If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti should be at the top of your list. This amazing dish marries perfectly-cooked pasta, a zesty marinara, plenty of gooey cheese, and a tangy cream cheese layer to create a pasta bake that tastes like a cozy hug! Whether you’re feeding family or looking for an easy but crowd-pleasing potluck option, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti brings together all the very best textures and flavors in every forkful. It’s hearty, cheesy, and always gets rave reviews—no one ever has just one helping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your essentials for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is simple, but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient is crucial in building layers of flavor and delicious, melty goodness. Using everyday pantry staples, you’ll deliver a dinner that tastes like sheer indulgence!
- Spaghetti: The backbone of the dish, holding up to all that creamy, cheesy sauce without getting soggy.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show, it creates a luscious, tangy layer that makes this pasta bake irresistible.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds robust, tomatoey brightness and blends perfectly with the cheese.
- Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage): Brings hearty flavor and protein, but you can swap for turkey or keep it vegetarian if you like.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics deepen the savory notes in every bite.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gives that gooey, stretchy top layer you’ll want to dive into.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top, it browns to a salty, crispy finish.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that adds authentic, herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté your onions and garlic, bringing out their sweetness.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until just al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it!). Reserve about a cup of pasta water; it comes in handy for loosening up the cheese mixture later if necessary. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Next, add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Stir in the Marinara
Pour the marinara sauce right into your skillet with the meat and let it simmer for a few minutes. This melds all those flavors together, making your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti base extra flavorful and hearty. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Cream Cheese Magic
In a big mixing bowl, combine the hot drained spaghetti with the cream cheese. The heat will help the cream cheese melt and coat every strand—add a splash of reserved pasta water if it seems too thick. This step is where that signature rich, creamy layer comes together!
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread an even layer of your creamy spaghetti on the bottom. Top with your savory meat and marinara sauce. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella across the surface, then finish with a dusting of Parmesan for that golden, crispy top.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide your dish into a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and you see hints of toasted, golden color on top. Resist the urge to dig in right away—let it rest for about 5 minutes so those layers set up perfectly.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Garnishes
Brighten up your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with a shower of freshly chopped parsley or basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving adds a pop of salty flavor and a lacy finish on top. For a bit of kick, I also love a little red pepper flake.
Side Dishes
Pair your hearty pasta bake with crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or classic Caesar dressing—the freshness balances the richness of the spaghetti. Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are practically mandatory for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make individual servings in ramekins for a fun dinner party entrée or bake in a large casserole for family-style sharing. For a cozy twist, scoop portions into pasta bowls and scatter fresh herbs on top. Leftovers (if you’re lucky to have any) make excellent next-day lunches packed into thermoses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Let the dish cool fully, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The flavors get even better overnight!
Freezing
This pasta bake is a fantastic freezer meal. Assemble the dish but don’t bake—wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still a bit cold.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep the cheese from drying out. Individual portions heat up beautifully in the microwave, just add a touch of water or marinara to keep everything saucy and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely, just skip the meat and add more veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini. The creamy cheese and marinara will still make it delicious and satisfying!
What type of pasta works best?
Classic spaghetti is my go-to, but you could swap in linguine or bucatini if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for a long, sturdy noodle that holds up to baking.
Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, a quality jarred marinara makes this recipe weeknight-friendly and speedy! If you have a homemade favorite, by all means, use that for an extra personal touch.
Why is my pasta bake dry?
This can happen if the spaghetti is overcooked before baking, or if too little sauce is used. Remember to keep your pasta just al dente and be generous with sauce and cream cheese for a creamy, moist result.
How do I serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a crowd?
Double the recipe and bake in a bigger casserole dish, or divide among smaller dishes for easy serving at parties. It’s a fabulous potluck option because it stays warm and melty for ages!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something comforting, practical, and downright addictive, you simply have to try Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big appetites and happy smiles. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it disappears in a flash!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food dish, blending tender spaghetti with a creamy cheese sauce and savory meat, all finished to bubbly perfection in the oven. This family-friendly casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a surefire hit for anyone who loves pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. When the meat is about halfway cooked, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the meat is cooked through and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat if needed, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. If needed, microwave for 20 seconds to soften further for easier mixing.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing until the noodles are evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it over the noodles. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you like a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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