Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese
If you're looking for a meatless meal that's filling, flavorful, and easy to make, look no further than vegetarian baked spaghetti with cream cheese. This dish is a comforting classic that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. Plus, it's a delicious way to get your daily dose of veggies!
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini and cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Add spaghetti and vegetable mixture and mix well.
- Spoon mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this dish to your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the vegetables: Use whatever veggies you have on hand or prefer. Broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach would all be tasty additions.
- Add protein: If you're not vegetarian, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish for added protein.
- Use different cheeses: Instead of cream cheese and Parmesan, try using ricotta, mozzarella, or cheddar.
- Make it vegan: Omit the cream cheese and Parmesan and use a vegan cheese substitute instead.
Conclusion
Vegetarian baked spaghetti with cream cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that's easy to make and sure to please. With its mix of tender pasta, flavorful vegetables, and creamy cheese, it's a dish that will become a staple in your meal rotation. And with the many variations you can try, you'll never get bored. So why not give it a try tonight?