Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with creamy goodness and cheesy delight. Seriously, there’s something magical about the way the cream cheese melds with the tomato sauce and spices, creating a rich and comforting flavor that just makes you want to dive in for seconds (or thirds!). I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I was craving pasta but wanted something a little different. It quickly became a family favorite! Trust me, once you pull this beauty from the oven, with that golden, bubbly cheese on top, everyone will be gathering around the table, eagerly waiting for their share. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, and I just can’t get enough of it!
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
To whip up this heavenly baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti: Cooked until al dente, this classic pasta forms the base of our casserole.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing; it gives that rich, creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor while keeping everything moist and luscious.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty goodness on top that creates a golden, bubbly crust.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that extra cheesy kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: This is where all the flavor comes alive! Choose your favorite brand.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that aromatic touch!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season to your liking for the best results!
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Getting this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole ready is super easy, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent! Let’s dive right into the steps:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake!
- While that’s happening, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. It should have a little bite to it—trust me, it’ll hold up beautifully in the casserole!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this is where the magic begins!
- Next, add in your cooked spaghetti, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined and coated in that delicious sauce.
- Now, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top it off with that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—don’t skimp here; more cheese means more happiness!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This little wait will help everything set up nicely!
And there you have it! A creamy, cheesy casserole that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, it comes together in no time!
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates a luscious, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds (trust me, I’ve seen it happen!).
- Leftover Magic: It reheats beautifully, so you’ll have tasty leftovers to enjoy!
Seriously, this casserole ticks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
To make your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips I swear by!
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook it just until al dente. This helps prevent mushy pasta in the casserole.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; it will blend in much easier and create that smooth texture we crave!
- Grease the Baking Dish: A light coat of non-stick spray or butter ensures your casserole comes out easily after baking.
- Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients, stir gently to keep the spaghetti intact and avoid breaking it apart.
- Let it Rest: Give the casserole a few minutes to cool before serving; this helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a stunning casserole that everyone will rave about!
Variations of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Meaty Delight: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to the mix for a hearty twist. Just brown the meat beforehand and mix it in with the other ingredients.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. They add a wonderful flavor and texture!
- Herbaceous Flavor: Toss in some fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch. Dried Italian seasoning works wonders too!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty kick!
- Cheesy Extra: Experiment with different cheese blends, like cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor profile that will keep everyone guessing!
With these variations, you can make this dish your own and keep it exciting every time you whip it up!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but here’s what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is definitely hearty, but it’s also packed with flavor and comfort. Enjoy it guilt-free, and remember, balance is key!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is super simple! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I often find it handy to divide it into individual portions for easy reheating later—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without all the fuss!
When it comes to reheating, the oven is my go-to method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole or individual servings in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Just a minute or two should do the trick!
FAQ About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
I know you might have some burning questions about this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, so let’s get to it!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use any pasta shape you love. Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work great!
How can I make this casserole spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture. It’ll give your casserole a nice spicy kick!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving!
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is vegetarian! If you want to add meat, just cook it separately and mix it in.
How do I know when it’s done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you stick a knife in the center, it should come out hot!
Hope that clears things up! This casserole is such a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Final Thoughts
I really can’t wait for you to try this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings a sense of warmth and comfort to any meal. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to share your own twists or variations—cooking is all about creativity, after all! Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Imprimer
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingrédients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
