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Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners. Combining al dente spaghetti with creamy melted cream cheese, tangy pasta sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and plenty of shredded cheese, it bakes to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare and bake, this dish can be made ahead and freezes well, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Sauce

  • 1 box uncooked spaghetti
  • 1-24 ounce (680g) jar pasta sauce
  • 1-14 ounce (411g) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained

Cream Cheese and Cheese

  • 8 ounces (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into 8 cubes
  • 2 cups (226g) shredded cheese, divided

Optional

  • Fresh basil, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, as it will cook further in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt Cream Cheese: While the pot is still hot, add the cubed cream cheese to it. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese is mostly melted and smooth.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the hot cooked spaghetti, pasta sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly. Then stir in about half of the shredded cheese (approximately one big handful) until well dispersed.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.
  6. Storage and Make Ahead: Leftovers can be refrigerated, covered tightly, for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or in a 300ºF (148ºC) oven for 20 minutes covered with foil. This casserole can also be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; if so, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Notes

  • Cooking pasta al dente is recommended since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Use any fat content cream cheese according to preference.
  • Substitute shredded cheese with mozzarella or a blend of your choice for variation.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note but is optional.
  • Make sure to cover leftovers tightly before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Find it online: https://piesbypaula.com/baked-spaghetti-with-cream-cheese-recipe/