Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (regular or whole wheat), cooked al dente
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup cooked spinach
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and let cool slightly to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently until all the noodles are evenly coated. Stir in half of the shredded cheese blend.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to form a golden crust.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after baking.
- Grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Customize cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for a bright finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free Optional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cream cheese pasta, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, make-ahead casserole, family meal