Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Preparing the Pasta:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Making the Cream Cheese Mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
3. Arrange the spaghetti mixture evenly over the sauce in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the spaghetti mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the pasta.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

Baking:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Serving:

1. Allow the baked cream cheese spaghetti to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• Feel free to add cooked and shredded chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage to the spaghetti mixture for added protein and flavor.
• You can adjust the seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or incorporate other herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just be sure to allow for additional baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!