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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and comforting dish that combines creamy cream cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, delivering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb spaghetti

Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Protein (Optional)

  • 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole later.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Heat and Stir: Warm the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
  6. Cook the Meat (if using): In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked, then drain excess fat and add the meat to the sauce mixture, stirring well to combine.
  7. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until every strand is thoroughly coated.
  8. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the spaghetti and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  9. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
  10. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top begins to turn golden brown.
  11. Optional Broil: For a crispier cheese topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.
  12. Rest the Casserole: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish, then serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef or sausage.
  • Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
  • If you prefer spicier dishes, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

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

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