Baked cream cheese spaghetti
INGREDIENTS
• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
Drain and return to pot.
2. Add cubed cream cheese to hot spaghetti and toss until fully coated and melted into a creamy sauce.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
4. Add Italian seasoning and garlic to beef.
Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
6. Spread a thin layer of beef marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
7. Top with cream cheese coated spaghetti, then remaining beef marinara sauce.
8. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
9. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
10. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
✨Outfit Details #recipedinner #ceasersalad #easydinnerideas
I recently made baked cream cheese spaghetti following a similar recipe, and it turned out to be a real crowd-pleaser. What I love about this dish is the rich creaminess the cream cheese adds to the spaghetti, creating a velvety sauce that elevates a classic pasta dinner. Using lean ground turkey instead of beef is a great option for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Cooking the garlic and Italian seasoning with the meat infuses the sauce with a wonderful aroma, and simmering the marinara for a few minutes thickens it just right. Spreading a layer of the beef marinara at the bottom of the baking dish before adding the cream cheese coated spaghetti helps keep the pasta moist and packed with flavor. Sprinkling both mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top guarantees a golden bubbly crust after baking. I also like to pair this dish with a fresh Caesar salad drizzled with Cardini dressing, as the crisp greens and tangy dressing balance the richness of the baked pasta. For preparation tips, make sure to toss the hot spaghetti with the cream cheese until it melts fully to ensure every strand is coated. If you want a bit more texture, adding chopped fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara can add some freshness and mild heat. Overall, this baked cream cheese spaghetti is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that brings together creamy and savory flavors in a family-friendly dish that works well for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
we call that baked spaghetti but mix the cream cheese with the meat and sauce 🤷🏻♀️