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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners. This dish combines tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese sauce, flavorful marinara, and melted cheese for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling spaghetti
  • Large skillet for sauce
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey optional
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning meat
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Spaghetti
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Meat Sauce (Optional)
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
  • Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Layer
  • In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of the marinara sauce and a splash of the pasta water. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble the Casserole
  • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until well coated.
  • Layer the spaghetti over the meat sauce.
  • Top the spaghetti with the remaining meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
  • Bake
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Serve
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!