Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese and tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese baked to golden perfection. Optional ground beef or sausage adds a hearty touch, making it a perfect family-friendly meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti
Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Meat
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage (optional for added protein)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
- Cook Meat (Optional): If using ground beef or sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat. Stir the cooked meat into the prepared sauce mixture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until every strand is well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture evenly into it.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): For a more browned and crispy cheese crust, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter sauce.
- Ground beef or sausage is optional but adds protein and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
