Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, packed with creamy goodness and cheesy flavor that just makes my heart sing. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma, drawing everyone to the kitchen as soon as it starts baking. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a dreamy cream cheese mixture, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist diving in! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can whip it up even on the craziest days! I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole a hit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti: This is the base of your casserole. Cook it al dente for that perfect texture!
- 8 oz cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. This is what gives the casserole its creamy richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Use the good stuff for that gooey, melty topping. It’s the star of the show!
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for that extra flavor kick.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice salty bite that complements the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Just a sprinkle to enhance the flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that really brings out that classic Italian taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Season to enhance all those yummy flavors!
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the dish.
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking—you’ll be so glad you did!
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly throughout. You want that gooey cheese to melt perfectly, right?
Cook the Spaghetti
Next up, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain it well afterward! You want to avoid any excess water in your casserole, so give it a good shake in the colander.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a hand mixer or a fork to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth. You want that creamy texture to be super inviting!
Combine Ingredients
Now, add the drained spaghetti and marinara sauce to your cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious cream cheese goodness. Make sure you mix thoroughly—every noodle deserves some love!
Transfer and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is where the magic happens! Top it off with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This layer of cheese will create that irresistible golden crust while baking.
Let it Cool
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This little wait helps the dish set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Plus, it’ll be less hot for those eager mouths waiting to dig in!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, it’s always good to know what you’re diving into! Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, which is about 1 cup. Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 14g
This casserole is packed with flavors and a good mix of nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. So go ahead and enjoy a hearty serving without too much worry—it’s all about balance, right?
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, don’t rush the mixing stage. Make sure your cream cheese is really softened; this will help it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, giving you that creamy texture we all crave. If you want to add some extra flavor, consider sautéing some onions or garlic before mixing them into the dish. They’ll add a lovely depth of flavor!
Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking for that bubbly, golden cheese around the 25-minute mark. You want it to be perfectly melted, not overcooked. Lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this gives it a chance to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, these little tips can make all the difference!
Variations of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! Here are some tasty variations that can add new flavors and textures to your dish:
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and a pop of color. Just make sure to cook them slightly before mixing them in so they don’t release too much moisture!
- Meaty Delight: For those meat lovers, consider adding cooked ground beef, turkey, or even sausage. It’ll turn your casserole into a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
- Cheese Lovers: Want to take it to the next level? Swap out the mozzarella for a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. The more, the merrier when it comes to cheese!
- Herb Infusion: For a fresh twist, try adding chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano. They’ll elevate the flavors and give your casserole a lovely aromatic touch.
- Classic Spin: If you love a more traditional Italian vibe, mix in some cooked meatballs or Italian sausage. You can even use a marinara sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own. Each twist can turn this comforting favorite into something uniquely yours. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, you’ll want to store them properly to keep all that cheesy goodness intact! First, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from making it soggy in the fridge.
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple. For the best results, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave! Just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warm and gooey again.
Trust me, nothing beats diving back into that creamy, cheesy goodness, so don’t be shy about saving those leftovers!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, but the texture will be different. Greek yogurt is another alternative for a tangy twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some cooked veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. Just remember to sauté them first to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Enjoy that cheesy goodness all over again!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Meal
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese.
Zutaten
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce to the cheese mixture; stir until combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Add cooked ground meat for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 32g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
