“Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: A Comforting Twist on Classic Pasta”

Cook the Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce. Gently fold in the cream cheese mixture until the pasta is well-coated and the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage Tips: