How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in Easy Steps

If you’re on a Weight Watchers journey and craving comfort food, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a perfect fit. It combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with hearty spaghetti in a low-calorie, healthier version of a classic casserole. This dish is a satisfying meal that’s great for family dinners, meal prepping, or serving guests who are also watching their weight.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti (or gluten-free, if preferred)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (15 oz) marinara sauce (look for low-sugar options)
• 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey (or chicken) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3. Combine Sauce & Cream Cheese: Stir in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and Greek yogurt, stirring until everything is well combined and the sauce becomes creamy. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and the creamy sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Serve & Garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.

Points Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Freestyle Points: 6 points per serving (based on serving size of 1/6 of casserole)
• SmartPoints: 6 points per serving
• Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving (Note: Points may vary based on ingredient substitutions.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s full of flavor without the guilt. The cream cheese and Greek yogurt create a rich, creamy texture while keeping the dish light and filling. You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, or use lean ground beef for an even heartier version. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prep!