Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole combines the best elements of creamy pasta and a hearty baked casserole. The creamy cream cheese sauce blends perfectly with cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce, creating a rich, comforting dish. Topped with melted cheese and baked until golden, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that makes a perfect family dinner or meal prep option!
Ingredients
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1 lb spaghetti
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 lb ground beef or sausage (optional for added protein)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Spaghetti:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
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Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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If using ground beef or sausage, brown it in a separate skillet and add it to the sauce mixture.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until well coated.
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Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake:
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Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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If you want a more browned top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
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Serve:
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Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
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Notes
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You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
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If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef or sausage.
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This dish is great for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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You can use a gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg