Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Looking for a comforting and delicious dinner idea? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the answer! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- 3. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Stir in cooked spaghetti until well coated.
- 5. Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 6. Spread spaghetti mixture over sauce.
- 7. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- 8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 10. Let cool slightly before serving.
Popular questions:
- Question: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
- Question: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Question: Can I freeze leftovers?
- Question: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Answer: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but spaghetti works best for this particular dish.
Answer: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
Answer: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
Answer: Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the spaghetti mixture for added nutrition.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty version.
- 2. Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color.
- 3. Use a blend of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- 4. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- 5. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. Make sure to fully coat the spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture for maximum creaminess.
- 2. Letting the casserole cool slightly before serving will help the flavors meld together.
- 3. Use a high-quality spaghetti sauce for the best flavor results.
- 4. Reserve some mozzarella cheese to sprinkle on top right before serving for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- 5. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.