The Cheesiest Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe Ever

Comfort and creativity collide in this delightful baked cream cheese spaghetti that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy goodness meets classic pasta in a dish that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

The blend of rich cream cheese and tender spaghetti creates a magical harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Warm, bubbling, and irresistibly golden, this casserole brings a touch of gourmet magic to your dinner table.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular pasta bake that turns basic ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Is So Satisfying

• Comfort Food Champion: A mouthwatering one-pan meal that transforms classic spaghetti into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece guaranteed to satisfy hungry families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with rich flavors and gooey cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly Deliciousness: Uses accessible ingredients and stretches ground beef into a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank, offering maximum flavor at minimal cost.

What Goes in Creamy Baked Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Delightful long noodles perfect for hearty dishes.

• Ground Beef: Juicy protein that adds rich flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce with traditional Italian taste.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic companions that enhance the meat sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Simple spices that bring depth to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy base for the creamy sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and subtle tang.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese with sharp, nutty notes.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy and melty topping for golden finish.

Directions for Baking Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water until perfectly tender.

Once done, drain and set the pasta aside, ready for the next delicious stage of your culinary adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, transform ground beef into a rich, golden-brown base.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Pour marinara sauce and let it simmer, creating a mouthwatering meat sauce that will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

The result will be a luxurious, velvety sauce that screams comfort food.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F.

• Spread half the meat sauce as the first layer
• Toss pasta with creamy sauce
• Place sauced pasta over meat layer
• Top with remaining meat sauce

Step 5: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest briefly, then serve hot.

Watch as everyone dives into this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Tips for Creamy and Cheesy Baked Pasta

• Ensure al dente texture by salting water generously and testing pasta 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes to blend smoothly without lumps in the sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based crumbles for varied protein preferences.
• Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra complexity and warmth.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

How to Store and Warm Up This Spaghetti Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place spaghetti in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

What to Serve With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the baked spaghetti.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty casserole.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Crostini: Prepare crispy garlic bread slices with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft, creamy pasta dish.
• Add Zesty Side Antipasto: Craft a quick antipasto platter with marinated olives, cured meats, and pickled vegetables to introduce bright, tangy notes that cut through the dish's richness.

Tasty Variations for This Spaghetti Bake

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meatless version that keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners without sacrificing flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate dish that still satisfies pasta cravings.
• Spicy Kick Option: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for those who love a fiery edge to their cheesy baked spaghetti.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta type.

• Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a leaner version of this dish. Cook it the same way as ground beef.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or include some diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for extra heat.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti delivers comfort on a plate with hearty pasta swirled in silky cheese sauce. Warm Italian-inspired flavors meld together, creating a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 1/2 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

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Instructions

1. Boil the spaghetti in a generously salted water bath until perfectly tender, ensuring each strand reaches al dente consistency. Carefully drain and set pasta aside, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
2. Transform ground beef in a heated skillet, breaking down protein into delicate crumbles. Incorporate finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence. Season the mixture with robust salt, cracked pepper, and Italian herb blend.
3. Introduce marinara sauce into the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld and intensify through a gentle simmering process. Let the sauce develop complex undertones for maximum depth.
4. Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan into a silky, luxurious sauce. Ensure complete integration of ingredients, creating a smooth, velvety texture that will envelop the pasta.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious baking vessel. Create a foundational layer of rich meat sauce, then delicately drape pasta coated in cream cheese mixture across the surface.
6. Distribute remaining meat sauce uniformly, ensuring complete pasta coverage. Generously crown the casserole with a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, baking initially for 20 minutes to develop internal temperatures and marry flavors. Uncover and continue baking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Allow casserole to rest momentarily after removing from oven, permitting flavors to stabilize. Serve warm, presenting a comforting, decadent culinary creation.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushy texture when baked.
• Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish for brightness and aroma.
• Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help set and make serving easier, preventing runny consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg