Name: Cream Cheese Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional for added flavor); 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional); Additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

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Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re craving something cheesy, creamy, and comforting, this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate dish for you. The cream cheese adds a rich, luscious texture to the sauce, making each bite indulgent. Combined with pasta, savory seasonings, and a crispy top from baking, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it even more delicious.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite kind)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta and diced tomatoes to the cheese mixture and toss to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 6.
Total Time: 10 minutes prep time, 25 minutes bake time.

Variations

Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pasta mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
Protein: For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken, ground turkey, sausage, or even bacon.
Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.
Spices: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh garlic for a more aromatic kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Cream Cheese Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work great in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I freeze this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the pasta bake and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until fully heated through.

4. Can I make this dish lighter?

To make it lighter, you can substitute the cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese and use part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also add more vegetables to increase the dish’s fiber content.

5. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes! You can add cooked ground beef, chicken, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add some chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to give it a little heat.

7. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella with another cheese of your choice, such as cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese blended with ricotta for a different texture.

8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to cook them down a bit before adding them to the mixture to reduce the moisture content.

9. How do I prevent the top from burning?

Make sure to cover the pasta bake with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the top to brown and get crispy.

10. How do I know when the pasta bake is done?

The pasta bake is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also check by inserting a knife in the center to ensure the dish is hot all the way through.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines the best of cheesy pasta with the indulgence of a baked casserole. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With easy-to-find ingredients and customizable options, it’s a perfect meal for any night of the week!

Cream Cheese Pasta Bake

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This Cream Cheese Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal. With rich cream cheese and melted cheese blended into the pasta, this baked dish is sure to become a favorite!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, milk (or heavy cream), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic, and stir in the cream cheese mixture, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
If using diced tomatoes, stir them in at this point.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

You can add cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage for added protein.
For a vegetable version, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta mix.
Feel free to use a dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes if following a dairy-free diet.