Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy, cheesy pasta dreams come alive with this baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Weeknight dinners demand something special and satisfying.

Tender spaghetti noodles embrace a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce that melts perfectly in every bite.

The combination of herbs and savory ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that feels both elegant and homey.

Warm, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable texture waiting to be savored.

Each forkful delivers a decadent experience that transforms a simple pasta into something extraordinary.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate.

How To Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Hot And Creamy

• Pasta Night Delight: Serve this creamy spaghetti casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a cozy dinner experience by placing the baking dish in the center of the table, letting everyone scoop out their own hearty portions alongside warm garlic bread.
• Veggie Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus as a colorful and nutritious side that complements the robust flavors of the spaghetti casserole.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully balances the creamy cheese and savory meat sauce.

Save Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti For Next Day Meals

• Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the spaghetti stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavors.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it flat in the freezer for maximum 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and retain moisture.
• Portioning Wisdom: Divide the casserole into individual servings before refrigerating, making quick meal prep easier and helping maintain optimal taste when reheating single portions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used In Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Provides the hearty foundation of the dish, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Ground Beef: Delivers rich meaty flavor, select lean beef for healthier option.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds tangy tomato base, opt for jarred sauce with minimal preservatives.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory undertones, ensures consistent flavor distribution.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity, freshly ground herbs provide more intense taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates silky smooth base, allow to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess, full-fat version recommended.
• Ricotta Cheese: Contributes light, smooth texture, can substitute with cottage cheese.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, nutty undertones, freshly grated offers superior taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic melty stretch, shredded variety melts most evenly.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and fresh herbal note, chop finely for best presentation.

Tools To Prep Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Smoothly

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and mixing meat sauce.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for blending cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked spaghetti.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring meat sauce and mixing cheese ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.

Directions To Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Fast

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot. Toss spaghetti into bubbling water, letting it dance and soften until perfectly tender. Drain and give a quick olive oil bath to prevent sticking.

• Meaty Flavor Base

Brown ground beef in a skillet, letting it sizzle and release its rich aromas. Splash in marinara sauce, whisking in aromatic seasonings. Let the mixture simmer and meld flavors.

• Cheese Fusion

Grab cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta. Whip these creamy companions together until silky smooth, creating a luscious blanket of dairy goodness.

• Layered Symphony

Grab a baking dish and start building your masterpiece. Spread a foundation of meat sauce, nestle spaghetti strands, drape the cheese mixture, then repeat layers. Crown the creation with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.

• Oven Magic

Tent the dish with foil, sliding it into a preheated oven. After 25 minutes, unveil and let the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly landscape. Watch as edges crisp and flavors intensify.

• Comfort Serving

Allow the casserole a brief moment to settle. Slice into generous portions, watching cheese strings stretch dramatically. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips To Switch Up Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Flavor

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep this casserole entirely the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap traditional spaghetti for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this dish celiac-friendly without losing any delicious flavor.
• Lean Protein Switch: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that's still packed with protein and incredible taste.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the meat sauce or cheese mixture. Kids won't even notice the added vegetables!
• Spice It Up: For heat lovers, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top before baking to give the dish a spicy kick.

Dreamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti brings comfort and flavor to pasta night with minimal ingredients. Italian-inspired comfort meets simple preparation for a delightful meal you can quickly craft at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) ricotta or cottage cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and position a rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain completely, and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. Meat Transformation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, carefully draining excess fat to concentrate flavor. Incorporate marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, simmering for 5 minutes to develop a rich, aromatic base.
4. Creamy Fusion: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and half the Parmesan into a smooth, velvety mixture that will serve as the dish’s luxurious binding agent.
5. Layering Technique: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading a thin layer of meat sauce as the initial foundation. Arrange half the spaghetti, generously cover with the cream mixture, then layer remaining pasta and meat sauce to ensure complete coverage.
6. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan across the top, creating a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Baking Process: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly crisp.
8. Serving Presentation: Rest the casserole for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this comforting pasta masterpiece.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned with minimal moisture, creating a deep caramelized exterior that intensifies overall flavor and prevents watery sauce.
• Control Cheese Consistency: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free cream base that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Slightly undercook spaghetti during initial boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven, maintaining a perfect al dente texture in the final dish.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian versions, keeping the creamy pasta’s core essence intact.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg