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!