Description

A creamy and comforting baked spaghetti casserole featuring a rich cream cheese tomato sauce, layered with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners and serves as a hearty, cheesy pasta bake everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz spaghetti

Sauce

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups marinara or your favorite tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Cheeses

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in sour cream if using for an extra rich and creamy texture.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every noodle is fully coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the top to create a delicious crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, signaling it’s ready to be served.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of fresh flavor and a lovely color contrast.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the marinara sauce does not contain gluten.
Adding sour cream is optional but enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
You can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole, Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cream cheese spaghetti, cheesy pasta bake, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food