Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor that’ll have you going back for seconds. Seriously, who doesn’t love a dish that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the lusciousness of cream cheese? This casserole is so easy to whip up; you can have it in the oven in no time! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’ve got friends over and want to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll feel all the cozy vibes. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can dig in and enjoy this delightful comfort food! Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheese (your favorite type!)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets all bubbly and delightful. No one wants a cold center, right? So, let that oven warm up while you’re preparing the other ingredients.
Cook the Spaghetti
Now, grab that spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes to get perfectly al dente. Once it’s done, don’t forget to drain it well! You want to get rid of any excess water so your casserole doesn’t turn out soggy—yuck!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture is where all the flavor is, so take your time here to really combine everything well. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Combine Ingredients
Next up, add the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to that luscious cream cheese mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well coated and combined. You want every strand of spaghetti to be enveloped in that creamy goodness—yum!
Transfer and Bake
Now it’s time to transfer your cheesy spaghetti mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle that shredded cheese on top like you mean it! Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The aroma will be heavenly, and you’ll know it’s almost time to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a fantastic option for those busy weeknights!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti—pure comfort in every bite!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this dish. It’s a surefire hit that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: With no meat involved, this casserole is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, meatless meal.
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few pro tips that I swear by!
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is a game changer! Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. It helps create that ultra-smooth blend you want, making it easier to incorporate into the other ingredients.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Once your casserole is out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in! Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes serving so much easier.
- Season to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be shy about adjusting the salt and pepper. Give your mixture a taste before baking to make sure it’s just right for you!
- Experiment with Cheeses: While I love a good blend of shredded cheese on top, feel free to get creative! Try mozzarella for a classic pull, or mix in some sharp cheddar for added zing.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! While I’m all for enjoying comfort food, it’s nice to know what’s going into our meals. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is about 1 cup:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use—especially the type of cheese or marinara sauce. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it when you’re enjoying a bowl of this creamy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven! You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
What type of cheese can I use?
Oh, the cheese possibilities are endless! While I usually go for a classic blend of shredded cheese like mozzarella and cheddar, you can totally customize it to your taste. Try using provolone for a nice stretch, or even a bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist. Whatever cheese you choose, just make sure it melts well—I promise, it’ll elevate your casserole to cheesy heaven!
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheating leftovers is a breeze! Just place the desired amount of casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent burning. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through. Either way, it’ll still be creamy and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I absolutely love pairing it with a crisp, refreshing salad or some tasty sides that complement the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce—yum!
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances out the richness of the casserole. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and maybe a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor!
- Steamed Vegetables: Bright, steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are not only healthy but add a pop of color to your plate. Plus, they’re a great way to get in some greens!
- Caesar Salad: If you want something a bit heartier, a classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing is a match made in heaven with this dish.
- Roasted Veggies: Try some roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. The caramelized flavors will really elevate your meal!
These sides will enhance your dining experience and make this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole 3: Pure Comfort Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce; stir until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Use any cheese of your choice for topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
