Baked Spaghetti Made With Cream Cheese
Spaghetti is one of the most popular pasta dishes in the world. It's easy to prepare, versatile, and delicious. But have you ever tried baked spaghetti made with cream cheese? This comforting classic dish takes spaghetti to a whole new level, and it's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make this mouthwatering dish and provide some tips to make it even more enjoyable.
What is Baked Spaghetti Made With Cream Cheese?
Baked spaghetti made with cream cheese is a casserole-style dish that combines cooked spaghetti, a flavorful tomato sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. The spaghetti is first cooked until it's al dente, then mixed with the tomato sauce and cream cheese. The mixture is then topped with shredded cheese and baked in the oven until it's golden and bubbly.
This dish is a variation of the classic spaghetti recipe. Cream cheese is added to the tomato sauce to make it creamier and richer. The shredded cheese on top adds a layer of cheesy goodness to the dish. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 block of cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Here's how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it's al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the tomato sauce and stir until it's fully melted and combined.
- When the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce and cream cheese. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
That's it! Your delicious baked spaghetti with cream cheese is ready to serve.
Tips for Making Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Here are some tips to help you make the best baked spaghetti with cream cheese:
- Use your favorite tomato sauce to make the dish your own. You can use a spicy sauce for a kick or a sweet sauce for a more mellow flavor.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti. It should be al dente so that it retains its chewy texture when baked.
- Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the tomato sauce. This will make it easier to melt and combine with the sauce.
- Use a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for the topping. This will give the dish a nice balance of flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti made with cream cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its creamy tomato sauce and cheesy topping, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow our recipe and tips to make this classic dish even more enjoyable. Bon appétit!