Description
This comforting Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe combines tender spaghetti tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese and milk, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, and baked to bubbly, golden perfection with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish can be customized with your favorite cooked meats or sautéed vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 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 (optional)
- Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.) (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and whole milk until smooth and creamy. Then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to flavor the sauce evenly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until they melt into the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra golden and crisp crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese as desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk, but you can substitute with 2% or skim milk for a lighter dish.
- Add cooked ground meats or sautéed vegetables to the pasta mixture for added protein and nutrients.
- Watch the casserole closely if broiling at the end to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and make a great next-day meal.
