Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and creamy pasta casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Combining tender spaghetti with a luscious cream cheese sauce and a golden cheesy topping, it’s an easy-to-make dish that can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies. Baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe serves six and brings cheesy, flavorful indulgence to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Optional Add-Ins:

Cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken
Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: 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 the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a rich coating.
Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top to form a cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned. Optionally, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end for an extra golden crust—monitor closely to avoid burning.
Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

For a protein boost, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the pasta mixture before baking.
Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed in for added nutrition and flavor.
Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, or substitute with lower-fat milk if preferred.
Keep an eye on the casserole if broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American