Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*! It’s one of those dishes that just warms your heart and fills your belly with pure comfort. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this creamy, cheesy delight! I love how the spaghetti gets enveloped in a luscious cream cheese mixture that’s just bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s all baked to bubbly perfection with that gooey mozzarella on top—can you just imagine the smell wafting through your kitchen? It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s a total crowd-pleaser and a dish you’ll want to make again and again! So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti: Any type of spaghetti works well; just cook it according to the package directions until al dente.
- 16 ounces cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends easily.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: I love using a blend of mozzarella for that stretchiness, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely salty flavor that complements the creaminess.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Go for a good quality store-bought sauce, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives a nice depth of flavor without the fuss of chopping garlic.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Just like garlic powder, it adds a sweet, savory note to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust this to taste, especially if your marinara sauce is salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: This is for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness just before serving!
That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously creamy and cheesy casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Prepare the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how it all comes together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bubbly top!
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it, but don’t rinse—trust me, you want that starch to help the sauce cling!
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. I like using a hand mixer, but a wooden spoon works just fine too.
- Add the flavors: Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything’s well combined; it should look creamy and inviting!
- Combine with spaghetti: Next, add your cooked spaghetti and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch) and pour in your spaghetti mixture. Spread it out evenly.
- Add the cheesy topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This is where that gooey goodness happens!
- Bake it: Pop your casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—how heavenly does that sound?
- Garnish and serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
And there you have it! A step-by-step guide to creating a dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* comes together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates an irresistibly creamy and dreamy texture that you won’t be able to resist.
- Cheesy Flavor: If you’re a cheese lover like me, you’ll adore the rich cheesy flavor that melts beautifully in every bite.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is packed with goodness and is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless meals.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, making entertaining a breeze!
Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll be hooked and coming back for more creamy comfort!
Tips for Success
To make your *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* truly shine, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients. If it’s cold, you might end up with lumps, and nobody wants that! Also, don’t skip the step of letting the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking—this makes it easier to serve and helps it hold its shape.
Another little trick is to save a bit of the mozzarella to sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking. This gives you that extra layer of melty goodness! And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Trust me, these simple tweaks can take your casserole from great to absolutely amazing!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! First off, why not try using different types of pasta? Penne or fusilli would work beautifully and add a fun twist. You could even go gluten-free with your favorite gluten-free pasta—no one will miss a beat!
Feeling adventurous? Add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a pop of color and extra nutrition. You could also spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for that extra kick. And if you love meat, feel free to mix in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken for a heartier dish. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*? Lucky you! To store, simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, which is perfect for those busy nights when you need a quick meal.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping it back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbling. If you want that cheesy top to get all melty again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in. Enjoy the creamy goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this delightful *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*. Each serving is packed with flavor and comfort, and here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, this information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But I promise, it’s a wholesome meal that’ll leave you feeling satisfied and happy!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! While I love the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella, you can experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar or gouda can add a delicious twist!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when it’s done baking? You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want, you can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out hot!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this casserole? This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a simple green salad or some garlic bread would pair wonderfully!
Imprimer
Baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole 3 for Cozy Comfort
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole that is easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingrédients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth.
- Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to cream cheese and mix well.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust cheese quantities to your preference.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
