Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting, and cheesy dish that combines the classic flavors of pasta with a rich and velvety cream cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or family meal. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the cream cheese sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Add the drained spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Pour the creamy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add the tomato sauce:
- Pour the tomato sauce over the top of the pasta. You can spread it out with a spoon for an even layer, or leave it in a more rustic, swirled pattern for extra visual appeal.
6. Bake the spaghetti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Serve:
- Once the baked cream cheese spaghetti is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the mixture for extra protein. Sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms can also be added for more flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. You can add shredded cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of spice in your baked pasta.
Enjoy!
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is indulgent and creamy with the perfect balance of cheesy and tomato flavors. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that will quickly become a family favorite!