Creamy Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Creamy Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a comforting, hearty dish that takes the classic spaghetti dinner to a new level of deliciousness. This recipe combines the familiar tomato-based pasta with a creamy layer of cheese, creating a baked pasta dish that is both filling and delicious. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting meal. How to make it:

Ingredients:

 FOR THE SPAGHETTI LAYER:

• 1 pound (450 g) spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450 g) Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)

 FOR THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

 Topping:

• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese Cheese
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

 Instructions:

1. PREHEAT AND PREPARE PASTA:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
• Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve.

2. PREPARE THE MEAT SAUCE:

• Cook the onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
• Brown the meat: Add the minced meat to the pan. Bake until golden brown and break up with a spoon. Drain off excess fat.
• Add Marinara: Add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, oregano and basil.Simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. PREPARE CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE:

• In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley (if using). Mix until smooth and well blended.

 4.ASSEMBLE  DISH:

• Spaghetti Layers: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Add the cream cheese layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
• Add remaining spaghetti: Add remaining spaghetti over cream cheese mixture.
• Top with meat sauce: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover all of the pasta.
• Add cheese topping: Sprinkle grated mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce.5. BAKE:
• Cover and bake: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

6. SERVICE:

• Let the baked spaghetti stand for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set. Then, slice and serve warm.

Tips for Success:

• Pasta Prep: To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together after draining, toss it with a little olive oil.
• Variations: Feel free to add vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Creamy Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the decadence of a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, perfect for those nights when you crave something a little more special than the average pasta dinner