Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and downright irresistible, then this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is exactly what you need. Imagine your favorite pasta dish—spaghetti—topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes up golden and bubbly in the oven. This recipe takes that classic comfort food to the next level with a rich, velvety cream cheese layer and a savory marinara sauce that’s just… heavenly. It’s cozy, it’s cheesy, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

This is the kind of meal you can count on to impress at any dinner table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Easy to Make, Even for Beginners

This recipe is a breeze to put together, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. The creamy filling comes together quickly, and the whole dish is baked in one pan. Minimal prep, maximum flavor—it’s a win-win!

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Looking for a dish that will feed a lot of people? This one’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. You’ll love how simple it is to make a large batch and serve it up to a hungry group.

Creamy Comfort

Who doesn’t love a big, cheesy casserole? The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates a creamy, dreamy texture that sticks to every strand of pasta and makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Seriously, it’s the kind of dish you just can’t stop eating.

Kid-Friendly

This dish is perfect for families. The mild flavors and cheesy goodness will have kids asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies with a simple marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Spaghetti

The base of this dish is classic spaghetti. It’s the perfect vessel for all the creamy goodness, providing a nice, firm texture that holds up to the creamy sauce and marinara topping.

Cream Cheese

The secret to this creamy, dreamy sauce is cream cheese. It adds a smooth, velvety texture and a tangy richness that’s absolutely delicious when baked.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce adds a touch of tangy, savory goodness that perfectly balances out the creaminess of the cheese. You can use store-bought or homemade—whatever you have on hand!

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese gives this dish the perfect gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s creamy and stretchy, and it bakes up golden and bubbly on top of the spaghetti.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor and a bit of that delicious salty kick. It’s the finishing touch that makes this dish even more irresistible.

Ground Beef (Optional)

For a heartier meal, you can add some ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce. It’s an optional step, but if you’re craving a meatier dish, it adds great flavor and texture.

Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning

These two seasonings—garlic powder and Italian seasoning—bring in all the classic Italian flavors. They give the sauce and the pasta that extra oomph without being overpowering.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the spaghetti bakes up bubbly and golden, giving you that perfect creamy top layer.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain it, but save a little bit of pasta water (about ½ cup) to help the sauce stick to the pasta later. Set the cooked spaghetti aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and stir until everything is well combined. If the cream cheese is too thick, you can add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to make the mixture smoother.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat your marinara sauce over medium heat. If you’re adding ground beef, cook it in the pan until browned, then drain any excess fat before adding the marinara sauce. Stir the sauce until it’s warm and bubbly, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Pour the creamy spaghetti into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the warm marinara sauce over the top, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.

Step 6: Add More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more—there’s no such thing as too much cheese here!

Step 7: Bake the Dish

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden, and the sauce should be hot and oozing.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s done baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon up generous portions, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 470
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 18g
Vitamin D: 4% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 10% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Garlic Bread

What better to pair with a cheesy pasta dish than garlic bread? Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside—perfect for scooping up that extra sauce.

Fresh Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the spaghetti. Try an Italian salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing for a refreshing side.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli add a great textural contrast and a healthy side to the dish.

Roasted Garlic

For an extra touch of flavor, serve your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with some roasted garlic cloves. You can squeeze the sweet garlic onto your bread or mix it into the pasta for a deeper, richer flavor.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Add Veggies

You can sneak in some veggies by adding spinach, mushrooms, or even eggplant into the marinara sauce. It’s a great way to add some color and nutrients to the dish without compromising the flavor.

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce. This will give your dish a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Use Gluten-Free Pasta

If you’re gluten-free, just swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. The sauce and creamy cheese will work just as well with any pasta alternative!

Freeze for Later

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti freezes well! You can prepare it ahead of time, then freeze it (before baking) for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then pop it in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use any type of pasta?

A1: Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A2: Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and use a hearty vegetarian marinara sauce. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or spinach to make it even more filling.

Q3: Can I add chicken or sausage to this dish?

A3: Yes! If you’re craving meat, grilled chicken or sausage would make a great addition. Just cook the meat ahead of time and add it to the marinara sauce.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Q5: Can I freeze Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?

A5: Yes! To freeze, prepare the dish as directed (but don’t bake it yet), cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight and then bake.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A6: Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Mozzarella is key for that gooey, melty texture, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses for a twist!

Q7: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

A7: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though it may affect the texture slightly. The dish will still be delicious!

Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?

A8: Yes, just substitute gluten-free pasta for the regular spaghetti, and you’re good to go.

Q9: Can I add extra veggies to this dish?

A9: Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce will add flavor and nutrition.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?

A10: To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect dish for when you want something cozy, cheesy, and easy to make. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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