Introduction:
Looking for a cozy and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul? Look no further than this irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a comforting meal at home, this dish combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, savory spaghetti sauce, and gooey melted cheese to create a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create this comforting classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top of the sauce in an even layer.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti and sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture, flavorful sauce, and cheesy topping, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal at home, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in pure comfort with every bite of this delightful recipe.
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pair with a glass of your favorite wine, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio or a fruity Merlot, to enhance the dining experience.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over each serving just before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through, or reheat larger portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
- If freezing, portion the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents.
- Frozen baked cream cheese spaghetti can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen container to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Reheat following the same instructions as for refrigerated leftovers.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes!
Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or even rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions and enjoy your preferred variation of this creamy and comforting dish.
Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Certainly! Adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the spaghetti sauce layer can add a delicious protein boost and extra flavor to the dish. Simply brown the meat before layering it with the spaghetti and sauce, or use leftover cooked meat for a convenient shortcut.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply follow all the steps up to the point of baking, cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake according to the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti or pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as the spaghetti sauce and cream cheese, are also gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti that’s just as indulgent and satisfying as the original.