Easy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Quick & Delicious Comfort Food

Introduction

Oh, friends, do you ever get that craving for a dish that just wraps you up in a warm hug? The kind of meal that tastes like childhood memories and effortless weeknight dinners all rolled into one? Well, get ready, because I’ve got just the thing! This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food magic, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, even on your busiest days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: From start to finish, this comes together so quickly!
• Easy: Seriously, minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
• Giftable: This is a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or new parents.
• Crowd-pleasing: Everyone, and I mean everyone, will devour this.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, let’s see what we need! Don’t worry, it’s all pantry staples you probably already have.

• 12 oz spaghetti: Your favorite kind will do!
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
• 1 cup sour cream: For that tangy, creamy goodness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Hello, cheesy perfection!
• ½ cup grated parmesan: A little salty bite makes all the difference.
• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce: Your go-to jarred sauce is perfect here.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic always adds that extra punch.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A little herbaceous magic.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Just enough to add a hint of warmth.
• ½ tsp salt: To bring all those flavors together.
• Fresh basil or parsley, for topping: For a pop of color and freshness!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Grab an apron and let’s dive in.

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, let’s get that oven warming up to 375°F (190°C). This is your cue to start!
2. Cook the spaghetti: Get a big pot of salted water boiling and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions. We want it nice and al dente – that means tender but with a slight bite. Drain it really well once it’s done.
3. Whip up the creamy base: In a large bowl, get ready to combine all the creamy goodness. Add your softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir it all up until it’s super smooth and well combined. It should look like a dreamy, cheesy cloud!
4. Bring it all together: Now, add your drained spaghetti and that delicious marinara sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Gently stir everything together until every strand of spaghetti is coated in that luscious sauce. Be gentle, we don’t want mushy noodles!
5. Into the dish it goes: Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish – this is where our casserole will get its golden glow. Pour the entire mixture in and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake to bubbly perfection: Pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be heated all the way through and for the top to be a beautiful golden brown and bubbly. Oh, the anticipation!
7. Let it rest: This is perhaps the hardest step – waiting! Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up just right.
8. Garnish and enjoy: If you’re feeling fancy (and I always am with this dish!), sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley over the top. It adds such a lovely freshness and a pop of color.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you’re missing an ingredient? No problem! This recipe is super forgiving.

• For the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of marinara, a creamy Alfredo sauce could be interesting, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a kick!
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to play with your cheese! Monterey Jack, Provolone, or a Colby Jack blend would be delicious.
• Add Some Protein: Cooked ground beef, crumbled Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would be a fantastic addition to make it a heartier meal.
• Veggies Galore: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or even some wilted spinach would be a wonderful way to sneak in some extra goodness. Just make sure to cook them down a bit before adding them to the casserole.

Tips for Success

A few little secrets to make this casserole absolutely perfect every single time.

• Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven. A little al dente is key to avoiding mushy pasta.
• Soften Your Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free sauce. You can leave it on the counter for an hour or two, or gently microwave it for 20-30 seconds (don’t let it melt completely!).
• Grease Your Dish: A quick spray of cooking spray or a little butter will make sure your beautiful casserole slides right out.
• Prep Ahead: You can totally assemble this casserole a day in advance! Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can! Assemble and bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven. Or, you can freeze unbaked assembled casserole. Thaw and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

What kind of pasta is best for this?

Spaghetti is traditional, but any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works beautifully. You can also use short pasta like penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand!

Is this casserole spicy?

This recipe as written is mild and creamy. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture or use a spicier marinara sauce!

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