Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate cozy, crave-worthy pasta, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti might just become your new obsession. Imagine classic spaghetti tangled in a velvet-soft, tangy cream cheese sauce, all mingled with hearty meat sauce and topped with bubbly golden mozzarella. Every bite is a perfect combination of comfort and flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or just treating yourself on a weeknight. With its scrumptious layers and irresistible richness, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the dish you didn’t know you were missing!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is in its handful of approachable, everyday ingredients. Each one has a special job: bringing creaminess, heartiness, and that irresistible stretch of cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed bake:

• Spaghetti: This classic pasta is the backbone of the dish, providing a satisfying bite and the perfect vessel for capturing the creamy sauce.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient! It melts into the spaghetti, making it unbelievably silky and giving a gentle tang that balances the tangy tomato sauce.
• Ground Beef (or Sausage): For a meaty, savory base that brings depth and substance to every forkful.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce infuses the bake with rich tomato flavor and subtle herbs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Layered on top for those melty, gooey, golden-brown bubbles everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite, perfectly balancing the creamy and tangy elements.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic makes the sauce pop with aromatic warmth.
• Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend brings everything together with hints of basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt and Pepper: These kitchen staples elevate the flavors and let each ingredient shine.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook until it’s just al dente—remember, it will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t let it go too soft. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water to help loosen the cream cheese in the next step if needed.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Pasta Base

While the spaghetti is still warm, toss it in a bowl with the cream cheese. The residual heat will melt the cream cheese, letting it coat every strand in a creamy embrace. Stir in a spoonful or two of the reserved pasta water if things seem a little thick. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown your ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning and let it simmer for several minutes to let all those savory flavors meld together.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grab a large baking dish. Spread half of the creamy spaghetti over the bottom, then layer on half of your meaty marinara sauce. Sprinkle over half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top so it gets gloriously golden as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection

Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are just lightly crisped. For an extra golden top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—just don’t walk away!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti quite like a shower of fresh parsley or basil. These herbs add a welcome freshness and pop of color. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan over the top for a touch of salty flair—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

Side Dishes

This hearty, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables for balance. And don’t forget buttery garlic bread or warm focaccia—they’re ideal for scooping up all that luscious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti into a dinner-party star by serving it in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or, for a casual buffet, present it straight from the bubbling baking dish alongside an array of toppings like crushed red pepper, olives, or fresh herbs for everyone to customize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making this dish a dream for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti freezes well, too. For best results, portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its flavor for up to two months. To freeze the whole casserole, assemble it but don’t bake—just wrap tightly and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed!

Reheating

For reheating, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, stirring halfway through. For a crisper top, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for a few minutes to let the cheese get melty again.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or rotini—just aim for a shape that holds sauce well and cooks to al dente for the creamiest results.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Skip the ground meat and either use your favorite plant-based ground “meat” or add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed twist. The flavors still shine through beautifully.

Should I soften the cream cheese before mixing with pasta?

If you have time, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before mixing. This helps it melt seamlessly into the hot spaghetti, ensuring a smooth, even coating on every strand.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the whole dish (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When ready, pop it in the oven and bake as directed—you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What’s the best way to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping?

For that signature golden, slightly crispy top, make sure your final cheese layer is plentiful. Bake uncovered, and for extra color, broil briefly at the end—but keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Whether you’re making it for a big family gathering or as a comforting treat just for you, it delivers pure, creamy, cheesy goodness every time. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

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