Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole 🍝🧀🌿
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. Combining tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara, this casserole is like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, dreamy pasta casserole step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic : A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s pure comfort on a plate.
- Customizable : Add ground beef, sausage, veggies, or spices to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready, making it ideal for busy days.
- One-Dish Wonder : Minimal cleanup with all the flavors melding together beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Great for feeding a family or serving at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or sausage (optional )
- Fresh parsley , chopped (optional, for garnish )
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese , sour cream , ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella , Parmesan cheese , garlic powder , Italian seasoning , salt , and black pepper . Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti, followed by half of the marinara sauce .
- Sprinkle ½ cup of the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers: the remaining spaghetti , cream cheese mixture , marinara sauce , and mozzarella cheese .
- Optional : If using cooked ground beef or sausage , sprinkle it evenly over the layers before adding the final topping of mozzarella.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes , or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Tip : If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole !
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh garlic powder and Italian seasoning add brighter, more vibrant flavors than pre-mixed blends.
- Add Veggies : Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked portions of the casserole (without the final mozzarella topping) for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding fresh cheese before serving.
- Swap Proteins : Use cooked chicken, turkey, or even plant-based proteins like lentils or crumbled tofu for variety.
Perfect Pairings
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Green Salad : A crisp arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or soda for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 8 servings)
- Calories : ~350 kcal
- Protein : ~15g
- Carbohydrates : ~30g
- Fat : ~20g
- Fiber : ~2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or simply craving something indulgent yet easy to make, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese sauce, and gooey mozzarella creates a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to love.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, add protein or veggies, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your pasta, stir in that cream cheese, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
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