🍝 Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti (Mediterranean Diet Style)
Ingredients
🍝 For the pasta base:
- 8 oz (225 g) whole-grain or lentil spaghetti (fiber- and protein-rich)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat
🧀 For the creamy layer:
- 4 oz (115 g) light cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess + protein)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon (adds freshness and balances the richness)
🥩 Optional protein add-ins:
- ½ lb (225 g) lean ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
- OR 1 cup chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version
🌿 For topping:
- ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly oil a baking dish (8×8-inch or similar). - Cook the pasta:
- Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the tomato sauce:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- (Add cooked protein now if using.)
- Mix the creamy base:
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan/feta until smooth.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble:
- Spread half the tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the creamy spaghetti mixture.
- Top with remaining tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
🍅 Mediterranean Diet Benefits
✅ Olive oil instead of butter or heavy cream
✅ Greek yogurt for protein and probiotics
✅ Whole-grain pasta and tomatoes rich in fiber and antioxidants
✅ Optional lean protein or plant-based choice
✅ Lightened but still creamy and comforting
Serving Idea
Pair with:
- A Greek side salad (cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta)
- Or roasted Mediterranean veggies (zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant)
Would you like me to give you a vegetarian version only or include the lean meat option in the final printable recipe card format?
