Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti, with a creamy, cheesy filling baked right into the dish. This comforting casserole combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the savory goodness of pasta and marinara sauce, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing meal. Here’s how to make it:
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, for added protein)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef (if using):
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the meat and stir to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. If you’re skipping meat, just warm up your marinara sauce.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti, using a spatula to smooth it out.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- After baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the baked cream cheese spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: You can skip the ground beef or sausage and make it a vegetarian dish. Just add more vegetables (such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers) to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Extra Creamy: If you want a richer flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese or even some heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking, or bake straight from the fridge (it may take a little longer).
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. It combines all the best elements of a traditional pasta bake with the richness of cream cheese for extra indulgence! Enjoy!
