When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the combination of creamy, cheesy, and pasta goodness. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate indulgence—bringing together the best of spaghetti with a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce. This dish has quickly gained popularity as a family favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and delivers that irresistible cheesy goodness we all crave. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a weeknight, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti hits all the right notes.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti—complete with tips for perfecting the recipe, variations to suit your taste, and ways to store and serve it. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the perfect dish to add to your comfort food rotation.
Ingredients
To make this creamy and delicious dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather:
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
- Salt (for seasoning pasta water)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps to create a hearty, comforting dish that’s bound to satisfy your cravings.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent the strands from sticking together. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the ingredients form a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce (Optional)
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage (or both) and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the meat. Stir everything together and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy sauce you prepared earlier. Make sure all the pasta is coated in the smooth sauce, and add a bit more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Layer the Dish
Now it’s time to assemble the dish! If you’re using the meat sauce, spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, spoon half of the meat sauce on top of the pasta. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta and meat sauce. This layering ensures that each bite has a balance of both the creamy spaghetti and the flavorful meat sauce.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Top the assembled pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the dish a cheesy, golden crust once it bakes in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. If you like your top a little more crispy, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with a side salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Season the Pasta Water: Don’t forget to add salt to the water when cooking the spaghetti. This enhances the flavor of the pasta and gives it a better overall taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Add Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy dish, sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the pasta before baking, or even stir in some extra cheese into the creamy sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Meat Sauce: While you can skip the meat sauce if you prefer, it adds so much depth and flavor to the dish. The savory meat sauce complements the creamy spaghetti perfectly.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful color contrast to the creamy pasta.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat sauce and load the spaghetti with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use a vegetable-based marinara sauce to keep it plant-based.
- Chicken Alfredo Poke Cake: Swap out the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken and mix it with Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy, white sauce variation.
- Spicy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick, or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Pesto Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: Incorporate some basil pesto into the creamy sauce for an aromatic, herbaceous twist that pairs wonderfully with the pasta.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration:
Store leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covering the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing:
To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a natural side for this rich, creamy pasta. It complements the dish and adds a crunchy, flavorful contrast to the soft spaghetti.
- Pair with a Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to balance the richness of the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Try a simple arugula or spinach salad with cherry tomatoes.
- Wine Pairing: A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs nicely with this dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, from busy weeknights to special family gatherings. By following the tips for perfecting this dish and trying out some fun variations, you can create a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with add-ins, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your comfort food repertoire. Enjoy the perfect combination of cheesy, creamy, and savory in every bite!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: 7 Heavenly Comfort Food Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. The smooth cream cheese sauce pairs perfectly with al dente pasta and a savory meat sauce (optional). Topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked spaghetti dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner on a weeknight or a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe is the answer!
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
Salt (for seasoning pasta water)
For the Creamy Sauce:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for creaminess)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent the strands from sticking together. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until the ingredients form a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce (Optional)
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage (or both) and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the meat. Stir everything together and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy sauce you prepared earlier. Ensure the pasta is coated well with the creamy sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Step 5: Layer the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, spoon half of the meat sauce on top of the pasta. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta and meat sauce. This layering ensures each bite has a combination of both the creamy pasta and savory meat sauce.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Top the assembled pasta with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a cheesy, golden crust once it bakes in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with a side salad and some garlic bread for the perfect meal!
Notes
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before using it to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, make sure it’s al dente before draining.
Add Extra Cheese: For a cheesier dish, you can add more mozzarella or Parmesan either in the sauce or on top before baking.
Customize with Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat sauce and use a vegetable-based marinara sauce or sautéed veggies in place of the meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe (about 1 large scoop)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, Cheesy Spaghetti, Comfort Food Pasta, Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Sauce, Pasta Bake, Easy Spaghetti Recipe, Creamy Baked Spaghetti
