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An extreme close-up shot of the creamy tomato pasta bake, showing the texture of the rich sauce coating the pasta.
FL Recipes

Cream Cheese Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Dish

This Cream Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a ridiculously creamy and rich tomato sauce. It's an easy, cheesy, and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will absolutely love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta such as rigatoni, penne, or ziti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 large can
  • 8 oz cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add the softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring continuously until it has completely melted into the sauce and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until every piece is well-coated with the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish if your skillet isn't oven-safe). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 25gFat: 28gFiber: 4g

Notes

Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key: For the smoothest sauce, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the hot tomatoes.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften as it bakes in the oven.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword baked pasta,cream cheese pasta,pasta bake

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