Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks with friends. This recipe combines the creaminess of cream cheese with the comforting taste of spaghetti, creating a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a luscious topping, while the spaghetti absorbs the flavors of the garlic and Italian seasonings. Get ready to serve a plateful of happiness!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 400
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg

Why Make This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a great dish for many reasons. It’s simple to prepare, combining ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The creamy texture from the cream cheese adds a unique twist, elevating this casserole above your average spaghetti. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for kids and adults alike, and works well for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Plus, it makes for fantastic leftovers, so you can enjoy it more than once!

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sautéing

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. If you’re adding ground beef or Italian sausage, incorporate it now, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Mixing

In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, softened cream cheese, tomato sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Finishing

Add the sautéed vegetables and meat mixture to the spaghetti mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Pour everything into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, movie nights, or any gathering where comfort food is appreciated.

How to Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble and cover tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

1. Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened for easy mixing. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to use.
2. Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or fresh herbs. Fresh basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor further.
3. Vegetable Options: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach based on your preference.
4. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties. Cheddar or a blend of cheeses can add a different flavor profile.
5. Meatless Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat, or replace it with lentils or chickpeas for added protein.

Delicious Variations

• Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning and black beans, and use a spicy cheese blend on top for a Mexican-inspired version.
• Italian Chicken: Swap out the beef/sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken and add Italian seasoning for classic flavors.
• Veggie Loaded: Mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

2. How do I prevent the cheese from getting too brown?
   Cover the dish with foil for the first 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to let it bubble.

3. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
   Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti both work well in this recipe.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   You can substitute sour cream or ricotta cheese, though the texture will differ slightly.

5. How can I make it a one-pot dish?
   Cook the spaghetti in the same pot you’ll use for the meat and vegetables. Just add everything together and bake when ready!

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness will surely please your loved ones, making it a staple in your household. Try this recipe soon, and savor every delightful bite! Happy cooking!

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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• Author: sara
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian (can add meat)

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Description

A delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, this casserole combines creamy cream cheese with spaghetti for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 3-5 minutes. If adding ground beef or Italian sausage, incorporate it now and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, softened cream cheese, tomato sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables and meat mixture to the spaghetti mixture. Stir gently to combine. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 50mg