Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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Introduction:
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that combines tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with a layer of melted cheese and baked to perfection. It’s an easy and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, delivering all the cozy flavors of a baked pasta dish with an extra creamy twist.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  1. Cook the Spaghetti:
  • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  1. Brown the Meat:
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
  1. Add the Sauce:
  • Stir the marinara sauce into the browned meat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  1. Layer the Spaghetti:
  • Place half of the cooked spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
  1. Add the Meat Sauce:
  • Pour the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer, then add the remaining spaghetti on top. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
  1. Top with Cheese:
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
  1. Bake:
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown and bubble.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Serve Hot:
    • Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Cream cheese texture: Soften the cream cheese before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Prevent overcooking pasta: Cook the spaghetti until just al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
  • Customize the meat: Use Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Recommendation:

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck, with its rich layers of creaminess and cheesy goodness. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad to round out the meal!

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