Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*! This dish is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness that warms your heart and fills your belly. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; we were all gathered ‚round the table, and the moment we dug in, everyone’s eyes lit up with delight. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, with its rich and velvety layers of spaghetti, cream cheese, and melty cheese—just divine! It’s so easy to whip up, too, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you serve this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy masterpiece! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your casserole cook evenly and ensures that cheesy topping gets all bubbly and golden. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a cold center when you’re expecting gooey goodness!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Next, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, don’t forget to drain it well—nobody wants a watery casserole!
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to use a fork or a hand mixer for this—it makes everything super smooth. You want it to be creamy and well combined; that’s where the magic starts!
Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Now, let’s add the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until it’s all coated in that luscious creaminess. Once it’s well mixed, transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Don’t skimp on the greasing; you want it to come out easily!
Step 5: Add Cheese Toppings
Time for the best part—topping it off with cheese! Sprinkle that shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. I mean, can you ever have too much cheese? I think not!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Finally, pop your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all bubbly and golden brown. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen will have everyone running to the table. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Creamy and cheesy texture that’s utterly comforting.
- Family-friendly dish that pleases both kids and adults.
- Easy to customize by adding your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Best of all, it’s a make-ahead meal—just bake when you’re ready!
- Perfect for potlucks or gatherings; everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are some of my favorite tips to make sure your *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* turns out perfectly every time! First, make sure your cream cheese is really softened before mixing—it makes blending so much easier and gives you that dreamy texture we all love. If you’re out of sour cream, you can easily substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that still keeps it creamy!
Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins! I love tossing in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for an extra protein boost, but you can also add sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version. And remember, this casserole can be made ahead of time—just assemble everything and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Trust me, the flavors meld beautifully when you let it sit for a bit!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you can expect from a typical serving of this creamy, cheesy delight. Each serving of *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* gives you about 400 calories, making it a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure: with all that creamy goodness, you’re in for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! Let’s tackle some of the most common ones I hear about this *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole*.
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or bake it in the oven until warm, and you’ll be back to cheesy bliss!
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture, or even cottage cheese blended until smooth for a lighter option. Greek yogurt is another great alternative that adds a nice tang while keeping it creamy!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you whip up this delicious dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your *baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole* is super easy! Just make sure to let the casserole cool down to room temperature before you store it. Then, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, which is great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! You can pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it in a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat it in short bursts of about 1-2 minutes, checking in between until it’s heated through.
If you prefer to reheat it in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from browning too much. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed all the way through. This method helps keep the cheese nice and melty, just like when it was freshly baked! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Drucken
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: 3 Cheesy Secrets
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese.
Zutaten
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture; stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Casserole
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 400
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 22g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 12g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
