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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner. The rich cream cheese sauce combined with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a luscious texture, and the baked topping adds a delightful golden crust. Customize it with your favorite cooked meats or sautéed vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken
  • Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the sauce evenly.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until they begin to melt and blend into the sauce.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out smoothly and evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to form a cheesy crust.
  5. Bake: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • You can customize this dish by adding cooked ground meats or sautéed vegetables for added protein and nutrition.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
  • Use whole milk for a richer sauce or substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  • To avoid drying out the pasta bake, cover it with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover it for the remaining time to brown the cheese.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.

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