Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti that transforms a simple dish into a creamy, comforting masterpiece. This hearty meal combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the indulgence of cream cheese, resulting in a cheese-filled spaghetti bake that is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces spaghetti
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
24 ounces marinara sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the marinara sauce to the meat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
In the skillet, combine the cooked spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.