Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Introduction:
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and comforting twist on classic spaghetti. This dish combines creamy cream cheese with a hearty tomato sauce, making it a deliciously indulgent meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The baked version adds a crispy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling.

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  1. Mix Cream Cheese Mixture:
  • In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
  1. Combine Ingredients:
  • Gently mix the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
  • Fold in the meat sauce until everything is evenly mixed.
  1. Assemble Casserole:
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  1. Garnish (Optional):
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Methods:

  1. Stovetop Preparation: Cooking the spaghetti and preparing the meat sauce on the stovetop ensures a flavorful base.
  2. Oven Baking: Baking the casserole provides a crispy, cheesy top layer and ensures everything is well-heated and melded together.

History:

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, while not an ancient dish, reflects a modern fusion of classic Italian pasta and American casserole traditions. Spaghetti itself, a staple of Italian cuisine, has origins dating back to the 12th century in Italy. It evolved from early forms of pasta made from durum wheat.

The concept of adding cream cheese and baking pasta dishes emerged in the mid-20th century as American cuisine began incorporating richer, creamier elements into traditional recipes. This adaptation was influenced by the popularity of baked casseroles in the U.S., which often feature creamy ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream to create comforting, hearty meals.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a relatively recent creation that blends Italian pasta with American casserole techniques. It captures the essence of comfort food, combining the creamy richness of American-style dishes with the beloved flavors of Italian spaghetti.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a modern twist on traditional pasta dishes. While spaghetti itself has ancient roots in Italian cuisine, the addition of cream cheese and baking method reflect more contemporary American adaptations. This dish combines the creamy textures and flavors popular in American casseroles with the beloved Italian pasta.

Benefits:

  • Comforting and Hearty: Provides a satisfying and rich meal, ideal for family gatherings.
  • Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a luscious, smooth texture.
  • Versatile: Can be adapted with various proteins (e.g., ground turkey) and additional vegetables.

Formation:

The dish is formed by first preparing a savory meat sauce, then combining it with a creamy spaghetti mixture, and finally baking it with a layer of melted cheese. This formation results in a well-rounded casserole that incorporates multiple textures and flavors.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 8 servings total):

Nutrition per Serving:

  • Calories: 450-500
  • Protein: 22-26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Fiber: 2-4 grams
  • Sugars: 6-8 grams
  • Fat: 23-28 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
  • Cholesterol: 80-100 milligrams
  • Sodium: 600-800 milligrams

These values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used. For the most precise nutritional information, consider using a recipe calculator with your exact ingredients.

  • Calories: 400-500
  • Protein: 20-25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
  • Fiber: 2-4 grams
  • Sugars: 5-7 grams
  • Fat: 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
  • Cholesterol: 70-90 milligrams
  • Sodium: 600-800 milligrams

Conclusion:

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti offers a delightful variation on classic spaghetti, providing a creamy, cheesy twist that’s sure to please. Its blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures makes it a go-to recipe for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner. With its easy preparation and delicious outcome, it’s a dish that brings together the best of pasta and baked casseroles.

Lovers:

This dish is perfect for those who love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with a comforting, baked twist. It’s ideal for families, dinner parties, or anyone who enjoys a hearty, satisfying meal with rich flavors.

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