Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich cream cheese and marinara sauce, then baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. With simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheeses
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the spaghetti dish.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well to remove all water.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and the marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture, stirring well until all pasta is coated thoroughly with the sauce mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the coated spaghetti mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute part of the cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or red pepper flakes to the sauce mix.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers reheated in the oven or microwave are delicious.
- If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
