Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender spaghetti with a luscious cream cheese and marinara sauce blend, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it offers a delightful twist on classic baked pasta. Enjoy the rich flavors and gooey cheese with minimal effort in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time the pasta mixture is ready for baking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture, mixing gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the spaghetti.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
- You can add cooked vegetables or cooked ground meat for a heartier dish.
- Make sure to not overcook the spaghetti during boiling, as it will cook further in the oven.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
