Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing pasta dish, say hello to Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti! This recipe transforms a pantry staple into a luscious, bubbling casserole layered with silky cream cheese, savory beef, and melty mozzarella. Each forkful is pure bliss, perfectly balancing tangy marinara, rich cheeses, and satisfying spaghetti. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti will quickly become your most requested meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a special role in building flavors and creating that irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The foundation of the dish, spaghetti provides just the right structure to soak up the delicious sauce and cheese.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty flavor and protein, making the casserole satisfying and meaty.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Offers sweetness and depth, rounding out the beef and sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings that classic Italian aroma and a warming background note.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The tangy, tomato-rich base that ties the whole dish together.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Provides a hint of herbs, infusing the sauce with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): The key to the dish’s creamy, velvety layers—don’t skip this!
- Sour cream (½ cup): Lends a subtle tang and helps loosen the cream cheese mixture for even coating.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and creates that gooey top everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Savory and nutty, Parmesan finishes the cheesy crust with an irresistible bite.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: The perfect fresh, green pop for garnish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. Cook it until just al dente—the pasta will finish baking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Once done, drain and set aside to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef and Onion Mixture
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook everything together for about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure the beef browns evenly and the onion turns silky and golden. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute—this small step unlocks all those fantastic garlic flavors!
Step 3: Make the Savory Sauce
Drain any excess grease from your skillet if needed, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture gently simmer for five minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly. For a little extra flavor, add fresh basil at this point if you have any on hand!
Step 4: Toss Pasta with Cream Cheese Mixture
Now it’s time for the creamy surprise! In a large bowl, blend your softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and luscious. Add your cooked spaghetti directly to this creamy base, tossing and folding until every noodle is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spread your cream cheese coated spaghetti evenly in the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the saucy beef mixture right over the top, spreading it out for full coverage. For the grand finale, generously sprinkle your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over everything.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted, bubbling at the edges, and turning a beautiful golden brown. Finish with a generous shower of fresh parsley just before serving for color and freshness.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders, adding both color and a fragrant, herby freshness. For a fancier flair, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves to bring more brightness to your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, comforting casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or some garlicky steamed broccoli for balance. And let’s not forget—plenty of warm, crusty garlic bread on the side lets you savor every bit of sauce left in the dish!
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I love serving Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti straight from the dish, letting everyone scoop their own generous portion. If you’re feeling fancy, cut the baked casserole into squares for a tidy, lasagna-like presentation, or even divide it into individual ramekins for personal-sized servings at a dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to a sealed container to keep everything moist and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, simply assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish well, freeze it for up to a month, and thaw completely in the fridge before baking. Even after freezing, the creamy texture holds up beautifully!
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly (usually about 20 minutes for a whole pan). For individual portions, the microwave works perfectly—just add a splash of water or extra marinara first to keep things saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While classic spaghetti gives this dish its signature feel, you can swap in any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or go for a short cut such as penne or rigatoni for a fun twist.
Is there a way to lighten up Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
Yes, for a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, or substitute ground turkey for beef. You could also add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble your casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes if starting from cold.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No problem—substitute with any tomato-based pasta sauce you enjoy. You could even use homemade sauce or mix in a bit of pesto for extra flair.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
The key is to cook your spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to soften and soak up the creamy sauce as it bakes. Avoid overcooking on the stovetop to ensure the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s the kind of meal that puts smiles on faces and brings everyone running to the table. Don’t wait—dive in, get cheesy, and enjoy the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in the most delicious way!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This comforting dish features a savory meat sauce layered with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and melted cheeses, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Cook beef, onion, and garlic. Add marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer.
- Mix cream cheese: Combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Toss cooked spaghetti in the mixture.
- Assemble: Spread spaghetti in dish, top with meat sauce, cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by adding fresh basil to the sauce.
- Dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
