Description

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines the richness of cream cheese with the perfect blend of spices and melted cheeses. This easy-to-make dish is a family favorite, featuring a cheesy, golden top and a flavorful, creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Optional Add-Ins:

Cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken

Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)

Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cream Cheese Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until melted.
Assemble the Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
Serve:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Meaty Twist: Add ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for added protein.

Veggie-Packed: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños for a spicy variation.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American