Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
3. While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the cream cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the softened cream cheese and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until well combined and heated through.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the chopped parsley and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly golden brown.
7. Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!