Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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Imagine all the comforting goodness of spaghetti night, but taken up a notch with layers of creamy cheese and bubbling, golden mozzarella. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a cozy, crave-worthy twist on a classic pasta dish, where rich cream cheese blends with a savory meat sauce and al dente noodles, all baked into a casserole that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at your next potluck.

The magic of this dish lies in the contrast between the creamy, velvety interior and the slightly crispy, cheesy top. Every forkful delivers the warmth of familiar Italian flavors with an indulgent twist, making it a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, comforting weekend meals, or crowd-pleasing food ideas. It’s hearty, satisfying, and most of all — irresistible.

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Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. Add a small splash of the hot pasta water or a spoonful of the sauce if needed to help soften the mixture.

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Step 4: Toss Pasta with Cream Cheese

Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the noodles are fully coated in creamy goodness. This step makes every bite luxuriously rich.

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Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then spread half of the meat sauce over it. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, savory layers!

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Storage Instructions

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead or leftover meal. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 20–25 minutes if reheating a larger portion. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the sauce and specific ingredients used.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

2. Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Yes, ricotta or a blend of cottage cheese and sour cream works well as alternatives, but the cream cheese gives it that signature creamy texture.

3. What’s the best pasta to use besides spaghetti?

Angel hair, linguine, or even penne can be used if you prefer a different texture or shape.

4. How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the meat and use plant-based ground or add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a hearty veggie version.

5. Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! Wrap tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.

6. Can I add more cheese on top?

Of course! Add as much mozzarella or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for extra cheesiness.

7. What side dishes go well with this?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly for a complete dinner.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out in the oven?

Cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time and only uncover for the last 10–15 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.

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