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Oven-Baked Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese and Marinara Layers – Comforting, Simple, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Spaghetti: 12–16 ounces
  • Marinara sauce: 3–4 cups (homemade or good-quality jarred)
  • Ricotta cheese: 1 1/2 cups
  • Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
  • Mozzarella: 2 cups shredded
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup grated
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Fresh basil or parsley: optional, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Make the creamy layer: In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/4 cup Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Warm the sauce: Heat marinara in a saucepan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in cooked meat or veggies if using.
  5. Layer one: Spread a thin layer of marinara in the baking dish. Add half the spaghetti and toss gently to coat.
  6. Layer two: Dollop and spread the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
  7. Layer three: Add the remaining spaghetti, pour over more marinara, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
  8. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it rest 10 minutes so the layers set. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.