Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Oh, my friend, if you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Think creamy, cheesy spaghetti baked to perfection with a hint of garlic and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. The cream cheese gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture that’s pure magic, and when you bake it all together, the top gets a golden, bubbly crust—so irresistible!

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a hearty dish for a crowd, this casserole is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and it comes together in just a short amount of time. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those busy days when you need something comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Creamy & Cheesy Goodness

This casserole is loaded with cream cheese, making the spaghetti extra creamy and indulgent. The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella brings all the cheesy vibes, while a bit of Parmesan adds a savory depth that takes it over the top. You’ll find yourself going back for another bite before you even realize it.

Kid-Friendly

The whole family will love this one! The mild flavors and creamy sauce make it a hit with kids, while the delicious layers of cheese and pasta will satisfy the adults too. It’s the kind of dish everyone can agree on.

Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly

This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Or, make a double batch and freeze one for a rainy day. Either way, you’ll always have a comforting meal ready to go.

Quick & Easy

While casseroles sometimes have the reputation of being time-consuming, this one is super easy to put together! With simple ingredients and just a few steps, you can have this dish in the oven in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of effort.

Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite extras to this casserole. Love veggies? Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Craving some protein? Ground beef, sausage, or chicken would be a great addition. This recipe is a blank canvas that you can customize to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

For the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll need:

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish. You can use regular or whole wheat spaghetti, depending on your preference.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the show! This is what gives the casserole its signature creamy, rich texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• Marinara Sauce: The perfect sauce for this casserole, providing that tangy tomato flavor to complement the creamy cheese.
• Ground Beef (Optional): If you’d like to add some protein to your casserole, ground beef or sausage works wonderfully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory touch that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
• Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and onion.
• Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which gives the casserole an irresistible savory flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the casserole together and creates that perfect, creamy texture.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and make this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the casserole.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. If you’re adding ground beef or sausage, throw it in now and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the sauce. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy at first; the cream cheese will melt into the sauce when it bakes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In the same large bowl, add the cooked spaghetti and mix well to coat all the noodles in the creamy sauce. Stir in the sautéed garlic, onion, and ground meat (if using). The pasta should be nicely coated in the creamy sauce mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and finish with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve! The creamy, cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for more.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 510
Total Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 780mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 22g
  Vitamin D: 1mcg
  Calcium: 270mg
  Iron: 2mg
  Potassium: 480mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Serve with a Side Salad

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad for a bit of extra indulgence.

Pair with Garlic Bread

What better to accompany a cheesy casserole than garlic bread? Serve it warm and crispy, and you’ve got the perfect side for dipping into all that creamy sauce.

Add Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms add color, nutrients, and a little extra flavor to your meal.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven!

Freeze for Later

This dish freezes wonderfully! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the casserole with sliced jalapeños before baking.

Vegetarian Option

To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You could also add some cooked lentils or beans for extra protein.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
A1: Yes! While spaghetti is classic, you can use any pasta you prefer—penne, rigatoni, or even bow tie pasta would work well.

Q2: Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?
A2: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or even a béchamel sauce for a different creamy base.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!

Q4: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A4: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce, or mix in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes great! Simply assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A6: Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before mixing them into the sauce.

Q7: Can I make this casserole without meat?
A7: Of course! You can omit the meat and add extra veggies or even beans for a hearty vegetarian option.

Q8: How can I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q9: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Q10: Can I use a different cheese in place of mozzarella?
A10: Absolutely! You can use provolone, gouda, or even a mix of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that mozzarella gives the best melt and texture for this dish.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a cheesy, creamy, and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With layers of rich cream cheese, melted mozzarella, and perfectly baked spaghetti, this casserole is comfort food at its finest! Enjoy!

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