Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese And Ricotta
Spaghetti is one of the most beloved pasta dishes in the world. Its versatility and simplicity have made it a staple in many households. But have you ever considered adding cream cheese and ricotta to your spaghetti recipe? This flavorful twist on a classic dish is sure to become a family favorite. Read on to learn how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese and ricotta.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. spaghetti pasta
- 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Follow these steps to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese and ricotta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips:
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect baked spaghetti with cream cheese and ricotta:
- Feel free to use any type of spaghetti sauce you like, whether it's homemade or store-bought.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make it easier to mix and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti. It should be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat cheese.
- You can add other ingredients to the spaghetti mixture, such as cooked ground beef or sausage, chopped vegetables, or even sliced mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Baked spaghetti with cream cheese and ricotta is a simple yet delicious twist on a classic dish. The combination of creamy and cheesy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Follow the instructions and tips above to make the perfect baked spaghetti that will become a family favorite. Bon appétit!