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Baked Cream Cheese Pasta

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Baked Cream Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, rich flavors with a cheesy, golden crust. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you just need something indulgent to satisfy your cravings. The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats each pasta shape, while the baking process adds a crispy, savory top. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this baked pasta dish will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Cream Cheese Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

  1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pan and stir until it begins to melt and become smooth.
  3. Add the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined with the cream cheese, creating a smooth sauce.
  4. Add the Cheeses: Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until each piece is coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
  2. Add Diced Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.

Bake the Pasta:

  1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the creamy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta for an extra cheesy crust.
  3. Bake the Pasta: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta is done baking, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/baked-cream-cheese-pasta/