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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
There’s something irresistible about a hearty, cheesy pasta dish. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering, pasta has a way of bringing comfort to the table. If you’re looking to elevate the classic spaghetti and marinara combination, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect recipe to try. This creamy, cheesy twist on spaghetti is everything you love about Italian comfort food—rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying—but with an extra layer of creamy goodness that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds.
What Makes Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti So Special?
Baked spaghetti is a beloved dish on its own, with its rich marinara sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese. But by adding cream cheese to the sauce, you create a creamy, velvety texture that elevates the entire dish. The cream cheese blends with the tomato sauce to give it a smooth, luscious consistency that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Here’s what makes this baked spaghetti so special:
- Creamy and Dreamy: The addition of cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, adding richness and a little tang. It’s the kind of creaminess you’d find in a decadent lasagna but with the simplicity of spaghetti.
- Cheesy, Melty Goodness: A generous topping of shredded mozzarella ensures that the spaghetti comes out of the oven with a gooey, golden crust that adds texture and flavor.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is filling enough to be a main course, and the combination of pasta, cream cheese, marinara sauce, and cheese provides a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Simple Yet Impressive: This recipe takes a classic, simple spaghetti dish and turns it into something special with minimal effort. It’s great for busy weeknights but also impressive enough for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you only need a handful of ingredients. These common kitchen staples come together to create a flavorful, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that’s easy to prepare.
- 1 lb spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 lb ground beef (optional, but adds heartiness to the dish)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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