TikTok Spaghetti is a viral sensation—creamy, savory, and super cheesy, making it the perfect filling meal everyone will love!

Overhead image of TikTok Spaghetti

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Tiktok Spaghetti Recipe

As you can probably guess, this dish went mega viral on the TikTok platform, with thousands of recreations and rave reviews. While I’m not always on board with all the food trends, this one caught my eye—along with the TikTok baked oats, of course.

So of course I had to recreate it, and trust me, this recipe does not disappoint!

It starts with pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce, then layered with Italian sausage in rich marinara. The whole dish is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, making for the creamiest, most satisfying casserole!

Process shots-- images of the butter, seasonings, and cream all being cooked in a pot

TikTok Spaghetti Ingredients

  • Spaghetti: Cook the pasta 2 mins less than the package says to keep it from getting mushy when baked.
  • Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt in your sauce.
  • Onion and garlic powder: Fresh onions and garlic work too, but take more time to prep.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Use full-fat cream for the best texture.
  • Parm cheese: Use block Parm and grate yourself. Pre-shredded won’t melt well.
  • Italian sausage: Choose sweet or hot sausage based on what you like.
  • Marinara sauce: Pick a high-quality marinara. Rao’s® is my fave.
Process shots of TikTok Spaghetti--images of the Parmesan and spaghetti being added to the pot

How To Make Tiktok Spaghetti (Tips):

  • Choose quality ingredients: Freshly grated Parm and mozzarella melt and taste better than pre-shredded. Also, use good marinara.
  • Seasonings: Taste your Alfredo sauce after adding Parm and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Use a large pot: A big enough pot helps mix the pasta and sauce evenly.
  • Salt the pasta water: Don’t skip this—season the pasta while it cooks for more flavor.
  • Save some pasta water: If the sauce gets too thick, add some pasta water to keep it smooth.

Quick Tip

The secret to great pasta dishes is mixing! By tossing the hot pasta with the Alfredo sauce and some pasta water, you create a smooth sauce. This helps the sauce stick to the pasta instead of sinking to the bottom of the pot.

Process shots-- images o the sausage being cooked and the marinara sauce being added to it

Variations

Switch Things Up

  • Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with a plant-based option, or add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Spicy: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce or marinara.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-friendly dish.
  • Extra veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for more color.
  • Cheese changes: Swap mozzarella for sharp white Cheddar.
  • Chicken Alfredo: Use grilled or sautéed chicken instead of the sausage.

Process shots of TikTok Spaghetti-- images of the sausage and cheese being layered on the spaghetti and it all being baked

What To Serve With Tiktok Spaghetti

This dish is hearty on its own, but here are a few of my fave sides to go with it!

Overhead image of the dish ready to be enjoyed

Storage

Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Pasta’s texture will soften, and some of the sauce will be absorbed into the pasta. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Make Ahead Tips

Baked spaghetti is perfect for making ahead. Assemble as directed, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the fridge.

When ready to bake, pop it in the oven—just expect a slightly longer baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

More Pasta Recipes:

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5 from 3 votes

TikTok Spaghetti

By Chelsea Lords
TikTok Spaghetti is a layered masterpiece! Creamy Alfredo pasta tossed with rich marinara and Italian sausage, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Creamy, cheesy, and super satisfying!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • Baking dish 9 x 13-inch
  • Large pot
  • Large pan

Ingredients 
 

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti plus pasta cooking water
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into tablespoons
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1-1/4 cups heavy cream see note 1
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2-1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided, see note 2
  • 1 (19-ounce) package Italian sausage see note 3
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce I like Rao’s, see note 4
  • 1-1/2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions 

  • Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large pot, bring 12 cups water to boil. Once boiling, add 2 teaspoons salt. Add spaghetti and boil, stirring occasionally. Boil 2 minutes less than lowest time on package. Before draining, remove and reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a very large pan (big enough to hold all the pasta later) over medium-high heat. Once melted, add onion and garlic powder plus salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon each) and sauté for 20 seconds. Pour in the cream. As soon as the mixture begins to bubble, lower heat to medium low. Simmer until thickened (can leave a clear track on the back of a wooden spoon), about 1–3 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat. Stir in 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is mostly smooth.
  • Dump drained pasta on top of the sauce, along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Return to heat. Turn to medium and toss gently with tongs until pasta and sauce emulsify nicely (sauce sticks to pasta instead of falling to pan), about 1–4 minutes. Add more pasta water if needed (if looking dry). Scrape all this saucy pasta into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Quickly rinse out pan and return to stovetop over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons oil. Add sausage and season with salt and pepper (I add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Brown the sausage, crumbling with a wooden spoon until browned through. Drain off grease and add jar of marinara sauce. Mix through. (Taste and add more salt/pepper if needed). Spoon over the sauced spaghetti in an even layer.
  • Top with mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is nicely melted. Remove and serve. (I like to use tongs to twist a scoop together, lift, and serve.) Best enjoyed right out of the oven!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: It’s crucial to use real, full-fat cream in this recipe. Otherwise, the Alfredo sauce won’t reach the proper thickness. Milk or milk alternatives cannot deliver the same results.
Note 2: Parmesan makes the biggest difference to the overall flavor of this recipe. While this recipe is intended to be quick and easy, don’t try to short-cut the cheese. Do not use canned or pre-shredded/grated Parmesan—the cheese doesn’t melt smoothly, and you’ll be left with a big clump. Instead, use a block of Parmesan and freshly and finely grate on the small sides of a grater.
Note 3: Depending on personal preference, use mild or spicy sausage. For more heat (and flavor), use spicy sausage, and if you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild or sweet sausage instead. Remove sausage casings before adding to the pan.
Note 4: The quality of the marinara sauce can make or break this dish. It’s worth investing in a higher-end brand, Rao’s® is my favorite!
Storage: Let the dish cool, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1121kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 75g | Saturated Fat: 39g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 1990mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2052IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 670mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Paddy says:

    5 stars
    Yo Chelsea,
    This was fantastic, as I was makeing it some family members stopped over so I fed us all, everyone said how great it was!

    Reply
    1. Chelsea says:

      Yay! So thrilled to hear this! Thanks Paddy! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ramya says:

    5 stars
    Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan butter / coconut cream / vegan parmesan / tofu and vegan mozzarella i never had tiktok spaghetti before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work

    Reply
    1. Chelsea says:

      I haven’t tested with those ingredients but I’d love to hear how it works if you give it a try! Thanks Ramya! 🙂

      Reply