Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

There’s something magical about pasta night when you pull a bubbly, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is one of those comfort meals you’ll want to make again and again. ‘It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to feed the whole family.’

The best part? You probably already have everything you need sitting right in your pantry. This dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even Sunday dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy: Cream cheese adds a velvety texture that makes every bite indulgent.
Family-Friendly: A dish everyone at the table will dig into happily.
Make-Ahead: Assemble it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven when ready.
Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

12 ounces of spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch garlic salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. ‘Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes’. Drain well.
Make Meat Sauce: While pasta cooks, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until crumbly and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Drain fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and let it simmer.
Creamy Pasta Base: In a large bowl, combine hot spaghetti with cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta.
Assemble: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add the cream cheese spaghetti mixture on top. Spread the rest of the meat sauce evenly over it.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing into squares or scooping into bowls.

Tips & Tricks

Make It Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
Add Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Switch the Meat: Italian sausage or ground turkey also work beautifully.
Extra Cheesy: Double the mozzarella if you love gooey cheese pulls!

FAQ

Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti?
Yes! Bake, cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until hot through.

What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, a crisp side salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely—penne, rigatoni, or rotini will all hold the sauce well.