Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti – The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Dish

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti will hit the spot. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a velvety cream cheese sauce, topped with a savory meat sauce, and finished with a blanket of melted cheese. It’s everything you love about a baked pasta casserole — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. I tried this recipe on a weeknight, and it quickly became a household favorite. The cream cheese gives the sauce a luscious texture, turning a simple spaghetti bake into something truly special. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked spaghetti combines the best of two worlds — creamy and saucy. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can feed a family with leftovers to spare. The creamy layer keeps the pasta from drying out while baking, and the melted cheese on top adds that irresistible golden finish.

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Ingredients

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

Spaghetti is the base of the dish — classic, simple, and perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce. You can also use penne or fettuccine.

Ground beef adds hearty flavor and richness to the meat sauce. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.

Olive oil helps brown the meat and enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Onion and garlic form the aromatic base of the meat sauce, adding depth and fragrance.

Marinara or spaghetti sauce provides that classic tomato flavor that balances the creaminess. Choose your favorite store-bought brand or make your own.

Cream cheese is the secret ingredient — it makes the pasta irresistibly creamy and adds a subtle tang that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.

Butter enhances the richness and helps the cream cheese melt smoothly into the pasta.

Parmesan cheese adds nutty, salty depth that ties all the flavors together.

Mozzarella cheese creates that gooey, melty top layer everyone loves.

Italian seasoning and black pepper provide classic Italian flavor and a touch of spice.

Salt brings out all the flavors in both the sauce and the pasta.

Fresh parsley (optional) adds a final pop of color and freshness when serving.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with butter, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper until the noodles are evenly coated and creamy. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy spaghetti on top, then spread the remaining sauce evenly over it. Sprinkle the top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Total time: 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per portion. You can also freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Baked Spaghetti – Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

Vegetable Version – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.

Chicken Alfredo Twist – Use shredded chicken and Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy white version.

Cheesy Overload – Add ricotta or cottage cheese layers for extra creaminess.

Low-Carb Option – Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Four-Cheese Bake – Combine mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago for a rich, cheesy finish.

Mexican Fusion – Use taco seasoning in the beef and top with cheddar and jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Meat Lover’s Version – Add cooked sausage, bacon, or pepperoni slices for extra heartiness.

Vegetarian Style – Skip the meat and use lentils or crumbled tofu for a meat-free alternative.

Mini Portions – Bake in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine work wonderfully.

Why use cream cheese?

It gives the pasta a rich, velvety texture and prevents it from drying out in the oven.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.

What kind of cheese melts best on top?

Mozzarella provides the best melt, while Parmesan adds sharpness.

Can I make it spicy?

Add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.

What’s the best side to serve with it?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, choose a high-quality brand or enhance it with extra herbs and garlic.

How can I make it lighter?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese, lean ground turkey, and whole wheat pasta.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With layers of savory meat sauce, rich cream cheese pasta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe brings the warmth of home-cooked comfort straight to your table. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your rotation.

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