Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dish that combines classic spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist. The addition of cream cheese transforms a simple pasta bake into a rich, smooth, and satisfying meal. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a hearty dish that can be made ahead and baked later.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti

• 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground chicken

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef or chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors blend together. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and mix well. This creamy layer is what makes the casserole rich and comforting.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture. Gently toss until all the pasta is well coated. This step ensures every bite has a creamy texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over it. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Use ground turkey for a lighter version.

• For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Make it ahead: assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. It also reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.

This creamy, cheesy spaghetti casserole is comfort food at its best—simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table