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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish combining tender spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese sauce and topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, this casserole is easily customizable with added veggies or proteins and reheats beautifully as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Add-ins

  • Cooked chicken, shredded
  • Steamed broccoli florets
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
  • Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use, then set spaghetti aside.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it softens and begins to melt. Gradually whisk in the milk or heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese sauce until every strand is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it for better mixing.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese: Pour the creamy spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts evenly and prevents clumps in the sauce.
  • Slightly undercook the spaghetti as it will continue to cook and absorb sauce during baking.
  • Blend mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a gooey texture and rich flavor.
  • Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set properly for slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked casserole, cream cheese pasta, cheesy spaghetti bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/baked-cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole/