Noodles Romanoff is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole with old-school charm. A retro favorite from mid-century Hollywood that became a staple in American homes, this dish is rich, comforting, and perfect as a side or a main. Tender noodles are tossed in a silky sour cream and cream cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Ingredients
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8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
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4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
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16 ounces sour cream, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon fine salt
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
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¼ teaspoon ground paprika
Instructions
Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2 — Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 12–14 minutes or according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot still warm.
Step 3 — Make the Creamy Sauce
With the pot still on the burner, add the cream cheese and butter to the hot noodles. Stir until both are melted and coat the pasta.
Stir in the sour cream, ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Add half of the shredded Parmesan cheeseand stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Step 4 — Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the creamy noodles into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
Step 5 — Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Dust with paprika for a touch of color.
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the top cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6 — Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Tips for Best Results
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Al dente noodles: Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to soften in the oven.
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Room-temperature dairy: Let the cream cheese and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother sauce.
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Cheese choices: While Parmesan is classic, you can mix in half white cheddar for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Noodles Romanoff as:
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A creamy side dish with roasted meats
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A main course with a crisp green salad
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A nostalgic dinner alongside steamed vegetables
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.