if you have them. It adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh note that complements all that rich cheesy goodness. Serve warm and watch it disappear fast!

Top Tip

Over the years, making this Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe taught me a few things that save me from common pitfalls and boost flavor every single time. Here’s what I keep in mind:

Don’t overcook the pasta: Sticking to al dente prevents sogginess in the final bake.
Brown the beef well: Letting the meat get a nice sear adds depth—avoid stirring too often early on.
Simmer sauces gently: Slow simmering melds the spices and tomato flavor; don’t rush this step.
Use fresh minced garlic for the sauce: It makes a noticeable difference in aroma compared to powders only.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Creamy Cajun Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes, but fresh chopped parsley or basil works beautifully too. If I’m feeling adventurous, a dash of red chili flakes adds a nice extra kick right before serving.

Side Dishes

To balance the rich pasta, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli with garlic. Garlic bread on the side? Yes, always—because who doesn’t need more cheese and butter?

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or green onions—it feels a bit fancy but remains cozy and comforting. Serving family-style straight from the dish around the table works just as well for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious lunch or dinner the next day. Reheat gently to keep the cream sauce smooth.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I usually bake it fresh, but if freezing, assemble the bake without cheese on top, then freeze in a covered dish or freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight and add cheese before baking to finish.

Reheating

My go-to method for reheating is the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes. Microwave works too—just add a splash of cream or milk and cover loosely to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add plant-based protein crumbles for a similar texture.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spice comes from the Cajun seasoning, which brings a flavorful warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust spice levels by adding more Cajun seasoning, or use a milder seasoning blend if preferred.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the spaghetti and make the meat sauce a day ahead; just refrigerate them separately. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for fresh, gooey results.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious. Avoid low-fat milk as it won’t thicken properly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Spaghetti Bake Recipe has become a big favorite in my home for so many reasons — it’s cozy, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up even on hectic days. I love how it blends spice, creaminess, and cheesy textures all in one dish. Honestly, making this is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside out. I hope you give it a try—it just might become one of your go-to comfort meals too!