Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

 

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti: 8 oz (about half a standard package)
• Cream cheese: 8 oz (softened)
• Sour cream: 1/2 cup
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp
• Tomato sauce: 2 cups
• Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Fresh parsley: For garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the cream cheese sauce:

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).

Add the cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Stir in the tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.

Mix spaghetti and sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until evenly coated.

Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.