Easy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe That Everyone Loves

Twirling your fork through a delectable baked cream cheese spaghetti that promises comfort in every bite.

Creamy strands of pasta dance with rich, velvety cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

cheese lovers will go wild for the luxurious texture and depth of taste.

Home cooks seeking something special can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Hits The Spot

• Creamy Comfort Twist: This baked spaghetti transforms classic pasta into a rich, indulgent casserole that hugs your taste buds with layers of cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy families, this one-dish wonder requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful contrast between tender spaghetti, velvety cream cheese mixture, and crispy melted cheese topping that creates an irresistible eating experience.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will devour this kid-approved meal that cleverly combines familiar ingredients into an exciting, comforting dinner option that feels like a special treat.

What You Need For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the foundation of the dish, choose a high-quality brand for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent pasta from sticking together after cooking.

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor, lean beef works best for less greasiness.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds classic tomato base and depth to the dish, store-bought or homemade both work well.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory profile with mild garlic essence.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional herb blend for authentic taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Ricotta (or Cottage Cheese), Parmesan Cheese: Create luxurious creamy mixture with tangy and rich layers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides classic melty topping with stretchy texture, shredded variety recommended.

How To Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti At Home

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Boil spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and give a quick toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside your gorgeous pasta.

Step 2: Craft Savory Meat Sauce

Grab a big skillet and brown ground beef over medium heat until it’s beautifully caramelized. Drain any excess grease to keep things light.

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Ricotta cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Blend until silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Layer with Love

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom. Layer half the spaghetti, then spread the entire creamy cheese mixture evenly. Add remaining spaghetti, top with remaining meat sauce.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

• Shredded mozzarella
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Helpful Tips For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Perfectly Cook Pasta: Stir spaghetti frequently while boiling to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Use a large pot with plenty of salted water for the best texture and flavor.

Reduce Excess Grease: Drain ground beef thoroughly to minimize oily residue in your casserole. Blot meat with paper towels for an extra lean result that keeps the dish lighter.

Smooth Cheese Blend: Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free cheese layer. Whisk ingredients until completely integrated for a creamy, luxurious texture.

Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil to maintain freshness and save preparation time.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Check package instructions for cooking times, as alternative pastas may require different preparation methods.

Storing And Warming Up Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled baked spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.

Tasty Pairings For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty spaghetti with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, whose full-bodied flavors match the hearty sauce and creamy cheese layers.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding a light, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious meat sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly accompanies the creamy pasta casserole.
• Serve with Chilled Sangiovese: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine that enhances the tomato-based sauce and brings out the subtle herbs and cheese flavors in the dish.

Fun Twists On Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace ground beef with seasoned lamb or turkey, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to the classic dish.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Swap marinara sauce with salsa, use ground chorizo instead of beef, incorporate black beans, top with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick that adds exciting heat.
• Vegetarian Garden Fusion: Substitute meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use vegetable marinara sauce, add spinach to the cheese mixture, and garnish with fresh basil for a nutrient-packed plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Coastal Edition: Replace ground beef with lump crab meat or shredded cooked shrimp, use a light alfredo sauce instead of marinara, mix in fresh dill, and top with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for an elegant coastal-inspired transformation.

Common Questions About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• What makes this baked cream cheese spaghetti different from traditional spaghetti?

This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a creamy, cheesy casserole with layers of meat sauce and three different types of cheese, creating a more indulgent and comforting dish.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef, allowing you to customize the flavor and nutritional profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This baked spaghetti reheats beautifully and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

You can reduce calories by using lean ground meat, low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy comfort meets Italian charm in this baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe that promises pure indulgence. Zesty marinara, tender pasta, and rich cream cheese blend into a mouthwatering meal that will make dinner feel like a celebration.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 g) ricotta or cottage cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream

Carbohydrates:

• 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for this hearty pasta creation.
2. Submerge spaghetti in boiling water, following package guidance for perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Transform ground beef in a large skillet, browning the meat until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Eliminate excess fat to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
4. Infuse the meat with marinara sauce, introducing garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, melding flavors for approximately 5 minutes before removing from heat.
5. Craft a luxurious cream base by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and half the Parmesan into a silky, harmonious blend.
6. Establish a foundation in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce, creating a flavorful platform for the upcoming layers.
7. Strategically arrange half the spaghetti over the sauce, then generously spread the cream mixture across the pasta landscape.
8. Complete the layering with remaining spaghetti, cascading the rest of the meat sauce over the top to ensure complete coverage.
9. Shower the casserole with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan, creating a golden, cheesy crown.
10. Shield the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
11. Unveil the casserole, removing the foil to let the cheese transform into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece during an additional 10-15 minutes of baking.
12. Allow the dish to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, letting the layers stabilize and flavors intensify before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and present this comforting, multilayered pasta creation to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich, comforting flavor profile.
• Experiment with gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce calories while keeping the luxurious, velvety consistency of the dish.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg