Introduction
Do you need a soothing delicacy? Then make our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti! This is an appetizing meal that combines spaghetti and creamy cheese into one product making it perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
1 pound pasta
1 package of cream cheese (8 ounces); softened
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
24 oz jar marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
fresh basil leaves for garnishing if desired (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta according to package directions al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded Mozzarella, chopped garlic, herbs as well as salt and pepper.
Add the cooked spaghetti into the mixed cheeses.
Put a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
Transfer spaghetti mixture to baking dish and spread evenly in pan.
Spread some more mozzarella over this if you wish and pour remaining marinara sauce over top of spaghetti.
The dish should be baked at about 25-30 minutes in such temperature until all ingredients are melted together creating creamy yummy texture with crispy crust on surface.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips for Success
For easier blending, ensure that the cream cheese becomes soft at room temperature.
The best marinara sauce quality should be used.
Extra protein and nutrients can come from adding sautéed vegetables or cooked ground meat to spaghetti mix.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Even though this meal is an indulgence, it can be eaten on occasion. It is worth noting that addition of whole grain pasta adds fiber to the diet while the presence of several types of cheeses provides calcium and proteins. This can be done through inclusion of spinach or bell peppers in the mixture to provide essential minerals as well as vitamins.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(Approximate nutritional values may vary by ingredient and serving size.)
Calories: 450 per serving
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fiber: 3g
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
For a healthier choice, use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti instead.
To give it a creamy taste, replace marinara sauce with alfredo sauce.
Also try out other cheeses like cheddar, provolone or fontina.
If more protein is required cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu could be added.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is there any way I can prepare this dish earlier?
A: Absolutely, you can assemble it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until ready for baking. Just remember that if you are baking from cold, you will need to increase your baking time by a few minutes.
Q: Can I freeze left overs?
A: Yes, this dish does well when frozen. First, let it cool down completely before dividing into freezer safe containers. When ready to serve, it should be defrosted overnight in the fridge and then rewarmed in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Enjoy the velvety richness of our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a gratifying dinner that will make you want more. When you feel like having pasta, this is an appetizing way to go about it; it entails modest ingredients as well as simple cooking techniques!
