Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Comfort Food Classic
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that is hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food you’ve been dreaming of! 🍝🍲 Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the details and bring this delicious dish to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌟 Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella makes this dish irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
📚 Easy to Prepare: With simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together without much effort.
🙌 Versatile: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your preferences.
🌿 Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey, cheesy texture and comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so special:
Pasta Base:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients 🍒
Before you start, make sure to gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your baked spaghetti comes out effortlessly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta 🍲
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. You’ll want the pasta to be al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
Preparation
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce 🍽️
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture 🍝
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked spaghetti to this mixture and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish 🎨
Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top it with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
Final touch
Step 6: Bake to Perfection ☀️
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. If you like an extra crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes – but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy 🍷
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and watch as everyone digs in with delight!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality marinara sauce and cheeses make a big difference in flavor.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble this dish a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully. Make an extra batch, freeze it before baking, and you’ll have a ready-to-go meal for busy nights.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)*
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
*Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy baked spaghetti with: 🌿 A Fresh Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the pasta. 🍞 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that extra marinara sauce. 🍇 Roasted Veggies: A medley of roasted zucchini, carrots, and cherry tomatoes complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
🌐 In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
📤 In the Freezer: Assemble the dish (without baking) and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
Final Thoughts 🍝
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want a meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. Its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the tangy marinara sauce and tender spaghetti makes it unforgettable.
What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic happen. And don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social media with the hashtag #SwirlyRecipes. We’d love to see your creations! 🎉
Happy cooking and buon appetito! 🍲❤️
