Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the decadence of cream cheese. The pasta is enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and layered with melted cheeses, creating a creamy, savory experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving a homey meal, this dish ticks all the boxes. Its combination of flavors and textures—from the gooey cheese to the al dente pasta—makes it a family favorite. Plus, the ease of preparation means you’ll be spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones.

I first discovered Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese during a cozy dinner at a friend’s house. One bite, and I was hooked! It tasted like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The creaminess of the cheese paired with the tangy marinara instantly won me over, and I knew I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. Over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe, ensuring that it’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, you’ll be eager to share it with everyone you know!

How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying with non-stick oil spray to make serving easier later on.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet heated over medium-high, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine with Marinara: Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes while the spaghetti cooks. Take it off the heat and set aside.
4. Boil the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook ½ pound spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, about 9-11 minutes for al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
5. Mix with Cream Cheese: While the pasta is still warm, add 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until the cream cheese is well incorporated. If the pasta sticks, drizzle with 2-3 teaspoons olive oil for easier mixing.
6. Layer the Dish: Start by spreading 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the previously prepared baking dish. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top, then pour the remaining meat sauce over it.
7. Add the Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese and 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spaghetti and sauce layers.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a light golden color.
9. Garnish and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti with cream cheese sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You might find the texture slightly altered, but don’t worry—a splash of marinara sauce before reheating can refresh the dish.

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. From its creamy base to the bubbling cheese on top, this dish makes for a cozy dinner that will surely impress. Feel free to adjust ingredients or add extra veggies to suit your taste. I truly hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do; gather your loved ones and dig in!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta shape.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with baked spaghetti?

A classic side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish. You could also serve some steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Is this recipe easily customizable?

Definitely! Add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, either cooked or raw. You can also use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

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• Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)
• Chicken Spaghetti That Makes Dinner So Easy

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Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

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• Author: Peter
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe features a delightful blend of flavors with ground beef, marinara, and creamy cheese, making it ideal for a quick family meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2–3 teaspoons additional olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning blend
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups jarred marinara sauce
• ½ pound spaghetti noodles
• 8 ounces block style cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces block whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick oil spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the olive oil, ground beef, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for 5-6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes while cooking the pasta, then set aside.
4. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti noodles for 9-11 minutes or until al dente, following package directions.
5. Drain the pasta and combine it in a bowl with cream cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Use additional olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
6. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish.
7. Layer the spaghetti noodles over the sauce, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
8. Sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.

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Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

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