baked spaghetti with cream cheese

baked spaghetti with cream cheese

Bysidi67098

baked spaghetti with cream cheese

 

 

Are you looking for a warm, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks? This baked spaghetti with cream cheese is the ultimate dish. It combines classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist, making every bite rich, cheesy, and irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to make and perfect for leftovers!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz. spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
  • 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Layer:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

For Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven
  2. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cook the Spaghetti
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Prepare the Meat Sauce
  6. Over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  7. Mix the Creamy Layer
  8. Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  9. Assemble the Dish
    • Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on top.
    • Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
    • Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the creamy layer.
    • Evenly coat the spaghetti with the remaining meat sauce.
  10. Top It Off
  11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
  12. Bake to Perfection
  13. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  14. Garnish and Serve
  15. Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.baked spaghetti with cream cheese

FAQs About Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

A: Definitely! Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?

A: Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well in this recipe.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?

A: You can substitute Greek yogurt or even ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Yes! Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious veggie version.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with baked spaghetti.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

This baked spaghetti with cream cheese is a crowd-pleaser, with everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Happy cooking! 🍝✨baked spaghetti with cream cheese

 

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