Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich, comforting pasta casserole loaded with creamy cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and tender spaghetti noodles. The cream cheese melts into the pasta, creating a smooth and velvety texture, while the mozzarella on top bakes into a golden, bubbly layer. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep because it’s filling, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Kitchen Equipment
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Large skillet
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Mixing bowl
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9×13 inch baking dish
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Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Pasta
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12 oz spaghetti
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
For the Meat Sauce
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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½ cup onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cream Cheese Layer
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes
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Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the pasta.
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Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates the classic cheesy top layer.
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Ground beef gives the dish a hearty flavor, but ground chicken or turkey also works well.
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the pasta is fully coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy spaghetti evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Pour the meat sauce over the pasta layer.
6. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake
Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Fat: 22g
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Sugar: 6g
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti
✔ Slightly undercook the spaghetti so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
✔ Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
✔ Mix in ricotta cheese for an even creamier texture.
✔ Let the casserole rest before slicing so it holds together better.
Variations
Chicken Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
Vegetarian Version
Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers instead of meat.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add cheddar or provolone cheese along with mozzarella.
Spicy Baked Spaghetti
Add jalapeños or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.