Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta casserole perfect for a family dinner. This dish features spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese and milk sauce, flavored with garlic and onion powders, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before baking to golden perfection. Optional add-ins like cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables make it versatile and customizable.
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 (amount as desired)
- Sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers (amount as desired)
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (to taste)
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 softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Mix in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan until the cheeses melt into the sauce. Incorporate optional add-ins now if using.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese if desired to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce; substitute with 2% or plant-based milk if preferred.
- Feel free to customize the casserole by adding cooked ground meat or your favorite sautéed vegetables.
- Do not overcook the pasta; cooking to al dente prevents mushy casserole texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit meat add-ins and add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein.
