Name: Creamy Spaghetti
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb spaghetti; 1 onion; 1/2 tsp salt (each of salt and pepper); 1/2 tsp pepper (each of salt and pepper); 1 tsp paprika (each of paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning); 1 tsp onion powder (each of paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning); 1 tsp Italian seasoning (each of paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 15 oz Rao's Alfredo sauce; 24 oz Rao's Marinara sauce; Parmesan cheese; Dried Parsley

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This family-favorite creamy spaghetti combines the best of both worlds – rich Alfredo and zesty marinara sauce come together for an incredibly satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes! If you love my mushroom Alfredo pasta, you’ll absolutely adore this cozy twist on classic spaghetti. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet totally delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spaghetti

Quick 25-minute dinner solution
Perfect blend of two favorite pasta sauces
Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
No fancy techniques required
Kid-approved and family-friendly
Makes fantastic leftovers
Versatile – easy to customize with different proteins
All made in one skillet for easy cleanup

This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you! The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce with classic marinara creates this incredible rich and velvety sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the carefully chosen seasonings bring everything together into one harmonious dish. I especially love using Rao’s sauces here – they provide restaurant-quality flavor that makes this simple dish taste extra special. Top it all off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

While the recipe is amazing as written, feel free to make it your own! Switch up the protein with Italian sausage for an extra flavor boost, or toss in some fresh spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet – trust me, you’ll want plenty of room to stir everything together!

Ingredients Overview

Hey baking friends! Let me walk you through everything you’ll need for this cozy creamy spaghetti that brings together the best of alfredo and marinara sauces. It’s like getting a warm hug from two favorite pasta sauces at once!

Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The fat helps carry all those amazing seasonings through the dish. For a leaner option, try 90/10, but you’ll want to add a touch more seasoning.
Pasta: Regular spaghetti is my go-to, but any long pasta works here! Just like in my favorite pasta dishes, the key is cooking it just until al dente.
Rao’s Sauces: I specifically recommend Rao’s because their alfredo sauce has this incredible richness and their marinara brings the perfect balance of herbs and tomatoes. While other brands work, you might need to adjust seasonings.
Seasonings: Our flavor-makers! Paprika adds subtle sweetness, red pepper flakes bring gentle heat, and Italian seasoning ties everything together. Each plays its part in building layers of flavor.

Success Tips & Tricks

After making this countless times (and learning from a few hiccups along the way!), here are my tried-and-true tips for the creamiest, most flavorful result:

Sauce Symphony: When combining the alfredo and marinara, add them gradually while stirring. Just like making my classic chicken alfredo, this prevents any separation and ensures silky smoothness.
Perfect Pasta: Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is like liquid gold if you need to thin out the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Seasoning Secret: Always taste and adjust seasonings after combining the sauces. The flavors meld differently depending on your sauce brands.
Pan Matters: Use your largest skillet or Dutch oven – this recipe needs room to shine! Crowding leads to uneven heating and harder stirring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this comforting creamy spaghetti dish! I’ve made this countless times for my family, and I’ll share all my little tricks for getting it just right.

Preparing the Base

Start with the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Remember to save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining – it’s like liquid gold if you need to adjust the sauce consistency later!
Brown the meat: While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet (I love using my 12-inch cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This reminds me of my chicken marsala fettuccine – breaking up the meat into small, even pieces helps it cook uniformly.
Season and sauce: Once the meat is browned, drain excess fat and add your garlic and seasonings. Pour in both sauces and stir until everything is well combined. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Final Assembly

Add your drained pasta to the sauce mixture
Gently toss everything together using tongs
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency
Top with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley

Recipe Variations & Uses

This creamy spaghetti recipe is wonderfully versatile! Just like my shrimp lo mein, you can customize it to make it your own. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Protein Swaps: Try Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef. You could even make it meatless by adding mushrooms!
Veggie Boost: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or fresh spinach. It’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, similar to my bow tie pasta salad.
Cheese Options: While Parmesan is classic, try mixing in some romano or asiago cheese for extra flavor depth.
Sauce Adjustments: Play with the ratio of marinara to alfredo sauce to make it more or less creamy. You can even add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.

Storage Tip: This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture!

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this creamy spaghetti up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

My favorite method is warming portions in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream per serving, then stir occasionally until heated through. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

While you can freeze it, I find the texture is best when eaten fresh or within 4 days from the refrigerator. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with additional cream or milk to restore the sauce’s smoothness.

What sides go well with this pasta?

This creamy spaghetti pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For something different, try my caesar pasta salad on the side. A simple vegetable like roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans works wonderfully too!

Final Thoughts

You know what I love most about this creamy spaghetti? It’s that perfect blend of comfort food meets weeknight-easy! Every time I make this, my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma, and my family comes running to the table. The combination of rich Alfredo and tangy marinara creates something truly special – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

If you give this recipe a try (and I really hope you do!), snap a photo and let me know how it turned out. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen successes! Remember, don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect – even if you need to substitute ingredients or adjust seasonings, this recipe is pretty forgiving. Happy cooking!

Creamy Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spaghetti

Ingredients Overview

Success Tips & Tricks