Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and comforting pasta casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti, baked to golden bubbly perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Customize it with your choice of ground meat, sausage, chicken, or sautéed vegetables for a hearty and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken
- Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for a protein boost.
- Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or substitute with a lower-fat milk for a lighter version.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
