Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Heaven!

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This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food magic—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The velvety cream cheese sauce coats tender spaghetti, while melty mozzarella and crispy breadcrumbs create a golden, bubbly topping that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole is easy to make yet feels indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and Cheesy: The cream cheese adds a rich, luscious texture that elevates traditional spaghetti.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in one pan for minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices to make it your own.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and baking when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free pasta if preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Cook the Pasta

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  2. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix until melted and incorporated (you can microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt, if needed).
  3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.


 

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