Imagine a dish where tender spaghetti is enveloped in a luxurious, creamy sauce made with cream cheese and baked to golden perfection. Our Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a delightful twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Creamy Pasta Bliss
What sets this spaghetti casserole apart is the rich and velvety cream cheese sauce. It adds a layer of indulgence to the classic pasta dish, making every bite a heavenly experience. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Effortless Elegance
Creating this mouthwatering casserole is surprisingly easy, making it suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can enjoy the taste of gourmet comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Substitutions and Variations:
Customize your Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with these variations:
- Protein Power: Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage for a hearty, protein-packed meal.
- Veggie Delight: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a flavorful veggie twist.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat in the sauce.
Closing
Now that you’ve uncovered the secret to this Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, it’s time to savor the creamy delight. Share it with loved ones, make it the star of your next potluck, or enjoy it as a comforting meal just for yourself. Don’t forget to leave a review and tell us how this creamy pasta creation turned out. Happy baking!
Tips or Notes:
- Be sure to fully cook the spaghetti before adding it to the casserole to avoid undercooked pasta.
- Customize the level of creaminess by adjusting the amount of cream cheese and milk in the sauce.
- For a crispy topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, allowing for a few extra minutes of baking time.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti!!!
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
8 ounces 8 (about 227g) spaghetti
2 cups 2 (475ml) marinara sauce
- For the Cream Cheese Sauce:
8 ounces 8 (about 227g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup 1 (240ml) whole milk
1/2 cup 1/2 (120ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup 1/2 (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon 1 garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Casserole:
1 cup 1 (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- For the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- For the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through. Remove from heat.
- To Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated.
- Pour the cream cheese sauce over the spaghetti mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve your Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole hot and enjoy your creamy pasta indulgence!
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