Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole! This dish is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made it; the smell that filled my kitchen was just divine! It’s such a simple recipe, but the flavors come together beautifully, creating a warm hug in a baking dish. I love how the cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture, while the marinara sauce gives it that classic Italian vibe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Trust me, everyone will be going back for seconds!
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti: This is the base of your casserole; cook it al dente for the best texture.
- 1 cup cream cheese: Softened, it brings that creamy goodness we all love.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty topping that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice salty punch and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: This contributes to the creaminess and tang.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; it ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers: Add some color and sweetness!
- 1/2 cup chopped onions: For that aromatic flavor base.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A must for that comforting garlic aroma.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend is perfect for enhancing the Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season to your liking!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering casserole that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente, then drain it. You don’t want it too soft since it’ll bake further in the oven!
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Mix it until it’s gloriously smooth—trust me, this is where the magic begins! Once that’s done, add in the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, chopped bell peppers, onions, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined. You want each piece of spaghetti coated in that creamy goodness!
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, here comes the fun part—top it off with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Yum! Finally, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you won’t be able to wait to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Ultra-creamy texture that comforts your soul.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even picky eaters.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
Tips for Success
To make your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, cook your spaghetti just until al dente—this helps it hold up during baking. When mixing your ingredients, make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps; I like to let it sit out for a bit before using. If you want a little extra flavor, don’t hesitate to add some cooked ground meat like beef or turkey, or even more veggies! Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes; every oven is different, so check for that bubbly, golden cheese around the 25-minute mark. Trust me, you’ll want it just right!
Variations of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
The beauty of this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is how easily it adapts to your taste! For a protein boost, try adding cooked ground meat like Italian sausage or shredded chicken—yum! If you’re feeling veggie-inspired, toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. You could even swap out the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist. Want a little kick? A dash of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish further. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it gets heated through without drying out. Trust me, this dish is just as comforting the second time around!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary a bit based on what you use:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This casserole is not only comforting but also packs a good amount of protein and flavor in every bite!
FAQ About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to increase the baking time slightly if it’s chilled.
Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, I recommend reheating in the oven. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, but be careful not to overcook it!
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Of course! Just substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll be good to go!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a delightful dinner spread. Enjoy!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: 5 Comforting Tips
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A creamy and cheesy spaghetti casserole baked to perfection.
Składniki
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, bell peppers, onions, and seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
