Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe is comfort food at its finest. Layers of tender spaghetti are swirled with a rich tomato meat sauce, then blended with velvety cream cheese for a luscious texture. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, each bite offers the perfect harmony of savory and creamy goodness.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something warm and indulgent, this dish delivers both flavor and ease. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and smoothness that elevates it beyond your typical baked pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with the kind of leftovers you’ll be excited to eat again.

---

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

• Ultra Creamy Texture: Cream cheese creates an irresistibly smooth, rich sauce.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy—just pantry staples and fridge basics.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will go back for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect to prep earlier in the day and bake later.
• Freezer Ready: Great for batch cooking or meal prep.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks and casual dinner parties.
• Customizable: Easily add veggies, switch up the protein, or use gluten-free pasta.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor—exactly what comfort food should be.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into the deliciousness, setting up your kitchen with the right tools will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A wide, heavy-bottomed pot ensures the spaghetti cooks evenly without sticking together. Don’t forget to salt the water generously—it’s your first layer of flavor.
• Large Skillet or Deep Pan: You’ll need this for cooking the ground beef and mixing in the sauce. A deep skillet gives enough room to toss everything together comfortably.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for blending the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese. This step is what gives the pasta its signature creamy texture.
• Baking Dish (9×13 inch recommended): The final layering and baking happen here. A deep dish allows the sauce and cheese to melt and bubble without spilling over.
• Colander: For draining the spaghetti efficiently without breaking the noodles.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for mixing sauces and folding ingredients without damaging the pan’s surface.
• Aluminum Foil (optional): To cover the dish while baking, preventing the top from over-browning too quickly.

---

Preparation Tips

• Bring Cream Cheese to Room Temperature: Softened cream cheese blends much easier with the hot pasta and prevents clumping.
• Undercook Pasta Slightly: Boil your spaghetti 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests; it will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing flavor without becoming mushy.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents, which prevent them from melting smoothly.
• Drain Fat from Ground Beef: After browning the meat, drain off excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
• Taste Your Sauce: Before mixing with pasta, adjust the seasoning. A pinch of sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Grease the Baking Dish: A light coating of oil or butter will help prevent sticking and make serving easier.

---

Ingredients for This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti to life. Simple, accessible ingredients that come together for a comforting, satisfying dish:

• 12 oz spaghetti – Cooked al dente, it’s the hearty base of the dish.
• 1 lb ground beef – Adds savory richness and protein to the sauce.
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – For that signature creamy texture and slight tang.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the tomato sauce.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For gooey, melty goodness on top.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Optional Add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• Chopped onions or bell peppers sautéed with the beef
• Sliced black olives or mushrooms for extra umami

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it 1–2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set aside.

---

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon and stir occasionally. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.

---

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasoning

To the cooked beef, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors.

---

Step 4: Mix Pasta with Cream Cheese

Place the drained spaghetti in a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and stir while the pasta is still warm. The heat will help the cream cheese melt and coat the noodles evenly.

---

Step 5: Layer in Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cream cheese spaghetti mixture into the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the meat sauce.

Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and sauce.

---

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.

---

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

---

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.

---

Notes

• Softening Cream Cheese: Letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before mixing makes it much easier to blend smoothly with the pasta.
• Layering Matters: For best results, keep your spaghetti and sauce layers even to ensure each bite has the perfect balance of creamy and meaty goodness.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to spice things up with crushed red pepper, or add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, boiling it too long initially can lead to a mushy texture.
• Not Draining Fat from Meat: Skipping this step will make the dish greasy and heavy.
• Cold Cream Cheese: Using cream cheese straight from the fridge will result in lumps and uneven mixing.
• Using Too Much Sauce: Over-saucing the dish can make it soggy and overpower the cream cheese flavor.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the baked spaghetti rest before serving helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: These often don’t melt as smoothly due to added starches—grate your own for a gooier top layer.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Taste your sauce before layering. Under-seasoned sauce can make the whole dish bland.
• Forgetting to Grease the Dish: This small step makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

---

What to Serve With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?

While this baked dish can easily stand alone, pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a full, well-balanced meal. Whether you’re going for something light and fresh or indulgent and hearty, here are great options to round out your plate.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread
   Classic and essential! The crisp, buttery edges and garlicky flavor complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad
   A crunchy romaine base with Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spaghetti.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Try zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots roasted in olive oil and herbs for a light, flavorful side.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a cool, tangy pairing.
5. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon
   A simple veggie side that adds brightness and a pop of color to your plate.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
   A savory appetizer or side filled with herbs and breadcrumbs that echoes the hearty feel of the main dish.
7. Antipasto Skewers
   Skewers of olives, cherry tomatoes, salami, and cheese cubes add a Mediterranean twist to your meal.
8. Simple Cucumber & Onion Salad
   Quick to toss together and refreshingly tangy, this salad balances out the richness of the baked pasta beautifully.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm larger portions in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Freezing:
This dish freezes very well! Assemble the entire casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating Tips:

• For the best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
• Add a splash of milk or marinara sauce before reheating to prevent drying out.
• Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture while reheating in the oven.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Serving Size: Approx. 1 heaping cup

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

---

2. Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, ziti, or linguine all work well. Just make sure it’s a sturdy pasta that can hold up to baking.

---

3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can try ricotta or a mix of sour cream and shredded cheese. Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch for a lighter option.

---

4. Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s a mild, family-friendly dish. But if you enjoy heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the meat sauce.

---

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based crumbles.

---

6. How do I keep the cheese from over-browning?

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover it for the final 10 minutes to get that perfect bubbly top without burning.

---

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until hot. For single servings, the microwave works well—add a splash of milk or sauce to keep it moist.

---

8. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Use two 9×13 dishes or a larger roasting pan. You may need to increase baking time by 10–15 minutes depending on the depth of the dish.

---

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is more than just another pasta casserole—it’s a creamy, cheesy comfort meal that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With layers of rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, it hits every note of a cozy homemade dinner. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing for guests, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Bake once, and it just might become a new weeknight favorite.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: