Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this baked cream cheese spaghetti! It’s one of those cozy, creamy dishes that just wraps you in a warm hug. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly winter evening when I was craving something comforting. The thought of rich cream cheese melting into a cheesy, gooey spaghetti bake was just too irresistible! Trust me, the moment it comes out of the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aroma. It’s got that cheesy goodness you just can’t resist, and every bite is pure bliss! Whether it’s for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is my go-to for satisfying those cheesy cravings. You’re going to love how simple and scrumptious it is!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this baked cream cheese spaghetti! It’s super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. I promise, you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect golden top!
- While the oven is warming up, grab your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to drain it well—no one likes soggy spaghetti!
- Now, in a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You want it creamy and well combined, so give it a good stir!
- Once your spaghetti is cooked and drained, add it to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated in that luscious sauce.
- Next, transfer this glorious mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Now for the best part—top it off with the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens!
- Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese has turned a beautiful golden color.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
And there you have it! A warm, cheesy baked spaghetti dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly creamy and cheesy—every bite feels like a cozy embrace!
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Versatile! You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch.
- Leftovers taste just as amazing, if not better, the next day—hello, meal prep win!
- The whole family will love it, from kids to adults—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dish that feels indulgent!
Tips for Success
To make your baked cream cheese spaghetti truly shine, here are my top tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is softened—this makes mixing so much easier and ensures a smooth sauce. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of freshness. You can easily swap the marinara sauce for your favorite pasta sauce or even a creamy Alfredo for a different vibe. And don’t forget to let it cool slightly before serving; it will help it set and makes it easier to dish out!
Variations
One of the best parts about this baked cream cheese spaghetti is how easily you can customize it! For a veggie-packed version, try adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms—these add great flavor and nutrition. If you’re in the mood for some protein, cooked ground beef or Italian sausage can take this dish to the next level! Want to switch it up more? You can use different cheese combinations, like pepper jack for a spicy twist or ricotta for a creamier texture. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano sprinkled on top before baking also add a lovely aroma and freshness. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover baked cream cheese spaghetti can be a lifesaver for those busy days! To store it properly, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s sealed tight to keep that cheesy goodness intact!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the spaghetti to a baking dish if it’s not already. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out, then reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quicker option—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy your cheesy delight again!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into those numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each serving of this baked cream cheese spaghetti typically contains:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is a comforting option that balances flavor and satisfaction, making it perfect for a hearty meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love spaghetti for this dish, you can swap in any pasta shape you prefer—penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options work wonderfully!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the baked cream cheese spaghetti a day in advance! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with ricotta cheese or a blend of cottage cheese and sour cream for a different yet still creamy texture!
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is! This baked cream cheese spaghetti is a delicious vegetarian option, but feel free to add cooked meat if you want a heartier meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti dish with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or sausage.
- You can substitute with gluten-free spaghetti.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti
