Imagine a pasta dish so irresistibly creamy and indulgent that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Baked Cream Cheese Pasta is not just another recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese with the classic comfort of perfectly cooked pasta. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a mouth-watering meal that looks like it came straight from an Italian restaurant's kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature. Add marinara sauce and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to coat each pasta piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season the pasta mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta, followed by grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and the dish to cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- For the creamiest texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add protein like chicken or bacon for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 570kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
