Caramelized Apple and Aged Cheddar Pasta Bake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked pasta dish with sweet caramelized apples and sharp aged cheddar, all baked to golden perfection. This pasta-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Pasta cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced apples to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and caramelized (edges slightly golden).
  4. Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, then simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir 1/2 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, caramelized apples, and cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Apple and Aged Cheddar Pasta Bake take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Apple and Aged Cheddar Pasta Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Apple and Aged Cheddar Pasta Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Apple and Aged Cheddar Pasta Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Apple and Aged Cheddar Pasta Bake?

Pasta pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →