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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy pasta dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese tomato sauce, Italian herbs, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this casserole bakes to bubbly perfection. Optional ground beef or sausage can be added for extra protein, making it a hearty, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb spaghetti

Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Protein (optional)

  • 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Heat Sauce: Warm the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
  6. Cook Protein (Optional): If using ground beef or sausage, brown it in a separate skillet until fully cooked, then mix it into the cream cheese sauce.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the prepared cream cheese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  10. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
  11. Optional Broil: For a beautifully browned top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  12. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
  13. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top if desired for a fresh, herbal finish.
  14. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy casserole with your favorite side dishes or a simple green salad.

Notes

  • You can substitute milk for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
  • Ground beef or sausage is optional but adds protein and flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • To save time, use pre-shredded cheese but freshly grated Parmesan adds better flavor.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

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Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/baked-cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/