Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect cozy weeknight dinner—rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty flavor. Tender spaghetti is tossed in a smooth cream cheese sauce, layered with savory meat sauce, topped with melty cheese, and baked until bubbly. It’s comforting, filling, and guaranteed to be a family favorite!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and ultra comforting
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- A crowd-pleasing casserole
- Easy to prep ahead and bake later
- Reheats beautifully for leftovers
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta Mixture
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream (optional but makes it extra creamy)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onions until browned.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Parmesan
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & pepper
Stir until smooth, then toss with the cooked spaghetti until fully coated.
4. Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13 baking dish:
- Spread half of the meat sauce
- Add all the cream cheese spaghetti
- Top with remaining meat sauce
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the top
5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Garnish with parsley if desired.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Mix mozzarella into the noodles for an ultra-cheesy version.
- Swap spaghetti for penne or rotini—works perfectly.
- Make ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Caprese salad
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze assembled (unbaked) or baked casserole for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
Bake at 350°F until hot, or microwave portions with a splash of sauce.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is creamy, cheesy comfort food at its best. With simple ingredients and an easy process, it makes the perfect family dinner or potluck dish. Everyone who tries it will want seconds!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Ingredients
• 8 oz spaghetti (or chickpea/lentil pasta for high protein; zucchini noodles for low-carb)
• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) jar marinara sauce (or 2 cups homemade)
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (divided)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti al dente (1 min less than package); drain.
- In a skillet, brown beef and onion over medium heat. Drain fat. Add garlic; cook 1 min. Stir in marinara, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 mins.
- In a large bowl, combine hot cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Stir until cream cheese melts and everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered 20–25 mins, until bubbly and golden at edges. Let rest 8–10 mins before serving (helps it set).
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins, Total Time: 40 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 490, Net Carbs: 34g, Fats: 28g, Protein: 30g
✅ Keto version: Use 4 cups zucchini noodles + sugar-free marinara — net carbs drop to ~7g/serving.