Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It Recipe

Introduction

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining creamy textures with savory marinara, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain well.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture; stir until well combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, mix in cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish for a fresh finish.
• Substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or marinara to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, any pasta shape like penne or rigatoni works well for this recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese mixture and hearty marinara sauce, topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s baked to bubbly perfection in under an hour. A delightful twist on traditional spaghetti that will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti and Sauce

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well to remove excess water.
3. Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce into the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
6. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes to set before serving to enhance flavor and prevent burns.

Notes

• You can use any marinara sauce brand or homemade sauce for better flavor and control over ingredients.
• For added protein, mix in cooked ground beef or sausage with the sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor compared to pre-grated.
• Cover with foil during baking if the cheese browns too quickly and remove foil in the last 5 minutes to finish browning.
• This recipe is easy to double for larger gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cream cheese pasta, cheesy spaghetti, Italian casserole, easy dinner recipe, baked pasta