Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a warm, comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with classic Italian flavors. It’s the perfect twist on traditional spaghetti, baked to golden perfection with a rich tomato meat sauce and a velvety layer of cream cheese that melts into every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and hearty this meal is, especially on busy nights. It brings together everything I enjoy in comfort food—savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese. The cream cheese adds a unique creamy texture that makes this baked spaghetti stand out from the classic version. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that pleases everyone at the table and makes great leftovers, too.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti

• Ground beef

• Marinara or spaghetti sauce

• Cream cheese

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Italian seasoning

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Then, I cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, drain it, and set it aside.

3. In a skillet, I heat some olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.

4. I add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

5. Once the beef is fully cooked, I drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. I let it simmer for a few minutes.

6. While the sauce simmers, I mix the hot cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese until it melts and coats the noodles evenly.

7. In a baking dish, I layer the cream cheese spaghetti on the bottom, then spoon the meat sauce over the top.

8. I sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.

9. I bake it uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake, making the total time about 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the meat and use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor. For a veggie-friendly version, I skip the meat entirely and load the sauce with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. If I want extra heat, I add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara. And when I’m feeling fancy, I use a blend of cheeses like provolone or fontina on top for even more meltiness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either pop a portion in the microwave until heated through or cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. I sometimes add a splash of water or marinara to keep it moist when reheating.

FAQs

How do I keep the cream cheese from clumping in the spaghetti?

I make sure the spaghetti is hot when mixing with the softened cream cheese. That helps it melt smoothly and coat the noodles evenly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the whole dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, I just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

What kind of pasta works best for this?

I prefer spaghetti, but I’ve also used linguine or fettuccine with great results. Thinner pastas like angel hair might not hold up as well in the bake.

Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti?

Absolutely. I let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When I want to eat it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

For a lighter version, I use low-fat cream cheese, ground turkey, and part-skim mozzarella. It still turns out rich and satisfying without being too heavy.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is one of those reliable, crowd-pleasing recipes I turn to when I need something hearty, delicious, and easy. It’s a creamy, cheesy spin on a classic pasta dish that always hits the spot—and it makes even better leftovers the next day.

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