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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

A comforting and creamy baked spaghetti dish featuring a rich cream cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 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 Optional for added protein.
  • Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.) Optional for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Red pepper flakes For a spicy kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese and milk until very smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; taste to adjust seasoning.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss.
  2. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan until they start to melt into the sauce.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Transfer the coated pasta into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan over the top.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. If desired, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end while watching carefully.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Time-saver: Use leftover cooked pasta and meat to cut prep time in half. Common mistake: If your sauce feels grainy, whisk longer over warm milk to smooth it.