The Coziest Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe Ever Made

My recent obsession with classic pasta dishes led me to discover this incredible baked cream cheese spaghetti that completely changed my dinner routine.

Creamy textures and robust flavors blend seamlessly in this comforting meal.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with such a simple yet delicious recipe.

Rich and satisfying, this dish promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that turns ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the decadent combination of ingredients that make this recipe irresistible.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Wins Hearts

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make this dish a go-to solution for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese types to personalize this versatile recipe to your taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Reduces kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, making it a stress-free option for home cooks looking to minimize post-meal dishwashing.

Gather Ingredients For Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the base of this comforting dish.
• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor to the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and smooth richness to the pasta.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Brings deep tomato flavor and moisture to the baked dish.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Italian-style seasoning to the ground beef.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, sharp finishing touch to the baked dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Standard seasonings for enhancing overall taste of the recipe.

How To Bake Cream Cheese Spaghetti Effortlessly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook spaghetti noodles following package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente.

Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and sizzle ground beef with minced garlic.

Cook until the meat turns from pink to a rich brown color.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Introduce spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef.

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

Step 5: Melt Creamy Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with cream cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely and coats every single noodle in a luxurious, silky layer.

Step 6: Layer the Dish

Transfer the creamy pasta into a baking dish.

Pour the robust beef and sauce mixture evenly over the top, creating delicious layers.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle a generous handful of grated parmesan cheese across the entire dish for an extra flavor punch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese looks melted and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately while it’s hot and steaming.

Top Tips For Cream Cheese Spaghetti Perfection

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother coating on spaghetti.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery.
• Use fresh garlic and high-quality marinara sauce for richer, more robust flavor.
• Ensure even distribution of beef sauce by gently spreading it over the cream cheese-coated pasta.
• Add extra parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust.

Unique Twists For Cream Cheese Spaghetti Lovers

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version. Use vegetable marinara sauce for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat lovers. Mix in some pepper jack cheese for extra spiciness.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates. Use lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option.

Serving Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Like A Pro

• Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy spaghetti bake with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced nutrition and refreshing contrast.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and complement the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to enhance the savory beef and tomato sauce flavors, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Veggie Side Kick: Add roasted broccoli or sautéed zucchini as a nutritious green vegetable side that cuts through the dish's richness and adds vibrant color to the plate.

Storing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream cheese for optimal texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of pasta sauce if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture from cream cheese and familiar ingredients like spaghetti and ground beef make this dish a hit with children who enjoy mild, comforting flavors.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the beef sauce for increased nutrition and flavor variety.

• What cheese works best if I don't have cream cheese?

If cream cheese isn’t available, you can use ricotta or a soft spreadable cheese that melts well and provides a similar creamy consistency to the pasta.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti casserole brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with a luxurious blend of pasta, cream cheese, and savory seasonings. Families will savor each cheesy, herb-infused bite of this irresistible one-pan wonder that promises warmth and satisfaction in every forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 (26-ounce/737 grams) jar prepared spaghetti sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for this creamy pasta creation.
2. Boil spaghetti until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain excess water.
3. In a sizzling skillet, brown ground beef with aromatic garlic, ensuring meat loses its raw pink tone and excess fat is removed.
4. Infuse beef with rich spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld during a gentle 10-minute simmer.
5. Transform cooked spaghetti by blending with cream cheese, creating a luxurious coating that ensures each pasta strand is thoroughly embraced.
6. Transfer the creamy spaghetti into a spacious baking dish, creating an inviting base layer.
7. Cascade the savory beef and sauce mixture evenly across the spaghetti foundation.
8. Generously dust the surface with grated parmesan cheese, adding a delectable finishing touch.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is thoroughly heated, with cheese melted into a tempting golden blanket.
10. Serve immediately while warm and wonderfully aromatic.

Notes

• Make cream cheese softer by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing with pasta, ensuring smoother and more even coating.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish without compromising flavor.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add extra herbs like fresh basil or oregano on top before serving to boost fresh flavor and create a restaurant-style presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 563 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg