Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: The Cozy Pasta Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed
There’s something magical about the way pasta can wrap you in warmth like a well-loved blanket. This baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe was born on one of those evenings when the rain tapped lazily against the kitchen window, and my soul craved something indulgent yet comforting—like the culinary equivalent of curling up with a favorite book. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple weeknight into a small celebration, where every forkful feels like a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why You’ll Love Them)
- 1 lb spaghetti – The backbone of our dish. I like to use thin spaghetti for its delicate texture, but any pasta shape will do in a pinch.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is where the magic happens. The cream cheese melts into a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every strand.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds a subtle tang and richness that balances the cream cheese beautifully.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan – Because no pasta dish is complete without a little cheesy depth.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade—either way, it’s the cozy, tomatoey hug your pasta deserves.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage – I often lean toward Italian sausage for its herby kick, but ground beef works just as well for a milder flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced – The unsung hero that adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic is love, and love belongs in every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – For that golden, bubbly top we all dream about.
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes – To taste, because seasoning is where your personality shines through.
Let’s Make It Together: Step-by-Step Comfort
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. I always add a generous pinch of salt—it’s the first layer of flavor, after all.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently while you tend to the pasta—this lets the flavors marry like old friends.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, but aim for al dente—it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid gold will help bind our sauce later.
Step 4: The Creamy Embrace
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. If your cream cheese is still a bit firm, microwave it for 10 seconds to make it more pliable. Add the drained spaghetti and toss gently, using a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture until every strand is coated in that dreamy, creamy goodness.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s something magical about twirling forkfuls of creamy, cheesy spaghetti straight from the oven. This baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special and gathers everyone around the table with eager appetites. Let’s dive into some tips to make it even more delicious!
Pro Tips & Creative Variations
- Creamier texture: Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing
- Protein boost: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken
- Veggie delight: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture
- Cheese lovers: Swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses
Perfect Pairings
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat:
- Oven method: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess
- Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though the texture won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
What pasta shape works best?
While spaghetti is classic, you can use any pasta shape you love! Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle all work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
How do I prevent the top from drying out?
Make sure your baking dish is well-greased, and don’t skip covering with foil for the first part of baking.
Wrapping Up
This baked cream cheese spaghetti is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate, the kind of dish that creates memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends, its creamy, comforting goodness is sure to delight. I’d love to hear how your version turns out and what special twists you add to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Description
A creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti dish with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella topping.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Spread the cream cheese spaghetti mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.