Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Sinking your fork into a creamy, cheesy mound of comfort, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe brings together everything you love about Italian-American pasta bakes with a delightful twist. Each bite is a luscious layer of tender noodles smothered in tangy cream cheese, flavorful beefy sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing a cozy meal for friends, or looking to reinvent weeknight dinner, this casserole will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients create such big, family-pleasing flavors. Each element in this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe brings something important to the table, from creamy textures to savory bites and colorful, inviting layers.
- Spaghetti noodles (12 ounces): The base of the dish, perfectly al dente noodles soak up every drop of sauce and cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness while helping to sauté your aromatics.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): Brings bold, meaty flavor (or use half and half for a punch of Italian seasoning).
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweet, savory depth to your hearty sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Always key for big flavor in any Italian-inspired recipe.
- Marinara or spaghetti sauce (24 oz jar): Lays the tangy tomato foundation for the whole casserole.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Mix of classic herbs infuses the sauce with aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper: Brings balance and punch, so don’t skip the tasting!
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The secret to irresistible creaminess that sets this version apart.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds subtle tang and lightness to the creamy layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Salty, nutty flavor ties all the elements together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into an ooey-gooey blanket of cheesiness on top and in the middle.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh finish that makes the whole dish pop.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. This sets you up for a pasta bake that doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente—about a minute less than the package says. Drain well, but don’t rinse; you want that residual starch to help catch all the creamy sauce later on.
Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in your olive oil, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until everything smells amazing and turns translucent. Toss in your ground beef or sausage, breaking it into crumbles with your spoon as it browns. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes—it should be rich, aromatic, and deeply savory.
Step 4: Creamy Cheese Pasta Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add your drained spaghetti noodles straight into this cheesy mixture, and toss until every strand is seductively coated. This step is where the Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe really stands apart from the crowd!
Step 5: Layer Everything in the Dish
Now the fun part: assemble your masterpiece! Spread half the creamy spaghetti mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half the savory meat sauce, then add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella—this guarantees every serving is perfectly layered and satisfyingly cheesy.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be bubbly and beautifully golden brown, with rivers of cheese cascading down the sides. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the creamy layers set and every slice comes out clean.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top does wonders for both the look and flavor of your Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe. If you have extra Parmesan or a light drizzle of good olive oil, those little touches can elevate things even more, making every bite feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is rich and satisfying all by itself, but it shines brightest alongside a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Each of these sides adds freshness and a little crunch, balancing out the creamy, gooey comfort of the spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take your Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe to the next level, try serving it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. For a family-style gathering, garnish the entire casserole with a scattering of basil leaves or sun-dried tomatoes to add more color and depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftover Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe? Lucky you! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or scoop portions into airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers absolutely crave-worthy.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it yet), wrap well with a layer of plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave in 30-second bursts until hot, or cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. A splash of extra marinara before reheating helps bring back that just-baked moisture and cheesy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for this recipe, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or even rotini. Just keep cooking times in mind and make sure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the cream cheese layer.
What’s the secret to super creamy baked spaghetti?
The magic lies in combining softened cream cheese with sour cream and Parmesan before tossing it with the hot pasta. This unique mixture in the Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe guarantees an irresistibly smooth and velvety texture in every forkful.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply swap out the ground meat for a plant-based meat alternative or use sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty, veggie-packed base. Your flavor-packed layers will still come together beautifully.
How can I add more flavor or heat?
If you want even more flavor, try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage, or stir some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little kick. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of olives to the sauce if you love bold flavors.
Can I assemble Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Feel free to assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, then refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake straight from the fridge (just allow a few extra minutes in the oven). This makes weeknight dinners or entertaining a breeze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, you can’t go wrong with this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—a dish guaranteed to spark smiles around your table. Give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes one of your household favorites!
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Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe. A delicious twist on a classic dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Toss in cooked pasta until coated.
- Layer and Bake: Spread pasta mixture in baking dish, top with meat sauce and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use half ground beef and half sausage for more flavor.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish reheats well and can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
