Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

$- 12 oz spaghetti - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce To create this tasty casserole, you need some key items. The spaghetti forms the base. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture. Mozzarella and ricotta cheeses make it cheesy and delicious. Marinara sauce gives it a tasty, savory flavor. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil) - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick) These optional items add more taste. Parmesan cheese boosts the cheese flavor. Garlic and onion powders give it depth. Fresh or dried basil brings a nice herb touch. Red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat. - Gluten-free pasta options - Dairy-free substitutes for cheese - Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers You can change things up too! Use gluten-free pasta if needed. You can find dairy-free cheese for a different taste. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. This makes the dish even better and more colorful. To start, cook your spaghetti until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions closely. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Next, soften the cream cheese. You can do this by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes mixing much easier. In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and ricotta cheese. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. Now, toss the drained spaghetti into this cheese mixture. Make sure every strand of spaghetti is well coated. This helps the flavors spread evenly. Now, it’s time to layer your casserole. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, layer the spaghetti mixture over the sauce evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the spaghetti layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes now. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden top. This is your sign that it is ready. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set nicely. To make your casserole perfect, ensure even cooking for the cheeses. Mix them well. This helps the flavors blend together. Letting the casserole rest is important too. After baking, allow it to sit for five minutes. This gives it time to set, making it easier to serve. Yes, you can make this casserole a day in advance! Just prepare it as usual, then cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, take it out and let it warm a bit. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best results. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the cheese nice and melty. To add more flavor, consider herbs or spices like fresh basil or garlic powder. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick. Pair your casserole with a fresh salad or garlic bread. This makes a complete meal that everyone will love! {{image_2}} You can make this dish more colorful and healthy. Start by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies not only taste great but also add nutrition. If you want a vegan option, swap out the cream cheese and other cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Look for vegan cream cheese and mozzarella. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. For those who love meat, adding protein can make this dish heartier. Ground turkey or beef works well. You can simply brown the meat before mixing it into the cheese and pasta. Chicken is another tasty option. Cook it until it’s tender, then chop it up and mix it in. Each choice gives you a rich flavor boost. While marinara is classic, don’t hesitate to switch it up. Alfredo sauce brings a creamy twist to the dish. You can even try pesto for a fresh taste. Feel free to mix sauces too. Combining marinara with Alfredo can create a unique flavor that everyone will love. To keep your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. - Use an airtight container for best results. - If you want to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. - This helps prevent freezer burn. You can reheat your casserole in two ways: in the oven or the microwave. - For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Cover the dish with foil to keep the cheese from drying out. - Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. - In the microwave, heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. - Stir between intervals for even heating. Your casserole will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. - Look for signs like an off smell or mold. - If it smells bad or looks strange, throw it away. - Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well. Each shape holds sauce differently. Choose what you like best! Yes, you can freeze it. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil. When ready, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 1 hour. Check for doneness. I recommend a fresh salad or garlic bread. A Caesar salad pairs nicely. You can also serve steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Add more red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use spicy sausage in the mix. For a kick, try jalapeños on top before baking. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is simple and versatile. You can use different cheeses, pastas, or veggies. Follow the steps for a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. Remember to let your casserole cool before serving for the best taste. Explore new flavors by adding spices or herbs. Enjoy this meal with sides like salads or bread. By trying different ingredients, you can make every version special. Cooking should be fun, so let your creativity shine!$

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Discover the deliciousness of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, an easy and comforting dish that everyone will love! This recipe combines creamy cheeses and marinara sauce with spaghetti for a meal that's both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it's sure to impress. Click through to explore this simple recipe and make your next meal unforgettable! Enjoy cheesy goodness in every bite!

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups marinara sauce

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese mixture, tossing until the spaghetti is fully coated.

Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Layer the spaghetti mixture evenly over the marinara sauce.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the spaghetti layer.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using) on top of the casserole.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6