Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Category: Main Course

• Method: Baking

• Cuisine: American-Italian

• Difficulty: Easy

• Servings: 8 servings

• Yield: One 9×13-inch casserole

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (about 3/4 of a standard box) spaghetti

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 2-4 tablespoons reserved pasta water

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground sausage)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil .

2. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it is just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package recommends). The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so this prevents it from becoming mushy . Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti well and return it to the pot.

3. Make the Creamy Pasta: While the spaghetti is still piping hot, add the softened cream cheese to the pot . Stir vigorously until the cream cheese is completely melted and has created a smooth, silky coating on all the noodles. If the mixture seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a creamy consistency . Set aside.

4. Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant .

5. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of excess grease, carefully drain it off .

6. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook while you assemble the casserole (about 5-10 minutes) .

7. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1/2 cup) evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish . This prevents the pasta from sticking. Next, layer all of the creamy cream cheese spaghetti on top of the sauce, spreading it into an even layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta and spread it to cover completely .

8. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese .

9. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown .

10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving . This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: For a smooth, lump-free sauce, your cream cheese must be at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before you start cooking .

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember to cook the spaghetti al dente since it will absorb more liquid and soften in the oven .

• Cheese Please: For the best melt and flavor, buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that prevent it from melting as smoothly .

• Add a Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce .

• Vegetarian Option: To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the ground beef and double the amount of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers in the sauce .

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 325°F oven until warmed through .

What to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your dinner.

• Garlic Bread: For sopping up any extra sauce.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish .

• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. It is based on a standard 9×13 casserole cut into 8 servings, using 80/20 ground beef and full-fat dairy .

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.