Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Comforting Delight
Baked cream cheese spaghetti is a comforting dish that's perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. This recipe combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with classic spaghetti and marinara sauce, making it a guaranteed favorite. Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating this delicious meal in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Then, add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cream cheese layer.
Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake the Spaghetti
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the assembled dish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the baked cream cheese spaghetti is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Meat Options: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Sauce Choices: Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella topping.
Baked cream cheese spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of creamy cheese and savory meat sauce creates a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!