Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish that combines creamy cream cheese, zesty marinara sauce, and a melty cheese topping, baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, delivering rich flavors and a delightful texture sure to please pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spaghetti later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended for a flavorful creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta to create a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different cheese flavors.
- Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan will enhance the cheese flavor more than pre-grated ones.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or marinara sauce.
