Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: baked cream cheese spaghetti! This dish is a creamy, dreamy twist on classic spaghetti that I stumbled upon during a late-night craving. The combination of the rich cream cheese and tangy marinara creates a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. I remember the first time I made this for my family; their eyes lit up with joy as they dug in! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup packed shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Make sure to have your cream cheese softened beforehand for easy mixing. You’ll want everything to blend smoothly and create that luscious, creamy texture!
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, so don’t skip it! You want that oven nice and hot for the perfect bake.
- While the oven is warming up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to get that perfect al dente texture. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
- Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to use a fork or a hand mixer to make sure everything is well blended and creamy. You want a smooth mixture that’s bursting with flavor!
- Next, gently fold in the cooked spaghetti. Make sure every strand is coated in that delicious cream cheese mixture. It’s going to look so good already!
- Transfer your spaghetti mix into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then it’s time to layer on the cheeses! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously on top. Oh, the cheesiness!
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden. Just try to resist peeking too often—it’ll be worth the wait!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This little pause will help all those flavors settle in. Then, dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This baked cream cheese spaghetti serves up about 400 calories per cup, which is pretty reasonable for such a creamy delight. You’ll also get around 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbs. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so they might vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy, dreamy texture that makes every bite a delight.
- Rich flavor from the combination of cream cheese and marinara.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- Crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baked cream cheese spaghetti turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t rush the cream cheese mixing—getting it nice and smooth is key to that creamy texture we all love. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even some spinach into the mix. Trust me, it’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies!
Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different. You want that cheese to be golden and bubbly but not burnt. If it looks like it’s browning too fast, you can cover it with foil for the last few minutes. And don’t forget to let it cool a bit before diving in—it’ll help everything set up nicely. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about baked cream cheese spaghetti is how easy it is to make it your own! You can mix in some sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. If you’re a meat lover, adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage can take it to the next level. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist. You can even experiment with different sauces—try alfredo for a creamy alternative or a spicy arrabbiata for a little kick. The sky’s the limit, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving baked cream cheese spaghetti, I love to keep it simple and satisfying! A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a perfect companion, adding a nice crunch and balance to the creamy dish. You can also serve it with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for that extra indulgence—trust me, you won’t regret it! And for a complete Italian experience, a side of roasted vegetables or a classic caprese salad rounds everything out beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover baked cream cheese spaghetti can be your best friend for quick meals! To store, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions, just remember to add a splash of water to keep it moist. Happy reheating!
Imprimer
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 7 Ways to Indulge Today
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious baked dish combining cream cheese and spaghetti.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any marinara sauce of your choice.
- For extra flavor, add cooked vegetables or meat.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: baked cream cheese spaghetti, baked spaghetti, cream cheese pasta
