Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make American classic combines smooth, cheesy flavors with Italian seasonings, perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the softened cream cheese and milk, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Toss Spaghetti in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan and toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the coated spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with optional chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage before baking.
- You can add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
