Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 5-Star Easy Recipe!

Get ready to discover your new family favorite: this incredible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe! This dish takes classic spaghetti and elevates it with a rich, creamy, and irresistible layer of cream cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s truly a 5-star easy weeknight dinner solution.

Introduction to Your New Favorite Baked Pasta Dish!

Are you looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This baked spaghetti casserole brings together savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and a surprise layer of creamy goodness.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving something warm and delicious. The layered approach makes every bite an experience.

Why This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is a Must-Try!

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, making it much more exciting than your average spaghetti dish.

The cream cheese layer melts into a delightful, tangy counterpoint to the rich meat sauce, creating a truly unique and delicious flavor profile. It’s an easy dinner idea that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll love this cream cheese pasta bake!

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Baked Spaghetti

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful meal. Most of these are pantry staples, ensuring a quick trip to the grocery store if needed.

For the Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

1 lb spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or turkey/sausage)
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth (optional, for thinning)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for mixing and topping)

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious and satisfying meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!

Prep the Pasta and Meat Sauce

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
While spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese into the meat sauce. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated.

Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread about half of the spaghetti-meat sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Carefully dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
Spoon the remaining spaghetti-meat sauce mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy your delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti!

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

To really make this dish sing, consider these helpful tips. A little extra attention goes a long way!

Al Dente Pasta: Don’t overcook your spaghetti initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Al dente ensures it won’t be mushy.
Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free layer.
Flavorful Sauce: Let your meat sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop a richer flavor profile. You can even make the sauce a day ahead!
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This cheesy spaghetti casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. You can also easily adapt it to your taste!

Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing and some crusty garlic bread. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or asparagus are excellent options. For more delicious recipe ideas, Read our in-depth guide here.

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat, or incorporating finely chopped bell peppers with the onion. You can also use a blend of Italian cheeses instead of just mozzarella for the topping. Experiment and make it your own!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish is fantastic for meal prepping and leftovers! Store any uneaten Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, portions can be microwaved until hot, or you can cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Sometimes a splash of broth or water can help keep it moist when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground crumbles, lentils, or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version. Just ensure your seasonings are robust to maintain flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent the spaghetti from drying out?

To keep your baked spaghetti moist, ensure your sauce is generous and that the pasta is fully coated. Adding a bit more broth to the sauce before baking can help. Also, consider covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking to lock in moisture, removing it for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for make-ahead! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold. For more make-ahead tips, check out Food Network’s Make-Ahead Casseroles.