Ingredients and Weight:
- Spaghetti - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 200 grams
- Butter - 100 grams
- Garlic - 3 cloves, crushed
- Freshly ground pepper - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Freshly chopped basil - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh or canned cherry tomatoes - 250 grams (optional)
- Grated parmesan cheese - 100 grams (for topping)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large pot, boil spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a baking dish and top with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving (depending on additional ingredients)
- Fat: 30-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Protein: 20-25 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich texture due to the cream cheese.
- Garlic and basil provide a savory flavor that Americans often enjoy.
- Can be customized with additional ingredients like meats or vegetables for a more complete meal.
User Comments:
- "This is an excellent dish for a special occasion! The creamy sauce was so delicious with the spaghetti."
- "I added some cooked chicken sausage to this dish and it made it even better. Highly recommended."
- "Love the combination of flavors. The basil and garlic work together perfectly."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference.
- If using canned cherry tomatoes, look for ones with no added sugar for a more authentic flavor.
- This dish can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of people you are serving.
