Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti dishes, blending the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with hearty pasta and savory Italian flavors. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 oz spaghetti
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained (optional)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the marinara sauce. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cream cheese mixture.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
If using, fold in the cooked ground beef or sausage into the pasta mixture.
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.
Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce. Finish with the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
