Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a hearty and satisfying twist on traditional spaghetti. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with a rich meat sauce, this baked pasta dish is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With every forkful offering a creamy center and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish takes classic spaghetti and elevates it with the creamy tang of softened cream cheese and layers of savory beef sauce. It’s easy to assemble and bake, making it an excellent make-ahead option for gatherings or meal prep. With a gooey, cheesy topping and well-seasoned layers, it brings together the best of baked pasta and creamy casseroles in one simple recipe.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch garlic salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, stirring frequently until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Make the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt.
Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce.
Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Pair it with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete, comforting meal.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
Cheese Swap: Use provolone, fontina, or ricotta in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
Meat-Free: Omit the beef and use a meatless marinara sauce for a vegetarian option.
Double the Cheese: Increase the mozzarella or add a layer of cheese between the pasta and sauce for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
Freezing: Assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60–70 minutes or until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine also work well in this dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta or a blend of sour cream and cream cheese for a similar texture.

Can I add more sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a saucier dish, add an extra ½ to 1 cup of sauce to the meat mixture.

What kind of ground meat can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives to beef.

Should I cover the dish while baking?

No, bake uncovered to allow the cheese to brown slightly on top.

How can I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente before mixing and baking.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What size baking dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works best for even layering and baking.

Can I use homemade sauce?

Definitely. Use your favorite homemade marinara or meat sauce for a more personalized flavor.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and satisfying twist on a classic pasta bake. Tender spaghetti is tossed with creamy, seasoned cream cheese, then layered with hearty beef marinara and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings!

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti:
Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (10–12 minutes). Drain well.
Prepare Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and noodles are well coated.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Add the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top.
Pour the rest of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
Top and Bake:
Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with garlic bread and salad for a full meal!

Notes

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Great make-ahead meal—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American