Heavenly Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Creamy pasta lovers adore this baked cream cheese spaghetti that combines classic comfort with unexpected zest.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over perfectly cooked noodles.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each forkful promises rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients ensure quick preparation without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

cheese enthusiasts will recognize this as their ultimate dinner dream.

Your next meal solution just arrived with delightful simplicity.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti That Comforts and Satisfies

• Boost Comfort Food Appeal: Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors perfect for those nights when you crave something indulgent and comforting.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all ingredients in one baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation a breeze with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Customize for Everyone: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for ground turkey, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love, with rich, cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce that makes everyone excited for dinner.

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich protein and deep flavor to the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth texture for the pasta mixture.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic tomato-based flavor to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the creaminess and tanginess of the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty taste to complement the other ingredients.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty and stretchy topping for the casserole.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful base for the meat sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a traditional herb blend to enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Serves as a bright and fresh garnish for the finished dish.

How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Baked to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C) so it’s ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti in salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Drain any extra grease.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning.

Let it simmer and bubble for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Coat the Pasta

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring every strand gets a delicious coating.

Step 8: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 9: Layer the Casserole

Gently place the spaghetti mixture into the dish, then top with remaining meat sauce.

Step 10: Add Cheese Topping

• Shredded mozzarella
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving.

Pro Tips for Creamy Baked Spaghetti Every Time

• Choose spaghetti with a good texture that holds sauce well, avoiding overcooking to maintain the right al dente consistency.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier incorporation into the sauce.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, keeping the texture light and appetizing.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish, elevating the overall flavor profile of the baked spaghetti.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.

Flavorful Variations to Try on Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for those who enjoy a more intense flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this creamy spaghetti with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious meat sauce and complement the dish's savory flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to enhance the robust tomato and beef flavors in this comforting meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and elevate the overall presentation.

How to Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Stays good for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This baked cream cheese spaghetti can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It reheats well and makes for convenient leftovers.

• How can I make this dish less calories?

Try using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella, and lean ground meat to cut down on calories while maintaining great taste.

• Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Consider mixing in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the meat sauce stage for added nutrition and flavor.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti delivers comfort in every bite. Cheesy pasta layers combine rich flavors with simple ingredients, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 grams) spaghetti

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 package (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces/680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Prepare spaghetti noodles according to package directions, ensuring they reach al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
3. Select a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium flame. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, cooking thoroughly until meat browns evenly. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
5. Infuse the meat with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld by simmering for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Create a creamy base by blending softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and integrated.
7. Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the cream mixture, ensuring each strand becomes evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
8. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin protective layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
9. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared dish, then lavishly cover with remaining meat sauce.
10. Generously distribute shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese across the surface.
11. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
12. Finish by scattering fresh parsley as an elegant garnish before serving the comforting dish.

Notes

• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
• Use whole wheat spaghetti to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier, preventing the cheese from being too runny.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg