Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti – The Crowd-Pleaser That Has Everyone Asking for the Recipe

If you’re searching for a comfort food recipe that not only satisfies cravings but also feeds a crowd with ease, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is your golden ticket. A perfect fusion of classic spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish has become a viral sensation for a reason. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if your friends and family are begging you for the recipe—it’s that good.

Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This isn’t your average baked pasta dish. It’s an indulgent, layered casserole where perfectly cooked spaghetti is tossed with cream cheese and spices, topped with savory meat sauce, and blanketed under a bubbling layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but it’s so easy, even a weeknight chef can master it.

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something important to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef – Provides a rich, meaty base.
  • 16 ounces spaghetti pasta – Holds up well in baking and soaks up the sauce.
  • 28 ounces pasta sauce – Choose your favorite marinara or meat sauce.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese – The creamy surprise that makes this dish unforgettable.
  • 1 pinch garlic salt – Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced – Adds a punch of aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty richness for topping.
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and creates that bubbly, golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake the Perfect Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat and Boil

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasy sauce.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

Add the 28 ounces of pasta sauce to the browned beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained spaghetti along with:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 pinch garlic salt
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the noodles evenly. The result? Rich, creamy spaghetti infused with garlic and Italian herbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to coat the bottom.

Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce evenly.

Step 6: Add the Final Layers

Top the spaghetti with the remainder of the meat sauce. Spread it evenly to cover all the noodles.

Sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, followed by ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned on top, with the sauce bubbling at the edges.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired, and enjoy the glorious, gooey layers of flavor.

Why This Spaghetti Bake Works So Well

  • Cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess to the pasta, setting it apart from other baked spaghetti dishes.
  • Using rotisserie or leftover meat? You can easily swap ground beef for shredded chicken, sausage, or plant-based alternatives.
  • Great for leftovers! This dish reheats like a dream and tastes even better the next day.

Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to help it melt faster into the noodles.
  • Customize the seasoning to match your taste—try a bit of crushed red pepper for heat or fresh basil for brightness.
  • Double the recipe if you’re serving a large group or want freezer meals on standby.
  • Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to sneak in some nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Make It Your Own – Creative Variations

This dish is incredibly flexible. Here are a few ways to make it yours:

  • Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.
  • Four Cheese Version – Use a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano for a richer, more complex flavor.
  • Tex-Mex Twist – Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, use cheddar cheese, and top with sliced olives and green onions.
  • Vegetarian Option – Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Perfect Pairings for Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Looking to complete your meal? Here are some sides that pair perfectly:

  • Garlic Breadsticks
  • Classic Caesar Salad
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Caprese Skewers
  • Herbed Focaccia

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish stores wonderfully:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions until warmed through.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Comfort Meal

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is more than just a pasta bake—it’s a show-stopping, soul-warming, cheese-loaded comfort dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder people are raving about this irresistible casserole. Try it once, and you’ll have a new family favorite on your hands.

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