If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and simple pasta dish that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe. It combines tender spaghetti coated in rich, creamy cheese with a hearty ground beef and marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish hits all the right notes from creamy texture to savory depth, delivering a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe unforgettable. From creamy cheese to robust spices, every component contributes to the magic.
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta: The perfect base that holds creamy sauce and meaty goodness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds velvety richness and a tangy undertone.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory protein to balance the creamy elements.
- 3 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce: Brings bright tomato flavor and moisture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy top layer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Deepens the savory background notes.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil to tie all elements together.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and elevates flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A gentle kick of spice for complexity.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of green.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente — you want it tender but still with a little bite to hold up well under baking. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside for the next delicious steps.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked through with no traces of pink. Drain the excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy sauce that still packs flavor. This step is essential for creating a satisfying meaty base.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Add the marinara sauce to the cooked beef, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully, creating a robust and aromatic sauce that will soak into every bite.
Step 4: Combine Cream Cheese with Spaghetti
Return to your drained spaghetti and stir in the softened cream cheese while the pasta is still warm. The heat helps the cream cheese melt and coat the spaghetti evenly, resulting in a rich, creamy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin by layering half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti in the dish, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more to build a luscious, cheesy structure bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This creates a perfect crust that locks in the creamy texture underneath.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the baked cream cheese spaghetti rest for 5 minutes. This short wait helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if using — it adds a delightful burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to sprinkle over the top, but you could also try a few basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for brightness. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving amps up the cheesy factor.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Light, refreshing sides help balance the indulgence and round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked cream cheese spaghetti in individual ramekins with a crispy cheese crust on top. Alternatively, accompany it with a glass of your favorite red wine and some rustic bread to elevate your dinner occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe for up to 2 months. Freeze it before baking for best texture or after baking if you prefer to reheat leftovers quickly. Just remember to use freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, though the oven method preserves texture better and revives the cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work beautifully too. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your pasta stays al dente before baking.
Is cream cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is key for that signature creamy tanginess in this recipe. If you must substitute, try a mix of ricotta and sour cream for somewhat similar richness, but the texture and flavor will differ.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite plant-based protein. You’ll still get that comforting baked spaghetti experience.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Feel free to add red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning. Fresh chopped chili peppers on top before baking can also add a nice kick.
What’s the best way to ensure the pasta doesn’t get mushy?
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente and drain it well. Mixing it with cream cheese while warm helps retain texture, and the baking time is just enough to meld flavors without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfying layers of cheesy goodness to your table. It’s straightforward enough for every home cook but special enough to serve for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Dive into this recipe, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make time and again.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy pasta casserole featuring tender spaghetti coated in creamy cream cheese, layered with flavorful ground beef marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, baked to bubbly golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the browned beef. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: Return the drained spaghetti to the pot. Stir in the softened cream cheese thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cream cheese coated spaghetti on the bottom, then spread half of the meat sauce over it. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top layer, and then add the grated Parmesan cheese to finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and cheeses to reduce fat content if desired.
- Be sure to drain the spaghetti well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright touch but can be omitted.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
