Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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Comfort food meets creamy indulgence in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta wrapped in a rich, cheesy tomato meat sauce and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s everything you love about classic spaghetti, elevated with the creamy, tangy goodness of cream cheese—and it comes together with minimal fuss.

This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd, prepping ahead for a busy weeknight, or just cozying up on a weekend with something deliciously satisfying. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the leftovers (if any) are even better the next day. Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread or a simple salad, this baked spaghetti is a guaranteed family favorite.

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What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are the best choice here—long and firm enough to hold up to the rich cream cheese and meat sauce. But if you only have angel hair, linguine, or even fettuccine on hand, those can work in a pinch. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thinner noodles will soften faster during baking.

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Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Spaghetti Pasta: The foundation of the dish, spaghetti holds everything together and delivers that familiar texture we all love.

Cream Cheese: The star ingredient! It adds an irresistible creaminess and slight tang that sets this recipe apart from your average baked pasta.

Ground Beef: For hearty flavor and protein, ground beef gives the sauce richness and satisfying texture.

Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade version to create the savory tomato base for the meat sauce.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This gives the dish that gooey, melty top layer that browns beautifully in the oven.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that balances the creaminess and gives extra depth.

Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper): These bring the sauce to life and ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish and a hint of color, parsley adds freshness to the final dish.

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How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara or spaghetti sauce, along with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Mix Pasta with Cream Cheese

While the meat sauce simmers, return the drained spaghetti to the pot and mix in the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and evenly coated the pasta.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cream cheese spaghetti mixture. Spread half of the meat sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. You can also add a light dusting of extra Italian seasoning or parsley for extra flavor and color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes slicing easier.

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How to Serve and Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is best served hot and fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

For storing, let the baked spaghetti cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

You can also freeze this dish! Wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work wonderfully. You can even go meatless with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes! Low-fat cream cheese still gives a creamy texture with fewer calories. Just make sure it softens properly for smooth mixing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes and bake as instructed.

What cheese alternatives work well?

Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian blend. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I keep it from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating, and cover loosely with foil in the oven or a damp paper towel in the microwave.

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Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you’re loving this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you’ll definitely want to try out these other comforting and flavorful pasta dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a savory, cheesy take on classic noodles.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese when you need something ultra-creamy and kid-friendly.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for those craving rich and luxurious flavors.
• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage when you want a set-it-and-forget-it pasta night.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a fun twist with bold, cheesy goodness.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready for your next cozy night in.

And when you make it, come back and tell me how it went! Did you toss in mushrooms or go extra spicy with red pepper flakes? I love seeing how these recipes come to life in your kitchens.

💬 You can also check out more easy dinners and cheesy pasta favorites over on my Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes

Let’s keep the comfort food coming!

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