Description
A creamy and comforting baked spaghetti casserole featuring a rich cream cheese sauce blended with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for a hearty family meal. This easy-to-make dish combines tender pasta with a luscious, garlicky cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
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
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 fully combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss to evenly coat the pasta. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and a quarter cup of the Parmesan cheese until they begin to melt into the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, 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 additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can customize the dish by adding cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables for more protein and flavor.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter option.
- Keep an eye on the broiling step to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- This bake can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
