Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is the kind of dish that draws people in with its creamy texture and savory goodness. Picture perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a rich, hearty meat sauce and topped with golden, bubbling cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. When you’re craving something satisfying but want to keep things simple, this dish is your answer. With minimal prep time and ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s an ideal candidate for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s one of those nostalgic meals that consistently brings my family together. I still remember the first time I made it—my kitchen was filled with the lovely aroma of Italian herbs and perfectly browned beef, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a meal that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be inviting everyone to try it.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet heated over medium-high, add the olive oil, ground beef, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned, draining excess fat afterward.
3. Add marinara sauce: Pour in the jarred marinara sauce and stir to combine. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while you prepare your pasta.
4. Cook the spaghetti: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook your spaghetti noodles for 9-11 minutes until al dente, then drain.
5. Combine with cream cheese: In a bowl, mix the drained pasta with cream cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, ensuring no lumps remain. If the pasta is sticky, add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil for easy mixing.
6. Layer the spaghetti: Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the spaghetti noodles on top, then pour the rest of the meat sauce over it.
7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta.
8. Bake it: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, lightly golden on top.
9. Let it rest: Take the baked spaghetti out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave on medium power until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly; to refresh it, add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating.

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of textures—from the creamy cheese to the hearty sauce—makes every bite delightful. It’s forgiving, too, allowing you to adjust flavors and add favorites, making it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or an evening in with friends, it’s bound to be a hit. Cooking this dish is as easy as enjoying it, so I encourage you to gather your loved ones and indulge in this comforting classic.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance, assemble the layers, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven right before serving—add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Certainly! While ground beef gives it that traditional flavor, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or mushrooms for a meat-free version.

What can I serve with Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese?

This dish pairs nicely with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You could even consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the spaghetti.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To avoid dryness when reheating, add a splash of marinara sauce or a few tablespoons of water before covering it with foil in the oven. This will help retain moisture and keep the dish delicious!

More Main Dishes Recipes

• Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)

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Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

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• Author: Peter
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. It’s comforting, creamy, and features pasta enveloped in savory meat sauce and melted cheese—a perfect quick dinner for any night.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2–3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning blend
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups jarred marinara sauce
• ½ pound spaghetti noodles
• 8 ounces block style cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces block whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil, and add ground beef, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer on low for 10 minutes.
4. Cook spaghetti noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, then drain.
5. In a bowl, mix drained spaghetti with cream cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. If needed, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish, add spaghetti, and top with remaining sauce.
7. Sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella over the spaghetti.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

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Notes

For extra creaminess, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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