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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy pasta dish combining tender spaghetti, a rich cream cheese and tomato sauce, and a cheesy baked topping. Perfect for family dinners, it balances flavorful Italian seasonings and optional ground meat for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Spaghetti and Sauce

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

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

Optional Protein

  • 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage (optional for added protein)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning for your preference.
  5. Cook Optional Meat: If using ground beef or sausage, brown it in a separate skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat and add the meat to the sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce (and meat if added) until the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  10. Optional Broil: For a more browned and crispy top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Rest the Casserole: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot to enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture may be less rich.
  • For vegetarian option, omit the ground beef or sausage.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor.
  • Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it to set and makes it easier to serve.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild version.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/baked-cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/