Alright, let’s talk about this Cream Cheese Spaghetti—because it’s a total game-changer, and you need to try it! 😍 Here’s why:
The magic ingredient? A block of cream cheese. When you stir it into two jars of your favorite Prego sauce, it transforms into the creamiest, richest pasta sauce ever. The tangy, velvety texture from the cream cheese pairs perfectly with the savory tomato base. It’s comfort food at its finest, and trust me, you won’t want spaghetti any other way after this!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Super simple: This recipe requires minimal ingredients—just spaghetti, sauce, and cream cheese. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without hours of prep.
- Rich & creamy: The block of cream cheese makes the sauce so smooth and velvety. It elevates the dish to a whole new level, giving the sauce a luxurious texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Family-approved: No one can resist this creamy, tangy spaghetti! Even picky eaters will go for it, and you’ll love how quickly the whole family digs in.
- Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas! Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for extra protein, or mix in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor. You can also tweak the seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes all add their own special touch!
Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Creamy Twist on Classic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti (or any pasta you love, like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
- 2 jars of Prego spaghetti sauce (or any marinara or pasta sauce you prefer)
- 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened (for that ultra-creamy texture!)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for sautéing the sauce if you want a bit more flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (to season the sauce)
- Optional garnishes: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or any other type you like). Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente—firm to the bite but not too chewy. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later (this helps thin out the sauce if needed).
- Prepare the Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, grab a large saucepan and heat the two jars of Prego sauce over medium heat. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking to the pan and burning. Allow the sauce to warm through completely.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Cut the block of cream cheese into small cubes or chunks to make it easier to incorporate into the sauce. Once the sauce is heated, drop in the cream cheese. Stir it continuously until the cream cheese completely melts and blends into the sauce. The result will be a thick, creamy, and smooth sauce with a rich texture.
- Season the Sauce: Taste your creamy sauce and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a little more depth of flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Feel free to get creative with your seasoning to match your taste!
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked, drained pasta to the creamy sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every noodle is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy spaghetti in large bowls or on plates. Top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy bite. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve your Cream Cheese Spaghetti hot, alongside some garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables. The combination of creamy sauce and savory pasta is perfect for any dinner!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
- Main Course: Serve this creamy spaghetti as the main dish for a comforting, filling meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.
- Toppings: For extra flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella on top just before serving. You can also garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of freshness.
- Family-Style: Serve it family-style in a large casserole dish or bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy a hearty serving. This is perfect for family dinners or when you’re hosting guests.
- Side Dish: If you’re making this as part of a larger meal, pair it with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a crunchy green salad to add variety and balance out the creamy dish.
Additional Suggestions:
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider topping the spaghetti with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon.
- Spice it Up: If you like heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top for a spicy kick.
How to Store Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
- Refrigerator: Leftover Cream Cheese Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, or warm it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Although cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can still freeze leftovers of this dish. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stove or microwave. You may need to add a little extra liquid to bring the sauce back to the right consistency.
Tips to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Even Better:
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For a richer, creamier sauce, use full-fat cream cheese instead of light or fat-free versions.
- Add Garlic for Extra Flavor: Sauté some minced garlic in olive oil before adding the sauce for an aromatic base. Garlic adds a great depth of flavor!
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a burst of herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese sauce.
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef to the sauce. You can also toss in some cooked bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce as it simmers for a nice spicy kick.
- Try Different Sauces: Mix in a bit of pesto, Alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a unique twist on the creamy base.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: If you can, grate your own Parmesan or mozzarella for a fresher taste and smoother melt.
- Use Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream for a thinner, creamier consistency.
- Add Veggies: Bulk up the dish with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. They’ll add extra nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
- Serve with a Side: Pair this creamy spaghetti with garlic bread, a crisp side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
10 Variations of Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
- Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti: Swap the traditional tomato-based sauce for an Alfredo sauce, adding chunks of cooked chicken. The creamy, cheesy sauce will create a comforting and indulgent dish.
- Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version that still feels hearty and satisfying.
- Spicy Cream Cheese Spaghetti: Stir in a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to add heat. If you like spicy pasta, this variation is sure to hit the spot.
- Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti: Fry up some bacon, crumble it, and sprinkle it over the top of your dish for added smokiness and crunch. Bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Pesto Cream Cheese Spaghetti: Mix in a couple of tablespoons of pesto for a fresh, herby twist. It adds a burst of flavor and color to the creamy sauce.
- BBQ Chicken Spaghetti: Combine the creamy sauce with some cooked, shredded BBQ chicken for a tangy and smoky flavor profile. Top with a bit of extra cheese and enjoy the delicious combo.
- Sausage and Peppers Spaghetti: Add Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions to your dish. The combination of savory sausage with the creamy sauce is irresistible.
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: For a bold flavor, stir in some buffalo sauce and shredded chicken. Top it with crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for the ultimate spicy comfort food.
- Seafood Spaghetti: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or scallops to the cream cheese spaghetti for a seafood version that’s both creamy and flavorful.
- Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti: Inspired by spinach artichoke dip, stir in some frozen spinach and chopped artichoke hearts for a creamy, cheesy variation that brings an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
Q1: Can I use a different type of sauce besides Prego?
A1: Yes! You can use any marinara or pasta sauce you prefer. Prego is just a popular choice for its rich flavor, but homemade or other store-bought varieties work great too.
Q2: Can I make this dish without cream cheese?
A2: Cream cheese is the star of this recipe for its creaminess, but you can substitute it with heavy cream, sour cream, or even ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can swap it for any pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine would be delicious options.
Q4: How can I make this dish healthier?
A4: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option, and try substituting low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for the cream cheese to reduce calories.
Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can cook the pasta, mix it with the sauce and cream cheese, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q6: Can I freeze Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the dish! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the oven or on the stovetop.
Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: To thicken the sauce, try adding a little bit of Parmesan cheese, or let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Q8: Can I add protein to this dish?
A8: Definitely! Chicken, ground beef, turkey, or sausage would be great additions. You can also add shrimp or bacon for extra flavor.
Q9: Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
A9: Yes, this dish can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable-based pasta sauces and adding more veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Yes! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to give the dish a spicy kick.
Q11: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A11: Yes, fresh garlic works well too. Sauté a couple of minced garlic cloves with the sauce to enhance the flavor.
Q12: What can I serve this with?
A12: Cream Cheese Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Q13: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A13: Leftovers will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Q14: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A14: Yes! Homemade marinara works great and adds a fresh, personal touch to the dish.
Q15: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A15: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free.
Q16: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A16: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream, and replace regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
Q17: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A17: Yes, you can cook the pasta in a slow cooker. Just add the cooked pasta and the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Q18: What cheese can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?
A18: Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar would all be great additions to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Q19: Can I make this dish without pasta?
A19: Yes, you can serve the creamy sauce over vegetables like zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
Q20: Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
A20: Yes! Cream Cheese Spaghetti is great for meal prepping. Simply store individual servings in containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that transforms the classic spaghetti dish into something rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients—cream cheese, Prego sauce, and pasta—you can create a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it as is or decide to customize it with your favorite add-ins like veggies, protein, or extra seasonings, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any taste.
It’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you need something satisfying and easy to make. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a family favorite!