Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Recipe Intensity: Easy. This is a straightforward recipe suitable for cooks of all skill levels. The primary tasks are boiling pasta, browning meat, and assembling a casserole.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, estimated for 8 servings)

• Calories: ~580 kcal

• Total Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 16g

• Cholesterol: 105mg

• Sodium: 850mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 42g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 28g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use, such as the fat content of your ground beef and the brands of sauce and cheese.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large skillet or Dutch oven

• 9×13 inch baking dish

• Colander

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340g) dried spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

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

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into cubes

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: 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 al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). You want the pasta to still have a slight bite as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.

Pro-Tip: Do not rinse the pasta with water. The starch left on the noodles helps the sauce cling to every strand.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Tomato Base

To the skillet with the beef and onions, add the entire jar of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Add the cubed, softened cream cheese directly into the warm sauce. This is the key step! Stir continuously and patiently. The cream cheese will slowly melt into the tomato sauce, creating a creamy, pinkish, and beautifully homogeneous mixture. This should take 2-4 minutes. Once smooth, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the creamy meat sauce. Using tongs or two forks, toss and stir until every strand of spaghetti is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.

Transfer the entire mixture of sauced spaghetti into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheesy blend evenly over the entire surface of the spaghetti.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has developed those beautiful golden-brown spots.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Assemble it completely (but do not bake), wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating:

• Oven/Method (Best for Crispy Cheese): Reheat portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover it with foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

• Microwave Method (Quickest): Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Customization Ideas

• Add Veggies: Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the onions for an extra nutritional boost.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.

• Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.

• Herbaceous Twist: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil or parsley into the sauce right before combining it with the pasta.

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. It’s the dish that will have your family asking for seconds and the one you’ll find yourself turning to time and time again. Enjoy!