Creole Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes (Prep: 30 mins, Cook: 25 mins)
Servings: 6
Category: Spaghetti
Cuisine: Creole
Description
This Creole Spaghetti Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with a rich blend of vegetables, cheeses, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this one-pan recipe combines tender spaghetti with crispy bacon, sweet bell peppers, and a generous sprinkle of melted cheddar and Parmesan. It’s an irresistible twist on classic spaghetti that everyone will love!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 2 cups |
| Bacon | 2 – 3 slices |
| Onion | 4 – 6 medium |
| Green bell pepper | 1 |
| Minced garlic cloves | 1 clove |
| Italian-style tomato sauce | 3 – 4 cups |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Whole kernel corn | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 – 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 858.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 26.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 1047.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 123.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g |
| Sugars | 10.8 g |
| Protein | 32.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before assembling your bake, ensuring even cooking throughout the dish. -
Prepare the casserole dish by greasing a 2-quart dish with a light coating of oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish as it bakes.
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Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until firm-tender (al dente). Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the spaghetti well and toss with 2-3 tablespoons of oil to prevent it from sticking together.
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Cook the bacon: In a large frypan over medium heat, sauté the bacon, diced onion, and chopped green bell pepper until the bacon turns crispy and the vegetables become soft, about 6-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
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Add the garlic: Once the bacon and vegetables are cooked, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Combine the tomato sauce and other ingredients: Add the Italian-style tomato sauce, undiluted tomato soup, mushrooms, and any optional cooked ham or chicken (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well to combine.
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Mix in the corn: Open a can of whole kernel corn (drain and rinse it first) and stir it into the cooked spaghetti. Mix until the corn is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
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Add the sauce: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the spaghetti and corn. Stir gently to ensure the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
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Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
This Creole Spaghetti Bake is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and creamy cheese melt as you indulge in this filling dish!
