Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, combining tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese, and a savory sauce baked to perfection. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or a potluck favorite, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistent results. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt for picky eaters or special diets. If you love cozy pasta recipes like creamy lemon orzo or marry me chicken pasta, this one’s going straight into your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
What Makes This Dish a Family Favorite
This casserole has everything you want in a comfort food dish — a creamy middle layer, a hearty meat sauce, and a gooey, golden cheese topping. The baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole isn’t just about taste; it’s about texture. The cream cheese layer creates a velvety bite, while the baked spaghetti edges add a satisfying crisp. The best part? It’s a make-ahead-friendly recipe that reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy families.
A Quick Look at Ingredients and Flavors
At its heart, this dish uses familiar pantry staples — spaghetti, cream cheese, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. The cream cheese mellows out the acidity of the tomato sauce while adding a rich depth of flavor. For the meat sauce, you can use ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken. Vegetarians can swap in mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. This base recipe pairs well with fresh salads, garlic bread, or something light like watermelon cucumber feta mint salad.
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole with layers of pasta, rich sauce, and golden cheese topping.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups marinara sauce
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pasta water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pasta water until smooth.
4. Toss spaghetti in cream cheese mixture until fully coated.
5. In a skillet, cook meat until browned, add marinara sauce, and season to taste.
6. Layer half the spaghetti in a greased baking dish, add half the meat sauce, repeat layers.
7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve hot with fresh parsley garnish.
Notes
You can make this ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Swap beef for vegetables to make it vegetarian.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
Core Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, you’ll start with a few simple but essential items. You’ll need:
- Spaghetti – Regular or thin spaghetti works best, cooked until just al dente so it holds up during baking.
- Cream cheese – Full-fat gives you the creamiest results, but light cream cheese can work if you want a slightly lighter dish.
- Tomato-based pasta sauce – You can use homemade or store-bought. For a richer flavor, try adding a spoon of cowboy butter or roasted garlic.
- Ground meat – Beef, Italian sausage, or a mix. For a leaner option, ground turkey is a great substitute.
- Shredded cheese – Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for flavor.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
While the base recipe is delicious, you can easily customize your spaghetti casserole with cream cheese. Here are a few tasty upgrades:
- Vegetables – Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach add nutrition and depth.
- Cheese varieties – Try smoked provolone or a sharp cheddar mix.
- Herbs – Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled after baking adds a burst of freshness.
- Spicy kick – Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for those who like it hot.
Adding your own twist makes this casserole stand out, just like a creative spin on one-pan cheesy taco pasta bake.
Preparing the Creamy Spaghetti Base
Cooking the Spaghetti Just Right
The base of a baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole starts with pasta cooked to the perfect texture. Boil your spaghetti in salted water until it’s just al dente — usually one minute less than the package suggests. This helps it hold up during baking without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta well to prevent excess water from thinning the cream cheese layer.
For extra flavor, reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining. You can use this later to loosen the cream cheese mixture if it feels too thick. This little trick also works well in recipes like creamy salmon pasta.
Making the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the pasta is cooking, soften the cream cheese at room temperature so it’s easier to mix. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese with a few tablespoons of warm pasta water or milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. This creates a smooth, spreadable layer that coats the pasta evenly.
Toss the drained spaghetti into this cream cheese mixture until every strand is coated. This step is key because it creates that rich, creamy texture that defines the casserole. You want each bite to have both pasta and cream cheese flavor, not just pockets of creaminess.
Building the Layers for Your Casserole
First Layer: Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Blend
Start by lightly greasing your casserole dish with butter or a touch of olive oil. Spread half of the cream cheese–coated spaghetti evenly along the bottom. This will be the first layer of your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole and helps lock in moisture during baking. Press it down gently so it sits flat, making room for the sauce and cheese layers to come.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can prepare two smaller casserole dishes instead of one large pan. That way, you can serve one now and freeze the other for later — a trick that works great with recipes like sizzling spaghetti as well.
Second Layer: Meat Sauce or Vegetarian Option
Next, spoon a generous layer of your prepared meat sauce over the spaghetti. Spread it evenly so every bite gets that rich tomato flavor. If you’re keeping things vegetarian, swap the meat sauce for a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Once the sauce is in place, add the remaining half of your spaghetti mixture on top. Press it down gently, then pour any extra sauce over the top to keep things moist. Finish with a thick layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that signature golden crust once baked.
At this stage, your casserole should look like a layered lasagna — but with the creaminess of a pasta bake. Now it’s ready for the oven.
Baking the Spaghetti Casserole
What Temperature to Bake Spaghetti in the Oven
The ideal oven temperature for a baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is 350°F (175°C). This allows the dish to heat through evenly without overcooking the pasta or drying out the sauce. If you’re baking it straight after assembling, 25–30 minutes is enough to melt the cheese and blend the flavors.
If your casserole was prepped ahead and chilled in the fridge, increase the baking time to about 40 minutes, covering the top with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep the cheese from browning too quickly. This same method works for other pasta bakes like one-pan cheesy taco pasta bake.
How to Get a Perfect Golden Top
To achieve that irresistible bubbly and golden cheese layer, remove the foil during the last 5–10 minutes of baking. If you want a slightly crispier top, turn the broiler on for 1–2 minutes — but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
For a little extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs or a pinch of garlic salt over the melted cheese right before serving. The contrast of the creamy interior and crispy cheese topping is what makes this casserole a true comfort food winner.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Casserole
A baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides turns it into a complete meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are a natural choice — they’re perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the creaminess of the casserole.
For a lighter twist, serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. If you want something refreshing, a fruit-based side such as watermelon cucumber feta mint salad brings a cool, sweet note that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy pasta.
How to Garnish for a Stunning Presentation
Presentation makes a difference, especially if you’re serving guests. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top of your spaghetti casserole with cream cheese for a pop of color. A dusting of Parmesan adds a final savory touch.
For a cozy, rustic feel, bake and serve the casserole in the same dish. For a more elegant look, portion it into individual ramekins before baking. This also works well for recipes like marry me chicken pasta when you want to create a personal serving for each guest.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
A baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole stores surprisingly well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole in individual portions or as a whole. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This same approach works great with other pasta recipes like creamy salmon pasta.
Reheating Without Losing Creaminess
To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a small pat of butter before reheating helps restore its creamy texture.
If you’re short on time, you can reheat single servings in the microwave. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Just keep in mind that the oven method preserves the texture of the pasta and cheese better.
Common Questions About Cream Cheese in Spaghetti
Can Cream Cheese Be Baked in the Oven?
Yes, cream cheese can be baked in the oven, and it holds up well in a baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole. Baking softens the cream cheese further, allowing it to blend into the pasta and sauce for a smooth, rich texture. It won’t melt like mozzarella but instead creates a creamy base that ties the whole dish together.
Why Do People Put Cream Cheese in Spaghetti Sauce?
People add cream cheese to spaghetti sauce because it balances the acidity of tomatoes and adds a velvety richness. In a spaghetti casserole with cream cheese, it also helps bind the pasta and sauce together, making every bite consistently flavorful and creamy.
What Temperature Do You Bake Spaghetti at in the Oven?
For most casseroles, including a baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, the best oven temperature is 350°F (175°C). This heat allows the flavors to meld, the pasta to warm through, and the cheese to melt without burning the top.
Conclusion
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu
A baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is more than just another pasta dish — it’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors wrapped in an easy, make-ahead format. It works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and potlucks alike. The simple ingredients and forgiving cooking process make it a recipe anyone can master, even if you’re not a seasoned cook.
Encouragement to Try Variations
Once you’ve made the classic version, experiment with your own twists — different meats, extra vegetables, or alternative cheeses. This flexibility is what keeps the dish exciting meal after meal. And if you’re in the mood to try another comfort food winner, you might love the one-pan cheesy taco pasta bake for a spicy change of pace.
For more comfort food recipes like this, you can follow me on Pinterest and Medium where I share weekly cooking tips and family-friendly meal ideas.
