Short Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender spaghetti noodles with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. This casserole is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, offering layers of flavor and a satisfying texture that makes it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings together the classic flavors of spaghetti with the creamy richness of cheese, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. The addition of cream cheese adds a velvety texture, while the baking process melds all the ingredients into a cohesive and hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz spaghetti

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the noodles are well coated.

Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Servings and Timing
Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes
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Variations
Add Protein: Incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier version.

Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina for a unique taste.
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Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this casserole.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly. Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream?
Yes, using low-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream can reduce the calorie content without significantly affecting the taste.

How can I make the casserole spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture.

Can I prepare this casserole in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for baking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for 2-3 hours until heated through.

Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
No, baking uncovered allows the cheese to melt and form a golden crust. However, if you prefer a softer top, you can cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover for the remaining time.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out when reheating?
When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can also help keep it creamy.

Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll return to time and again.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: -6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole—a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce (if using):
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mixture:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the pasta is well coated.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (or plain marinara if not using meat) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American