Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delightful twist on classic pasta that brings together the familiar flavors of spaghetti with the indulgent creaminess of a baked casserole. This dish combines tender spaghetti, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a luscious cream cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella for an irresistibly gooey finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this baked pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and elevated.
What makes this recipe stand out is the cream cheese layer, which adds a unique, velvety texture not typically found in spaghetti dishes. By mixing cream cheese with sour cream and Parmesan, the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy and flavorful, enveloping each strand of pasta in a way that elevates the entire dish. Paired with a savory meat sauce, this baked spaghetti offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy.
Baking the dish in the oven also enhances the flavors, allowing the sauce and cheese to meld together beautifully. As the mozzarella melts and browns on top, it forms a bubbly, golden layer that adds both visual appeal and a satisfying, cheesy finish. This dish is a comforting, family-friendly meal that brings warmth to the table with every bite.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Each ingredient in Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti contributes uniquely to the dish’s flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Choosing the right components and using them thoughtfully is key to creating a rich and satisfying meal.
Spaghetti: The foundation of this dish, spaghetti brings the classic pasta texture that holds up well during baking. Cooking it al dente is essential; this way, it stays firm enough to withstand further cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Using ground beef provides a traditional, savory flavor, while Italian sausage adds a spicier, more complex taste due to its seasoning mix. Either choice works beautifully, though sausage can offer an extra depth that complements the creaminess of the cheese mixture.
Marinara Sauce: The sauce is a major flavor base for this dish. While a high-quality store-bought marinara saves time, a homemade marinara can add freshness and personalization. Opt for sauces with a balance of sweetness and acidity to enhance the savory elements without overpowering them.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These ingredients transform the dish, creating a creamy, indulgent texture that coats the pasta. The combination of cream cheese and sour cream provides a tangy richness, adding depth and smoothness to each bite.
Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that deepens the creaminess of the sauce, while mozzarella provides the perfect melt on top, creating a gooey, golden layer. Together, they create a savory, cheesy finish that’s irresistibly comforting.
Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil): Sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil releases their flavors and builds a fragrant base for the meat sauce, enhancing the dish’s richness and complexity.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Fresh Herbs): Balancing salt and pepper is crucial to bringing out the flavors in each ingredient. Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness with herbal brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Creating the perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti involves a few key steps to build layers of flavor and achieve that ideal creamy, cheesy texture. Follow this detailed guide to bring this comforting dish to life.
1. Preheat Oven and Cook Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you finish assembling the dish. This temperature allows for even cooking, ensuring the cheese melts and the sauce thickens without overcooking the pasta.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, and add the spaghetti. Cooking pasta to al dente—where it’s tender but still firm to the bite—is crucial since it will continue cooking in the oven. Follow package directions, typically 8–10 minutes, and test a piece a minute before the suggested time to prevent overcooking. Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and slightly translucent. This step helps build a flavorful base, as the onions release their sweetness into the oil.
Add Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can add a bitter taste to the sauce.
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage, if preferred) to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
Combine with Marinara Sauce: Once the meat is browned, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir to fully combine the meat and sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. This simmering step intensifies the savory elements and creates a cohesive, rich base.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Ensuring the cream cheese is softened beforehand helps achieve a smooth texture without lumps, allowing it to coat the spaghetti evenly.
4. Combine Spaghetti and Cream Mixture
Add the drained, cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture. Use tongs or a large fork to gently toss the spaghetti until each strand is coated with the creamy sauce. This step ensures that every bite of the dish is infused with the indulgent creaminess, providing a balanced contrast to the savory meat sauce.
5. Layering in the Baking Dish
Grease a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Layer the Meat Sauce and Spaghetti: Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This first layer of sauce helps prevent the spaghetti from sticking and adds flavor to each bite.
Add the Creamy Spaghetti Layer: Gently spoon the creamy spaghetti mixture on top of the meat sauce, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer. This middle layer is key to balancing the flavors and textures.
Top with Remaining Meat Sauce: Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. This top layer of sauce keeps the pasta moist during baking and ensures that every serving has a blend of sauce and creaminess.
6. Baking and Melting Cheese
Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This cheese layer will melt into a bubbly, golden topping, adding a gooey, satisfying finish to the dish.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap heat and moisture, which helps the dish bake evenly and keeps the top from browning too quickly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover for a Golden Finish: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the mozzarella to melt fully and brown slightly, creating a bubbly, golden crust. Keep an eye on it during the final minutes to avoid over-browning.
7. Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This final addition balances the richness of the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly layered, creamy, and savory baked spaghetti that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a well-rounded meal that can please a crowd. Garlic bread is a classic choice, as its buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy pasta and provides a satisfying crunch. Caesar salad is another popular side, offering fresh greens, crisp croutons, and a tangy dressing that balances the richness of the spaghetti. For a lighter option, consider serving steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. Their simple flavors and textures create a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savory pasta.
For garnishing, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top of the baked dish just before serving. These fresh herbs brighten the flavor and add a pop of color that enhances presentation. A dusting of grated Parmesan can also bring extra depth, adding an additional layer of cheesy goodness.
This dish is perfect for family-style serving, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy a generous portion. Alternatively, you can plate it individually for a more refined presentation, pairing each serving with a side and garnish. Whichever way you serve it, this dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
To make your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti truly exceptional, here are a few essential tips:
- Preventing Overcooked Pasta: Cook the spaghetti to al dente (slightly firm) since it will continue to soften while baking. To ensure the perfect texture, start testing the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time and drain immediately when it’s slightly firm.
- Adjusting for Different Tastes: For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Experiment with cheeses as well; sharp cheddar or gouda can add a different dimension of flavor, though keep mozzarella on top for the best melt.
- Avoiding a Greasy Bake: To prevent excess grease, drain the cooked meat thoroughly before adding marinara sauce. This step is especially important when using high-fat ground beef or sausage, ensuring a cleaner, less oily dish.
- Reheating Leftovers: For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of milk or marinara to prevent dryness and microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful, even on the second day.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Here are some creative variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, swap ground beef or sausage with hearty vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Mushrooms, in particular, add a savory depth that mimics the umami flavor of meat. Alternatively, try a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or a meat substitute. Just sauté these ingredients with onions and garlic before adding marinara for a flavorful base.
- Low-Carb Version: To reduce carbs, replace traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or roasted spaghetti squash. Both options absorb flavors well and provide a lighter texture. If using zoodles, briefly sauté them before layering to reduce excess moisture, while spaghetti squash can be roasted, scraped into strands, and layered directly.
- Different Cheese Options: Experimenting with cheese can bring unique flavors to the dish. Ricotta cheese adds a mild, creamy texture when mixed with the cream cheese mixture, while cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor. Gouda, known for its smooth melt, introduces a slightly smoky note. You can mix these cheeses with mozzarella on top for a perfectly melty finish.
- Adding Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content by incorporating vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli florets. Bell peppers add sweetness, spinach melts seamlessly into the sauce, and broccoli provides a tender-crisp texture. Sauté these veggies lightly before mixing them into the sauce to avoid excess moisture.
- Spicy Variation: For a kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce, or use a spicy marinara for a bolder flavor. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for subtle, evenly distributed heat throughout the dish.
These customizations allow you to tailor Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti to your taste, creating endless possibilities for this classic favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
2. What other meats can I use besides beef or sausage?
This recipe is flexible—try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor. Cooked, shredded chicken can also work well, especially if paired with a slightly spicy marinara.
3. Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese for a lighter texture, though the taste will be less tangy. Greek yogurt is also a good alternative for a bit of creaminess and tang.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To keep leftovers creamy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for about 15 minutes. If using a microwave, add a splash of milk or marinara to prevent drying out, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
5. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta in place of traditional spaghetti. Most gluten-free pasta holds up well in baked dishes, but be cautious not to overcook it during boiling.
6. How long can I store baked cream cheese spaghetti in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
7. Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
8. What kind of baking dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal, as these materials distribute heat evenly and allow the cheese to melt and brown perfectly. Avoid metal pans, which may overheat and cause sticking.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
A deliciously creamy twist on classic spaghetti, this baked version features a luscious cream cheese sauce layered with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the cream cheese sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
For the pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine flavors.
3️⃣ Make the cream cheese sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add half of the meat sauce as the base layer. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until evenly coated, then layer it on top of the meat sauce. Add the remaining meat sauce on top of the pasta layer.
5️⃣ Top with mozzarella and bake:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Serve:
Allow the baked spaghetti to cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for chopped veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6