Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this baked cream cheese spaghetti! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just absolutely bursting with flavor. Every time I make it, my family gathers around the table with big smiles, and honestly, it’s become one of our go-to weeknight meals. I love how simple it is to whip up, yet it feels totally indulgent. You just mix everything together and pop it in the oven—no fussing around! Plus, the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates this luscious, gooey texture that’s just to die for. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it for days. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of it too!
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti! Each one plays a vital role in making this dish as creamy and flavorful as it can be.
- 8 oz spaghetti – You can use regular or gluten-free, whichever suits your needs!
- 8 oz cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. You want it nice and creamy!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – This gives that gooey, melty goodness we all love.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a touch of sharpness that balances the creaminess.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – I prefer the ones without added spices, but feel free to get creative!
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds extra richness and tang. You won’t regret this addition!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best for that aromatic flavor that makes everything pop.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that truly brings out the Italian essence in this dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning, so don’t skip this step!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re just a few steps away from a comforting and delightful meal! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Now, let’s dive into how to prepare this heavenly baked cream cheese spaghetti! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready to bake in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your pasta goes in!
- While the oven is warming up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t overcook it, or it’ll get mushy in the oven!
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and set it aside for a moment. You want it to cool slightly so it’s easier to mix.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and minced garlic. Stir until it’s all smooth and creamy. You can use a whisk or a spatula—whatever you prefer!
- Add the drained spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, along with the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. It’ll look a little messy, but that’s okay!
- Transfer your pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. This is where the magic happens!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell divine!
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti ready to be devoured. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? This baked cream cheese spaghetti is an absolute game-changer in the kitchen, and here’s why you’re going to love it!
- Quick Preparation: It takes just 15 minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Comforting Texture: Each bite is creamy and gooey, giving you that warm feeling of home-cooked goodness.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy delight, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies, so it never gets boring!
Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal. I can’t wait for you to experience its magic!
Tips for Success
To truly master this baked cream cheese spaghetti, here are some of my best tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is well softened before mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend smoothly, and you’ll end up with lumps—yuck! Also, don’t skip the preheating step; it’s crucial for achieving that bubbly, golden cheese on top.
Another little trick? Stir your pasta mixture thoroughly—this ensures every strand of spaghetti is coated in that creamy goodness. If you want an extra crispy top, I like to broil it for a minute at the end, but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn! And finally, feel free to get creative with your add-ins—think sautéed veggies or cooked protein! These tweaks can take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Happy cooking, and enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Variations on Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
One of the best things about this baked cream cheese spaghetti is how easy it is to customize! If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun ideas to make it your own.
- Protein Power: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal. Just mix it right in with the pasta!
- Veggie Delight: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a burst of flavor and nutrition. You can even sneak in some zucchini or broccoli!
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a zesty twist. You could even try a blend of your favorites!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even a bit of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish and add a pop of freshness.
Feel free to get creative—the sky’s the limit! Each variation brings something special to the table, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious creations!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this baked cream cheese spaghetti! Each serving is packed with deliciousness while providing some decent nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Fat: 25g, including 14g of saturated fat
- Protein: 15g, making it a satisfying meal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are typical and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or any tasty additions you decide to throw in. But the bottom line is, you’re getting a comforting and cheesy meal that’s sure to please! Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s not just delicious but also packed with some good stuff!
FAQ About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Got questions about this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything, assemble it in the baking dish, and then cover it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, feel free to swap out spaghetti for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you love. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose!
What if I don’t have cream cheese? If you’re in a pinch, you can use ricotta cheese or even a blend of cottage cheese and sour cream. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
Can I freeze leftovers? Sure thing! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for about 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store and reheat your baked cream cheese spaghetti so you can enjoy those cheesy leftovers! First off, once your dish has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well so it doesn’t dry out!
When it comes to reheating, the oven is your best friend for maintaining that creamy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place your spaghetti in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but I recommend covering it with a damp paper towel and heating it in short intervals to keep it nice and moist. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Baked Ziti with Meatballs!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 7 Comforting Flavors Await
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti dish with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic until smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- You can add cooked ground beef or sausage for more protein.
- Feel free to use gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti, cheesy spaghetti, pasta bake
