Best Baked Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe – How To Make Baked Cream Cheese Pasta
Have you ever crave something that’s rich, creamy and full of flavor? Well, look no further than this delectable Baked Cream Cheese Pasta recipe! This dish combines the creaminess of cream cheese with the hearty taste of pasta, all baked to perfection. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it also guarantees to impress your friends and family. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup of milk or cream
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 2 cups of marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it reaches al dente texture.
Make sure not to overcook it! When done, drain and set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, milk, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well until combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
4. Add the cooked pasta into the mixture and stir gently until all pasta is well coated with the sauce.
5. Optional: If you decided to include marinara sauce, spread an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish before proceeding with step
6. Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to smooth out the mixture so it’s evenly distributed in the dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta, and add chopped fresh basil over it. This will give a pop of color as well as some extra flavor.
8. Place your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until all cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Remove the dish from the oven, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
10. Dish out this mouthwatering goodness to your friends and family and enjoy!
This baked cream cheese pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all year round. It has just the right amount of cheesiness and is perfect for both casual dinners at home or entertaining guests. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!