baked spaghetti with cream cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
baked spaghetti with cream cheese recipe
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The Best baked spaghetti with cream cheese recipe

I’ve been making baked spaghetti with cream cheese for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it because it’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make. I love it because it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta and sauce, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering.

The cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the savory spaghetti and meat sauce perfectly. It’s also a great way to get some extra calcium into our diet, which is especially important for my kids who are still growing. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I never get tired of it.

It’s just one of those dishes that feels like home to me. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to make it my own, adding in some extra spices and herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. But the core ingredients remain the same: spaghetti, meat sauce, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.

It’s simple, yet elegant; comforting, yet sophisticated. And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your tastes. Want to add some extra veggies?

Throw them in! Want to use different types of cheese? Go for it!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely adaptable to your needs and preferences. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out, I highly recommend giving baked spaghetti with cream cheese a shot. Your taste buds – and your family – will thank you!

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

4.8 from 690 votes

This baked spaghetti with cream cheese is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender spaghetti with a rich tomato sauce and a luscious cream cheese layer. It is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
3In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2 minutes.
6Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
7Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
8In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy.
9Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
10Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the baking dish.
11Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti, then top with the remaining spaghetti.
12Pour the meat sauce over the top and spread to cover completely.
13Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
14Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
15Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream. You can also add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Works

This baked spaghetti with cream cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully for leftovers or meal prep.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits: this dish is packed with protein from the ground turkey and pasta, as well as calcium from the cream cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

1. What is baked spaghetti with cream cheese?

Baked spaghetti with cream cheese is a casserole-style dish made with cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese.

2. Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of ground turkey if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

3. How do I reheat leftover baked spaghetti?

Reheating leftover baked spaghetti is easy – simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by preparing the ingredients ahead of time and assembling the casserole before baking.

5. What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can substitute the parmesan cheese with another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

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