Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: A Comfort Food Upgrade
This recipe takes the classic baked spaghetti to a whole new level of creamy, cheesy deliciousness! Forget bland tomato sauce – we're adding a secret ingredient that will transform your weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Get ready for Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese, a comfort food experience you won't soon forget.
Why This Recipe Works
This baked spaghetti recipe isn't your grandma's! We've elevated the classic dish by incorporating cream cheese for an unbelievably smooth and rich sauce. The cream cheese melts beautifully into the tomato sauce, creating a decadent texture that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients for Success:
- High-Quality Spaghetti: Use a good quality spaghetti; it will make a difference in the final texture and taste. Look for bronze-die cut pasta for the best results.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add incredible flavor to the sauce. If using canned tomatoes, choose a high-quality brand with minimal added ingredients.
- Cream Cheese: This is the star of the show! Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest and creamiest sauce. Don't be afraid to use a little extra; it's worth it!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
The Delicious Recipe: Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
This recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Here's what you need to do:
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
- Combine and bake: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Add some meat: Ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs would be delicious additions to this recipe. Brown the meat before adding the onions and garlic.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie boost: Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
- Different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, parmesan, or provolone.
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This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! The creamy, cheesy sauce is irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect weeknight meal. Enjoy!
