Why add cream cheese to spaghetti sauce?

Adding cream cheese to spaghetti sauce makes it incredibly creamy and rich. In addition, the cream cheese adds a tangy flavor that enhances the other ingredients. Furthermore, it creates a smooth, velvety texture. It truly transforms the entire dish.

What cheese goes best with spaghetti?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic cheese choices for spaghetti. Mozzarella melts beautifully. Parmesan provides a sharp, salty flavor. However, other great options include provolone, ricotta, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Honestly, experiment to find your favorite.

How do you keep baked spaghetti from drying out?

To keep baked spaghetti from drying out, make sure the sauce is sufficiently moist. Also, don’t over bake the dish. Additionally, covering the baking dish with foil for the first half of the baking time helps to retain moisture. So, these tips will keep it perfect.

Can you use cream cheese to thicken spaghetti sauce?

Yes, cream cheese is great for thickening spaghetti sauce . It adds both richness and thickness. Furthermore, it does this naturally without the need for flour or cornstarch. It also emulsifies the sauce, creating a velvety texture, basically.

Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese Recipe| 3 Tips For The Best Results

Description

This creamy Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—layered with rich tomato meat sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces tomato sauce
15 ounces diced tomatoes
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Cream Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine with Spaghetti: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and mix well.
Assemble: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella. Add the rest of the spaghetti and top with remaining cheeses.
Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

Using fresh garlic and basil boosts the dish’s flavor.
You can prep this dish ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: CT40M
Category: Dinner
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 690 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: baked spaghetti, pasta bake, cream cheese spaghetti, cheesy casserole