**Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Creamy and Comforting Twist on Classic Pasta**
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### **Introduction**
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that offers a delicious twist on traditional baked pasta. This casserole-style meal combines cooked spaghetti with a luscious cream cheese sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, offering a creamy texture and savory flavor that’s sure to please everyone. The addition of cream cheese gives the dish a velvety smoothness, while the mozzarella creates a gooey, satisfying finish when baked.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a relatively modern American dish, which doesn’t have a long history like many traditional Italian pasta recipes. It falls under the category of American comfort food, blending the flavors of a creamy casserole with classic pasta ingredients. While it isn’t a traditional Italian dish, it draws inspiration from Italian pasta and cheese dishes, such as baked ziti or lasagna. Over time, variations have emerged, with cream cheese being added for its smooth, tangy texture, creating a rich and indulgent dish that appeals to a wide audience.
Culturally, this dish fits well within the American food tradition of casseroles—one-pot meals that are easy to prepare, hearty, and often made with simple ingredients. These types of dishes have become a staple for busy families, especially for those looking to satisfy hunger with minimal prep time.
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### **Ingredients and Quantities**
To make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:
– **For the pasta and sauce:**
– 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
– 1 package (8 oz or 225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for added creaminess)
– 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce or tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup milk (for thinning the sauce)
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
– **For topping:**
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
**Optional Additions:**
– Ground beef, sausage, or chicken for added protein
– Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor
– Crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
– Fresh garlic or onions sautéed for a deeper flavor profile
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Cream cheese consistency:** Be sure to let the cream cheese soften before using it, so it blends easily with the other ingredients. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a bit more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
– **Pasta cooking tip:** Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook while baking. Slightly undercook it (al dente) for the best texture.
– **Make-ahead option:** You can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together for even more depth.
– **Even baking:** Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture before baking. This ensures each bite is rich and creamy.
– **Extra cheese:** For an even cheesier experience, you can layer extra mozzarella or Parmesan between the pasta and sauce layers.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. **Cook the pasta:** Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. **Prepare the sauce:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese (if using), marinara sauce, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. **Combine pasta and sauce:** Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing to coat the spaghetti evenly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. **Top the casserole:** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
6. **Bake the casserole:** Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. **Serve:** Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
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### **Description**
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is an indulgent, creamy pasta dish that combines the comforting textures of spaghetti and cheese. The creamy sauce, made from cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta, is enriched with marinara sauce, offering a sweet and savory contrast. The final layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan adds a satisfying, cheesy crust that completes the dish. The result is a cheesy, flavorful, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for those craving a hearty, satisfying meal.
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### **Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)**
– **Calories:** 400-450 kcal
– **Protein:** 15g
– **Carbohydrates:** 45g
– **Fat:** 20g
– **Fiber:** 2g
– **Sugar:** 8g
– **Sodium:** 600mg
– **Cholesterol:** 50mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
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### **Conclusion**
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta creates a velvety sauce that complements the spaghetti perfectly. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that works well for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is sure to become a family favorite.
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### **Recommendation and Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is undeniably indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber, and opt for lower-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce calories. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and add variety. For a leaner protein, swap in grilled chicken or turkey sausage. By making these simple modifications, you can enjoy the creamy goodness of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti while still maintaining a balanced approach to eating.