Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, creamy casserole where al dente spaghetti strands are enveloped in a rich, tangy cream cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole transforms ordinary pasta night into something truly extraordinary. The combination of velvety cream cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comfort food masterpiece that’s both indulgent and satisfying. You’ll learn how to layer these simple ingredients into a showstopping dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole earns its place as a family favorite for good reason. The contrast between the creamy, cheese-laden pasta and the slightly crispy top layer creates a textural experience that’s simply irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for weekend entertaining yet simple enough for busy weeknights. The make-ahead potential is a game-changer for meal planning—prepare it in the morning, refrigerate, and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Perhaps the greatest appeal is how this dish transforms humble ingredients into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The cream cheese creates a silky texture that elevates regular spaghetti into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal extra effort.

Ingredients

For this crowd-pleasing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the best flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz/680g) marinara sauce (choose a high-quality brand for best results)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat provides the creamiest texture)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
• 2 cups (8 oz/225g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup (2 oz/56g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Preparation: The foundation of any successful Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is properly cooked pasta. Always cook your spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. This undercooking is crucial because the pasta will continue to absorb moisture and cook further in the oven. This technique ensures your final dish has perfectly al dente pasta rather than mushy noodles.

Cream Cheese Incorporation: For the silkiest, most uniform cream cheese layer, bring your cream cheese to room temperature before using. Cold cream cheese will leave unwanted lumps in your casserole. For even better results, whip the softened cream cheese with the sour cream using a hand mixer until completely smooth before layering it into your cheese pasta casserole.

Resting Period: The often-overlooked secret to a perfect casserole is allowing it to rest after baking. Let your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole sit for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. It also makes serving neater and more manageable, as the casserole won’t fall apart when you cut into it.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. You want it slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well but do not rinse.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it browns, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Drain any excess grease from the meat mixture, then add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined. I find using a spatula to press out any lumps makes all the difference in achieving that silky texture that makes this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole so special.

Step 5

Time to assemble your casserole! Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and gently spread it into an even layer. This might take some patience, but the creamy reward is worth it. Top with half of the meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6

Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese, creating a mouthwatering cheesy crust that will become gloriously golden in the oven.

Step 7

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown at the edges. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving your masterpiece.

Variations

Chicken Cream Cheese Spaghetti: For a lighter twist on the classic Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, substitute 1 pound of ground chicken or diced cooked chicken breast for the ground beef. The poultry brings a more delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy buffalo chicken variation that adds exciting dimension to the dish.

Vegetarian Delight: Create a meat-free version by replacing the ground beef with 2 cups of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. The vegetables add wonderful texture, color, and nutrition to this comforting pasta bake. For additional protein, mix 1 cup of cooked lentils into the vegetable mixture before assembling the casserole.

Spicy Sausage Version: Kick up the flavor profile by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef in your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. Remove the casings and brown the sausage as you would the beef. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat, and consider mixing in 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an additional layer of rich, tangy flavor that complements the cream cheese beautifully.

Storage and Serving

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

For serving, pair this rich casserole with lighter sides that complement its creamy texture. A crisp Caesar salad with homemade garlic croutons provides refreshing contrast, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli tossed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.

For an elegant presentation, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a light dusting of grated Parmesan, and a few red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a hint of heat with their cheesy pasta casserole.

FAQs

Can I make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
While cream cheese provides the signature flavor, in a pinch you could use 1 cup of ricotta mixed with 2 tablespoons of sour cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well in this recipe. Just remember to cook them 2 minutes less than the package directions.

My casserole seems dry after baking. What went wrong?
This typically happens if the pasta was overcooked initially or if the casserole was baked too long without foil. Adding 1/4 cup of milk or chicken broth to the sauce can help prevent dryness.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, opt for light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream, and cut the cheese amount by 1/3. It will still be creamy and delicious with fewer calories.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a luxurious twist on everyday pasta that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and leaves them feeling satisfied and cared for. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole proves that sometimes the most comforting foods are the ones that combine familiar flavors in unexpectedly delicious ways. Give it a try, and watch it become a requested favorite in your recipe collection.

Print