The first time I stepped into the inviting, fragrant world of baked cream cheese spaghetti, I was filled with both curiosity and excitement. The idea of pairing cream cheese with spaghetti was new to me, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would turn out.
To my joy, the dish was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce wrapped around the noodles like a cozy embrace, topped off with a luscious layer of melted cheese. It quickly became a favorite, showcasing the magic that happens when simple ingredients are prepared with care and a dash of creativity.
This baked cream cheese spaghetti isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting, heartwarming experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Savor the rich blend of flavors, and let this dish bring warmth to both your soul and your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and meaty with just the right amount of tang from your favorite spaghetti sauce.
It comes together with simple ingredients and feeds a hungry crowd—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want to treat yourself to something warm and satisfying.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
- 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and return the noodles to the warm pot.
- While the pasta is still hot, add the cream cheese directly to the pot. Stir until it melts and coats the noodles in a luscious creamy sauce. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon a generous layer of the meat sauce into the bottom.
- Layer the cream cheese spaghetti evenly on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, spreading it out to cover the noodles completely.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and just starting to brown at the edges.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce as it simmers.
- Want a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. Just add a spoonful of water or sauce before reheating to keep it moist.
- Swap out spaghetti for another pasta shape like penne or rigatoni if you like!
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy pasta bake with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a full meal that hits all the right notes!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
- 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and return the noodles to the warm pot.
- While the pasta is still hot, add the cream cheese directly to the pot. Stir until it melts and coats the noodles in a luscious creamy sauce. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon a generous layer of the meat sauce into the bottom.
- Layer the cream cheese spaghetti evenly on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, spreading it out to cover the noodles completely.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and just starting to brown at the edges.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
