If you’re craving a cozy, creamy pasta casserole that oozes with comforting flavor, you have to try Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This dish is the ultimate marriage of luscious, tangy cream cheese and hearty, meaty marinara, all tangled up with perfectly cooked spaghetti and mozzarella. Every bite tastes like a warm hug—not to mention the way the golden, bubbly cheese lid cracks open to reveal silky pasta beneath! It’s a foolproof favorite in my rotation, and once you pull it from the oven and get that first whiff, you’ll see why this is a go-to for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime your soul needs a little pasta love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is that every item on the ingredient list brings something vital—creaminess, color, comfort, or crave-worthy depth. These are common pantry and fridge staples, but together they make pasta magic. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for each ingredient!
- Spaghetti (12 oz): This classic pasta is just the right shape and size to soak up all the creamy, cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fragrant, slightly fruity base and keeps your onions and garlic from sticking as they soften.
- Onion (1/2 medium, diced): Lends sweet, savory depth that sets the stage for a perfect sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little garlic goes a long way toward bold flavor—don’t skip it!
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose your preference, or even use turkey for a lighter twist; either way, you’ll get hearty, savory richness.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Pick your favorite brand or homemade sauce; this brings tomatoey backbone and balances the creaminess.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the game-changer—it’s what makes the dish so irresistibly creamy and tangy.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds extra silkiness and a hint of tanginess; don’t substitute with plain yogurt here for best results.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Enhances the cheesy factor and brings nutty, salty depth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together all those classic herb notes—basil, oregano, thyme, you name it.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste your sauce if you want to adjust!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): The melty, stretchy topping that bakes to a golden, bubbly finish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—there’s nothing like walking into a kitchen that smells like something amazing is baking! Boil a big pot of salted water, toss in your spaghetti, and cook it just until al dente. You want the noodles to have some bite since they’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain them well and set aside; a little drizzle of olive oil at this point helps keep things tangle-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Next comes the garlic—cook it for just a minute, stirring to release its brilliant aroma. Add your ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and crumbly. If there’s a lot of fat, go ahead and drain the excess so your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti doesn’t end up greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Marinara
Once the meat is browned, pour in the marinara sauce. Give everything a good stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom—they’re flavor gold! Let it all simmer for about five minutes, melding those savory, herby, tomato-rich flavors. This sauce forms the layer that will sit on top of your creamy spaghetti.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure your cream cheese is truly soft for easy mixing—you’ll want this base perfectly smooth. Once mixed, fold your cooked spaghetti right in, tossing to coat every last strand with that irresistibly creamy mixture.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray—you don’t want to lose any to sticking! Spread the cream cheese-coated spaghetti evenly in the dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Next, spoon your simmered meat sauce over the top, spreading it so every bite gets some saucy love. Finish with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese—you want every corner covered and ready to bubble up golden-brown in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Slide your dish, uncovered, into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and just barely golden. Let it rest for five minutes before serving—trust me, this patience pays off with perfect slices and the creamiest texture. Now you’re ready to experience the magic of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Garnishes
The best way to finish Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil, which adds a burst of color and a little refreshing zip. A quick dusting of extra parmesan cheese is always welcome for anyone who can’t get enough cheesiness (and who can?). If you like a little heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a crack of black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
Round out your pasta casserole with a crisp green salad drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette or a classic Caesar for balance. Garlic bread, baguette, or buttery rolls are perfect for sopping up all that melty goodness. For an extra comforting spread, try roasted broccoli or green beans tossed in olive oil and lemon. These sides add both contrast and a pop of freshness next to your decadent Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style comfort, serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti straight from the baking dish at the table and let everyone dig in. For a dinner party twist, scoop servings into individual ramekins before baking—everyone gets their own bubbling mini-casserole! Feeling fancy? Garnish plates with a swirl of extra pasta sauce, a Parmesan crisp, or a sprinkle of microgreens for an elevated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container or covering your baking dish tightly with foil. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and become richer over time, making leftovers a treat in their own right.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti later, you can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap the dish securely in two layers of foil (or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers). It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just add a splash of water or marinara, cover loosely, and heat until steamy. Frozen portions should be thawed first and then reheated as above for even results.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can swap in other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni also hold the sauce wonderfully—just be careful not to overcook them before baking.
How can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti vegetarian?
It’s easy to make this dish meatless! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and use a meatless marinara. For extra heartiness, toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for a veggie-studded delight.
Can I assemble Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. This makes it a fabulous make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forget to soften your cream cheese, cut it into chunks and microwave in 10–15 second bursts until just soft, but not melted. You can also leave it out at room temperature for 30–60 minutes ahead of time.
How can I add a spicy kick to my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce, or sprinkle some on top before serving. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage in place of regular ground beef to give the whole dish a bit more fire.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes strike a balance between nostalgic comfort and impressive flavor the way Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti does. It’s a dinner you’ll look forward to—simple enough for weeknights, but delicious enough to share with guests. If you’re ready for a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that wins smiles every time, this recipe is waiting for you. Give it a try, and let it become your family’s favorite, too!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This comforting dish features tender spaghetti coated in a luscious cream cheese mixture, topped with a savory meat sauce and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked spaghetti.
- Assemble: Spread the spaghetti mixture in a baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the top and add mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with ground turkey or a meatless marinara for a vegetarian option.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
