Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re ready to change up your pasta night routine, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is here to win over your dinner table! This casserole-style dish marries classic spaghetti with a rich, creamy layer thanks to tangy cream cheese and sour cream, all crowned with hearty beef sauce and gooey mozzarella. The best part? It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort food you can pull together on a busy weeknight or serve when you have guests—everyone will be asking for seconds. With its layers of flavor, satisfying texture, and that signature golden, bubbly cheese top, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is about to become your new favorite comfort meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of approachable ingredients can come together to create something so memorable. Each ingredient brings something special to the table—from the creamy base, to the savory sauce, to the irresistible cheesy topping.

• Spaghetti (12 oz): The backbone of the dish—choose a good quality spaghetti for best texture.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch helps beautifully brown the meat and brings everything together.
• Ground beef (1 lb): Adds satisfying protein and flavor; you can also swap for turkey or sausage if you like.
• Marinara sauce (24 oz): Your favorite jarred sauce keeps things quick and delivers classic tomato richness.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A savory blend of herbs—this is where much of the classic flavor comes in.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): An easy way to boost that fragrant garlic note without the extra step of mincing cloves.
• Salt and pepper: These pantry staples wake up every flavor in the dish; season to your preference!
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret to creamy, luscious noodles—it melts right in and makes the sauce dreamy.
• Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of tang and even more silkiness to the spaghetti layer.
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Earthy, salty, and nutty; it deepens the cheesy flavor throughout.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): This is what creates that signature bubbly, golden cheese pull on top.
• Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled at the end, for a fresh pop of green and extra color appeal.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this makes cleanup easier and helps prevent any sticky cheese from sticking later. Setting this up first ensures you can layer everything together smoothly once your ingredients are simmering and ready.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente. You want the pasta to have a little bite since it’ll continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles well and set them aside while you prep the rest of the recipe.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Build the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Toss in your ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon or spatula. Once the beef is well browned, drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy. Then, stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so all those beautiful flavors blend together.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Spaghetti Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot, cooked spaghetti with the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. Don’t be shy—it might feel thick at first, but keep stirring and those creamy ingredients will melt into the noodles, making them velvety and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the savory meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers: more noodles, more sauce, more cheese. This double layering guarantees every scoop of your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the dish into your oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and gloriously bubbly. If you love an extra golden top, you can set the broiler to high for the last couple minutes—just watch closely!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti comes out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing in. This helps the layers set for perfect servings. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh herby note, if you like.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Garnishes

Nothing brings Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti to life like a final flourish of vibrant green parsley or, for extra Italian flair, a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. If you like a touch of heat, a little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top adds excitement—just remember a little goes a long way.

Side Dishes

This cheesy casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides: think bright, lemony green salads, crunchy garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The richness of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti shines best when served alongside something fresh or crisp to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’d like to elevate your dinner a bit, try baking the spaghetti in individual ramekins for personalized servings—or scoop it into hollowed bell peppers before baking for an eye-catching twist. A big family-style baking dish always works, but smaller presentations can make weeknight dinners feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti keeps surprisingly well! Simply cover the cooled baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. In the fridge, you can enjoy it for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar. Assemble everything extra tight in your baking dish, cover with foil and freeze before baking, or freeze any baked leftovers after they’ve cooled. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in the oven, covered with foil at 350°F until hot and bubbly. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick—just be sure to cover to keep things moist. If things start to dry out, a splash of water or extra marinara helps revive everything.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional, any long pasta (like linguine or fettuccine) or short shapes (like penne) work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time for the pasta shape you choose.

Is there a way to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti vegetarian?

You can! Simply swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, plant-based crumbles, or your favorite roasted vegetables. The creamy layers will still shine—just as hearty, no beef required.

Can I assemble this dish in advance?

Totally. You can build the entire Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti a day ahead, pop it in the fridge, and bake it off fresh right before serving. Let it come slightly to room temperature before baking for even heating.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

No worries! You can use plain Greek yogurt as a stand-in for sour cream. It keeps the tang and the creamy texture without any fuss.

How do I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti spicier?

If your crew loves some heat, try stirring crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Top with extra flakes before baking for an extra little kick!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the definition of comforting, cheesy, irresistible goodness. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a winner to bring to potlucks. Don’t wait to try it—you may just discover your new favorite casserole classic!

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