Description
Imagine a dish where velvety cheese entwines with perfectly cooked pasta, a medley that pets the soul and satiates the palate. With Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, every bite is a tender embrace, perfect for homely gatherings or a quiet evening in. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s comfort food that warms from the inside out, evoking the familial joy usually reserved for shared meals on cherished occasions. A blend of creamy goodness and familiar staples, Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is truly a masterpiece of simple indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Spaghetti noodles
- Salt for boiling water
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar (24 oz) Marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente, as per package instructions, then drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Blend the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a bowl until smooth.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and drain any excess fat.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti into the prepared baking dish, then evenly spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Add half of the marinara or spaghetti sauce, followed by a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients in the same order.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve your delightful casserole hot.
Notes
- Use Quality Cheese: Opt for quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but freshly grated cheese often melts better and boasts richer taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure your spaghetti is cooked to al dente. It will continue to soften during baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and serve clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food