Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Heaven Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Heaven is a comforting and creamy pasta bake that combines tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese sauce, savory marinara, and a blend of melted cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, this casserole is an easy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
Cheese & Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara or your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Add the drained spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, then stir in the marinara sauce until well coated. Mix in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, reserving the rest for topping.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add the optional sour cream to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the melted cheese texture.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables or cooked ground meat for additional flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cream cheese pasta bake, cheesy spaghetti casserole, Italian casserole, comfort food pasta