If you love classic spaghetti but want something extra creamy and comforting, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is the perfect recipe to try. It combines tender spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella in one delicious casserole.
The cream cheese gives the pasta a rich, velvety texture without making the dish complicated. Once everything is assembled, the oven does the rest of the work, creating a bubbly, cheesy top and a warm, satisfying center.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt, for the pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until just al dente.
Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the marinara sauce and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Spaghetti Mixture
Place the drained spaghetti in a large bowl while it is still warm.
Add the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Toss everything together until the cream cheese melts into the warm pasta and coats the strands.
If the cream cheese is difficult to incorporate, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and mix again.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Spread about half of the creamy spaghetti mixture across the bottom.
Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Finish by sprinkling the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
5. Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
For an extra browned cheese topping, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Watch it closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the baked spaghetti rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti
Use softened cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily with the warm spaghetti.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked spaghetti gives the best texture after baking.
Season each layer: The cream cheese mixture and meat sauce should both be seasoned well so the finished casserole doesn’t taste bland.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella: It melts beautifully and gives the casserole that classic stretchy cheese topping.
Let it rest: Waiting a few minutes before serving helps the layers set and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Easy Variations
Make It Without Meat
Simply leave out the ground beef and prepare the marinara sauce with onions and garlic. You can add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers instead.
Add Italian Sausage
Replace half or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer, more savory flavor.
Make It Extra Creamy
For an even creamier casserole, mix a few tablespoons of sour cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Add More Cheese
Try adding shredded cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack along with the mozzarella.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce.
What to Serve With Baked Spaghetti
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic knots
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat individual portions, microwave until hot, stirring or rotating halfway through if needed. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
You can also freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to about 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
Final Thoughts
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese takes a familiar family favorite and turns it into a rich, creamy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. The combination of creamy pasta, savory meat sauce, and bubbling mozzarella creates a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.