Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings. Try this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe today!
Ingredients
Scale
Essential Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Chopped bell peppers
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Ricotta cheese for extra creaminess
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic.
- Brown the ground beef or sausage, then drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add a few tablespoons of warm pasta water for easier mixing.
- Stir in the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the spaghetti mixture.
- Add half of the meat sauce, then repeat with remaining layers.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
Mix in a little pasta water with the cream cheese for a smoother texture.
Add a layer of ricotta cheese for an extra creamy taste.
For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or use spicy sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes