Oh, let me tell you about baked cream cheese spaghetti! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with its creamy texture and cheesy flavors just melting together beautifully. I remember the first time I made it for my family; we were all gathered around the table, and the moment we took a bite, there was a collective « Mmm! » that filled the room. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, making every meal feel special. The rich cream cheese combined with marinara sauce and a gooey layer of mozzarella creates a comfort food experience you can’t resist. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular at your dinner table!
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened for easy mixing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for that gooey, melty topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce, your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adding a nice salty kick
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to amplify the flavors
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, because why not add a little herbal magic?
- Salt to taste, for that perfect flavor balance
- Black pepper to taste, adding just the right amount of warmth
- Fresh basil for garnish, bringing a pop of color and freshness
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dish will bake evenly and perfectly!
- While the oven is heating up, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to drain it well and set it aside—this will help prevent your dish from getting soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I like to use a fork to mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. The aroma of the garlic is just heavenly!
- Now, gently fold in the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined—this is where the magic happens!
- Transfer this creamy, dreamy mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and don’t be shy! Top it off generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for that bubbly, golden finish.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all melty and lightly browned. It’s going to smell amazing!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before diving in. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy flavor that satisfies every cheese lover.
- Great for family dinners and gatherings—everyone will want seconds!
- Comforting and filling, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy more time with your guests.
- Bakes up beautifully, with that irresistible golden cheese topping.
Tips for Success
To really nail this baked cream cheese spaghetti, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing—this helps it blend smoothly into the sauce. For that perfect cheese melt, don’t be shy with the mozzarella; more cheese means more gooey goodness! If you want to add some extra flavor, consider sautéing some veggies like spinach or bell peppers before mixing them in—yum! And remember, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up a bit; you’ll get cleaner servings that way. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Variations of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
One of the best things about baked cream cheese spaghetti is how adaptable it is! If you’re craving a protein boost, try adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp for a delicious twist. For a veggie-packed version, toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini—these not only add flavor but also a splash of color! You can also experiment with different cheeses; how about a bit of cheddar for a sharp bite or some feta for a Mediterranean flair? And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store, simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating in the oven to maintain that cheesy, gooey texture—just cover it with foil and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, a quick blast in the microwave will work too—just be careful not to overheat it, or the pasta might get a little dry. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this baked cream cheese spaghetti! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some typical estimates based on common ingredients, precise values aren’t included here. If you’re curious about the exact nutritional breakdown or have specific dietary needs, feel free to reach out! I’m more than happy to help you with those details.
FAQs About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, and you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort!
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for alternatives, mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese can work beautifully in this recipe. They’ll give you that creamy texture while adding a slightly different flavor.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can definitely use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option, or gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? You bet! Baked cream cheese spaghetti can be frozen before or after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat as directed!
How do I reheat leftovers? For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short intervals to avoid drying it out!
Imprimer
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 2 Steps to Cheesy Joy
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti dish.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked vegetables or meat for extra flavor.
- Adjust the cheese quantities based on your preference.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- 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: 350
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: baked cream cheese spaghetti
