Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Some dinners are simple, and some feel like a warm hug. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is definitely the latter—twirls of spaghetti tossed in a tangy cream cheese blend, tucked beneath a rich meat sauce, and finished with a bubbly, golden lid of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of cozy bake that brings everyone to the table, forks ready.

I love serving this on busy evenings when we all crave comfort. The method is wonderfully straightforward: boil pasta, make a quick skillet sauce, stir together the creamy base, then layer and bake until the edges are caramelized and the top is irresistibly browned. It slices beautifully, reheats like a dream, and travels well for potlucks. In other words, it’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love It

• Ultra-creamy texture: Cream cheese + sour cream cling to every strand.
• Hearty & satisfying: A meaty marinara turns pasta into a full meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble earlier, bake when you’re ready.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors: Familiar, comforting, and kid-approved.
• Budget-smart: Pantry staples stretch to feed a crowd.

Time Needed

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Bake: 35–40 minutes
• Total: 50–55 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite jar or homemade)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta
   Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large pot of salted water, cook spaghetti to just shy of al dente (it will finish in the oven). Drain well.
2. Brown the meat
   Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Build the sauce
   Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara; simmer 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
4. Make the creamy base
   In a bowl, whisk softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth. Toss the warm spaghetti with this mixture until every strand is glossy and coated.
5. Layer the casserole
   Spread half the creamy spaghetti in the dish. Spoon over half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with a little mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses.
6. Bake to bubbly
   Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
7. Rest & serve
   Let stand 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with parsley, slice into squares, and serve warm with a green salad and garlic bread.

Variations to Try

• Turkey or Sausage Swap: Use ground turkey for lighter, or mild Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
• Veggie Boost: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers.
• Three-Cheese Glory: Mix in ricotta (½ cup) with the cream cheese and add provolone on top.
• Spicy Arrabbiata: Use spicy marinara and add extra red pepper flakes.

Tips from Chef Emma

• Undercook the pasta slightly. It finishes in the oven and stays pleasantly al dente.
• Soften the cream cheese. Room-temp cream cheese blends smoother and coats better.
• Quality sauce matters. Choose a marinara you love or doctor it with garlic and herbs.
• Rest before slicing. Five minutes helps the layers hold those neat squares.

Nutrition Info per Serving

• Calories: 520
• Carbs: 46g
• Sugars: 9g
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 890mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I assemble this ahead?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 minutes to the covered bake time if going in cold.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—freeze baked and cooled portions (or the assembled unbaked casserole) up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.

What pasta shapes work besides spaghetti?
Penne, rigatoni, ziti, or small shells hold sauce well and slice cleanly.

How do I keep leftovers creamy?
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating; pasta absorbs sauce as it rests.

Can I make it without meat?
Yes—use a robust marinara and add sautéed mushrooms or white beans for heartiness.

Conclusion / Final Thoughts

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of cozy: creamy strands of pasta, savory sauce, and a caramelized cheese cap that crackles slightly when you slice in. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—exactly the kind of weeknight hero we all need. Bake one tonight, share around the table, and watch it become a new family tradition.

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