Creamy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

This hearty baked cream cheese spaghetti combines velvety cheese sauce with tender pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. The dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that's become my go-to recipe when I need something cozy yet impressive.

I first created this dish during a particularly cold winter evening when my pantry was nearly bare. Now it's requested at nearly every family gathering, and my children have dubbed it "cloud pasta" because of its heavenly texture.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti the foundation of our dish that holds up perfectly to the rich sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese softened creates that irresistible creamy base look for full-fat for best results
• 1 cup milk preferably whole milk for maximum richness and smooth texture
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder adds depth without the work of fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder provides savory notes throughout the sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances all flavors choose kosher salt for best results
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper adds gentle warmth and complexity
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided creates that perfect stretchy cheese pull
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package directions about 8 to 9 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven so keeping it slightly firm now prevents mushiness later. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to help the sauce cling better.

Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

In a spacious mixing bowl whisk the softened cream cheese until fluffy then gradually incorporate the milk. Continue whisking until completely smooth with no lumps remaining this takes about 2 to 3 minutes of persistent whisking. Add the garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper mixing until the sauce looks silky and unified. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained warm pasta directly to the cream cheese mixture. Using tongs gently lift and fold the pasta to ensure every strand gets evenly coated with the luxurious sauce. The heat from the pasta will help melt everything together beautifully. Fold in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan watching as they melt and create gorgeous ribbons throughout the mixture.

Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Thoroughly grease a 9×13inch baking dish making sure to coat the corners. Transfer the coated pasta mixture spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses across the top creating a blanket that will transform into a golden crust.

Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top develops a gorgeous golden color. For an extra crispy top switch to broil for the final 2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. The finished dish should have a slightly crisp top with a molten creamy interior.

Serve with Love

Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This critical resting period allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency. Scoop generous portions ensuring each serving gets some of the crispy top and creamy middle.

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The unexpected hero in this recipe is definitely the cream cheese. My grandmother always insisted that Philadelphia brand created the silkiest sauce, and after years of making this dish, I have to agree with her wisdom. The memory of her teaching me to patiently whisk until every last lump disappeared is something I cherish every time I prepare this for my own family.

Make It Your Own

This baked spaghetti welcomes all sorts of creative additions. My personal favorite is folding in sautéed mushrooms and spinach right before baking. For meat lovers, browned Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken integrate beautifully. The vegetable possibilities are endless bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted butternut squash can transform this into a more nutrient-dense meal without sacrificing the comfort factor.

Storage and Freezing

The beauty of this dish extends to its excellent storage capabilities. Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best reheating results, add a splash of milk before warming at 350°F covered with foil. This dish also freezes exceptionally well. Portion into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a nearly instantaneous homemade dinner.

Perfect Pairings

Balance the richness of this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread makes an ideal companion for soaking up every last bit of the luxurious sauce. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving alongside roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts the slight bitterness complements the creamy pasta beautifully. A glass of unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir makes for a lovely adult beverage pairing.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While the classic version uses spaghetti, this dish works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Shorter pasta shapes can make serving easier, especially for children or at gatherings.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

→ What protein options work best with this dish?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with browned ground beef, Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crispy bacon pieces. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms, which provide a meaty texture and umami flavor.

→ Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Prepare and bake as directed, then cool completely. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat, covered with foil, at 350°F until heated through (about 30 minutes).

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat milk, and reduce the amount of mozzarella by half. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach, and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

→ What sides pair well with this baked spaghetti?

This rich dish pairs perfectly with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. The fresh, bright flavors of a simple side salad with vinaigrette provide a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.