Description

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work. This one-dish casserole uses jarred sauce and block cheeses for a restaurant-quality result without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz spaghetti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions but reduce time by 1-2 minutes to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix vigorously until smooth.
Add the drained spaghetti and half of the marinara sauce to the cheese mixture. Fold gently until every noodle is coated. Add remaining sauce if the mixture seems too dry.
Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are bubbling and top is golden brown. Optional: Broil for last 2 minutes for extra browning.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting to ensure clean slices. For variations, add Italian sausage, spinach, mushrooms, or rotisserie chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 18

Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta, family dinner, meal prep