Introduction:

A deliciously creamy and comforting dish, WW Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect balance between indulgent flavors and a healthier, lighter twist. This recipe takes the classic baked spaghetti and lightens it up using lower-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella, and whole wheat pasta, making it WW-friendly without compromising on taste. The dish is savory, cheesy, and satisfying – all with fewer SmartPoints! This will surely become a family favorite that everyone will enjoy, whether you’re following a WW plan or simply looking to reduce calories while still enjoying hearty meals.

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti:

  • 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti (or gluten-free spaghetti if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing or sautéing)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground turkey breast or chicken breast, lean (you can use ground beef, but turkey/chicken is leaner)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (look for low-sodium options)
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided into 2 tbsp portions)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pasta:
    • Begin by cooking the whole wheat spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss it lightly with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Ground Meat:
    • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
    • Add the ground turkey or chicken to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
    • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
    • While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the low-fat milk, mixing until the cream cheese mixture has a smooth consistency.
  5. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
    • Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Pour the ground turkey mixture over the spaghetti layer, spreading it evenly.
    • Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce layer, spreading it out gently with a spatula.
    • Top with the remaining spaghetti.
  6. Top the Spaghetti Bake:
    • Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan on top of the pasta.
    • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Serve and Garnish:
    • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
    • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

(This recipe serves 6. Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices.)

  • Calories: 305 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Sugar: 5g

WW SmartPoints:

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is WW-friendly, with each serving offering a low point value while still being filling and satisfying.

  • Freestyle SmartPoints: 5 points per serving
  • Green SmartPoints: 5 points per serving
  • Blue SmartPoints: 4 points per serving
  • Purple SmartPoints: 5 points per serving

Note: SmartPoints may vary slightly based on your specific choice of ingredients, such as using full-fat versus reduced-fat options, and your WW plan. To further reduce points, you can opt for low-fat ground turkey and substitute almond milk or other lower-calorie options.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe:

  1. Substitute Pasta: For a lower-carb alternative, you can swap the whole wheat spaghetti for zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or a cauliflower-based pasta.
  2. Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, swap the ground turkey for plant-based ground meat or lentils. Use vegan cream cheese and mozzarella, and swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).
  3. Lower Fat: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter version of mozzarella and ricotta cheese.
  4. Add Vegetables: You can boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for additional flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

This dish can be prepared ahead of time for an easy meal prep. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as instructed.

You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To cook from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly throughout.

Final Thoughts:

This WW Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy, whether they are following a WW program or not. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. By using smart substitutions like whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheeses, you can enjoy the comfort of a cheesy pasta bake with fewer SmartPoints. Make it your own by adding your favorite veggies, or swapping in plant-based proteins to suit your dietary preferences.

Enjoy this lighter version of a classic Italian dish, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients – it’s the perfect canvas for your culinary imagination!