Are you searching for a dish that combines creamy comfort with savory goodness? Look no further than this incredible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! It's the perfect harmony of tender spaghetti, a luscious cream cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping that will make every forkful an absolute delight. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple pasta dish into something truly special, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
There's something inherently comforting about a well-made casserole, and this one takes comfort food to a whole new level. The softened cream cheese blends seamlessly with milk and seasonings to create a velvety sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. Baked to perfection, the casserole emerges from the oven with a irresistible aroma and a beautiful golden crust, promising a satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to achieve.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Spaghetti Casserole
This isn't just another pasta bake; it's a culinary experience waiting to happen! Here's why this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation:
- Effortlessly Delicious: Simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with both adults and kids, perfect for feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, it's the perfect antidote to a long day.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with extra ingredients like cooked chicken or veggies to suit your taste. For another excellent baked dish, consider exploring some Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes for Juicy, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Results – Clara's Recipes.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this show-stopping casserole. You'll find most of these staples readily available in your pantry and refrigerator.
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 Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly memorable meal. Having a quality chef's knife can make prepping your parsley and other ingredients a breeze!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it thoroughly and set aside. Overcooked spaghetti will result in a mushy casserole, so keep an eye on it!
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a casserole dish. Add the cooked spaghetti and the prepared cream cheese sauce to the dish. Mix gently until every strand of spaghetti is evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve immediately while it's warm and enjoy every creamy bite!
Tips and Variations for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for the smoothest sauce. This prevents lumps.
- Don't Overmix: Once the spaghetti and sauce are combined, mix just enough to coat everything. Overmixing can break down the pasta.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the spaghetti before baking. Cooked, shredded chicken is another fantastic addition.
- Make it Spicy: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle heat, or a dash of hot sauce for a bolder flavor.
- Serve with a Salad: This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with a light side salad. Try a Warm Pear and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese for a delightful contrast.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole are just as delicious! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a dish that truly delivers on flavor and comfort. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
FAQs
Can I prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What are some good substitutions for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are excellent alternatives that will lend a similar salty, nutty flavor to your casserole. Mozzarella can also be used for a milder, stretchier cheese pull.
How can I make this spaghetti casserole healthier?
For a lighter version, you can opt for whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat cream cheese. Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the spaghetti mixture for extra nutrients.
Can I add meat to this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! Browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken would all make delicious additions. Simply mix the cooked meat into the spaghetti and cream cheese sauce before baking.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy casserole featuring tender spaghetti coated in a rich, creamy cream cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for topping)
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: In a greased casserole dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and the cream cheese sauce. Mix until well combined. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
