Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich, comforting casserole that layers creamy pasta with a hearty meat sauce and melted cheese. This cozy dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the creamy spaghetti on top, then cover with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with golden cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Make ahead: assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Pair with garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian