This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. The combination of the velvety spaghetti, the sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce, and the crunchy toppings creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Growing up, casseroles were always a favorite in our household. My mom would make them for special occasions, and the combination of rich textures and bold flavors was always a hit. When I decided to elevate this classic casserole by adding cream cheese to spaghetti, I knew it would be a game-changer. The first time I served this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to my family, their eyes lit up with excitement. The combination of the velvety spaghetti, the sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce, and the crunchy toppings was a match made in heaven.
This casserole has become a favorite in my household. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, elegant parties, or even a comforting treat after a long day. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make. The spaghetti comes together quickly, the cream cheese sauce adds a sweet and tangy layer, and the toppings bring a delightful crunch. The presentation is always a showstopper, making it perfect for any special occasion.
So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking. This recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love making this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. And trust me, your loved ones will thank you for it.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the richness of spaghetti with the smoothness of cream cheese. The combination creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for casual gatherings, elegant parties, or a comforting treat, this casserole is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. The spaghetti comes together quickly, the cream cheese sauce adds a sweet and tangy layer, and the toppings bring a delightful crunch. The presentation is always a showstopper, making it perfect for any special occasion.
The unique selling points of this recipe include the delightful combination of velvety spaghetti, sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce, and crunchy toppings, creating a creamy and dreamy casserole. The recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love making this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
Every time I make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, I’m reminded of the first time I served it to my family. It was for a casual gathering, and I wanted to create a casserole that was both delicious and unique. The casserole was an instant hit. My family loved the combination of the velvety spaghetti, the sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce, and the crunchy toppings. Since then, this casserole has become a staple at our family gatherings and special occasions.
This casserole has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion, it always hits the spot. The combination of flavors and the creamy, dreamy nature of the casserole make it a crowd-pleaser. And the best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make. The spaghetti comes together quickly, the cream cheese sauce adds a sweet and tangy layer, and the toppings bring a delightful crunch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Why This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Is a Must-Try
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves a creamy and dreamy casserole. The combination of velvety spaghetti, sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce, and crunchy toppings creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for casual gatherings, elegant parties, or a comforting treat, this casserole is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
What sets this recipe apart is the delightful combination of velvety spaghetti, sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce, and crunchy toppings, creating a creamy and dreamy casserole. The recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love making this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
What You Need For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Prepare the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased casserole dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and the cream cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
To ensure the best results, make sure the casserole is well-baked before serving. This will help achieve the best texture and presentation. Also, be patient with the baking process. Allowing the casserole to bake for the recommended time will result in the best texture and flavor.
For an extra touch of elegance, you can serve the casserole on a fancy platter or individual plates. This will add another layer of beauty and make the presentation even more impressive.
Substitutions and Variations:
If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or even Asiago cheese. Each type of cheese will bring a unique flavor to the casserole.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese for the sauce. The casserole will still be delicious and have a lighter texture.
Make a Healthier Version:
To make a healthier version of this casserole, you can use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for the toppings. Additionally, you can use whole wheat spaghetti for the casserole. This will lower the overall calorie and sugar content of the dish.
Closing For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the casserole?
- Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago cheese, or even mozzarella cheese. Each type of cheese will bring a unique flavor to the casserole.
- Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more as it chills.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to a month. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
- How long does the casserole keep?
- This casserole is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
- Yes, you can add more cheese for a richer flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the balance of the casserole.
- Can I use a different type of seasoning for the casserole?
- Yes, you can use Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even red pepper flakes. Each type of seasoning will bring a unique flavor to the casserole.
- Can I serve the casserole at room temperature?
- This casserole is best served fresh and warm, but you can let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving if you prefer.
- Can I make the casserole in a different size?
- Yes, you can make larger or smaller casseroles depending on your preference. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of garnish?
- Yes, you can garnish the casserole with chopped fresh chives, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
- Can I make this casserole for a large gathering?
- Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a large batch of the casserole for a gathering.
- Can I serve this casserole as a main dish?
- Yes, this casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, especially for casual gatherings or elegant parties.
- Can I add a layer of toppings to the casserole?
- While this casserole is traditionally served with Parmesan cheese and parsley, you can add a layer of sliced tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and dreamy baked spaghetti casserole with a sweet and tangy cream cheese sauce topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (topping)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, milk, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In a greased casserole dish, combine cooked spaghetti and cream cheese sauce; mix well.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley evenly over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure casserole is fully baked for best texture and flavor. Let cream cheese soften and mix thoroughly for smooth sauce. Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dish. Variations include using Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
