Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe

If you’re a pasta lover who enjoys comfort food with a creamy twist, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines the hearty warmth of spaghetti with the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s gooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor — perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers.

When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite. You’ll find that the cream cheese adds a subtle creaminess you don’t get with traditional baked spaghetti recipes, making every bite smooth and satisfying. Plus, it’s super simple to throw together, so you can serve up something impressive without stress.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role here, balancing creaminess with tang and savory goodness. When shopping, pick good-quality pasta sauce and fresh cheese for the best results.

• Uncooked Spaghetti: I like to cook it al dente since it softens further while baking.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature to ensure it melts evenly into the sauce.
• Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite variety for a personalized flavor base.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds a subtle fresh texture and balances the creaminess.
• Shredded Cheese: I usually opt for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for meltiness and tang.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): For a fragrant, fresh pop if you want to amp up herbaceous notes.

Variations

While I love the classic version, I’ve had fun playing around with this baked spaghetti, so feel free to customize it based on what you like or have on hand.

• Meat Lover’s Version: I’ve added cooked ground beef or sausage before mixing everything together, and my family goes crazy for the extra heartiness.
• Vegetarian Twist: Roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms mixed in add both flavor and a nutritional punch.
• Spice It Up: Throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little heat — I learned this trick after one spicy dinner experiment!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your pasta sauce ingredients to keep it safe and just as delicious.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti Just Right

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions, but stop just shy of fully soft—aim for al dente. This way, the noodles won’t get mushy after baking because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Cream Cheese into the Hot Pot

While your pot is still warm, pop in the cubed cream cheese and stir it around with a wooden spoon or spatula. The residual heat melts it perfectly, creating a creamy base for your sauce. Be patient here—little chunks of cream cheese bring that signature silky texture.

Step 3: Mix in Sauce, Tomatoes, and Cheese

Next, add your cooked spaghetti back into the pot along with the pasta sauce and undrained petite diced tomatoes. Stir everything to coat the noodles in that savory, creamy mixture. Then toss in about half your shredded cheese and stir again until it’s all evenly combined.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Bubbling

Transfer the cheesy spaghetti mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top for that irresistible golden crust. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. After baking, let it cool for about 15 minutes so it sets up nicely before serving.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh chopped basil or a sprinkle of parmesan for a little aromatic brightness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also adds a nice kick if you like a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Garlic bread or a simple roasted veggie medley also pairs beautifully and keeps things cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served it in individual mini casserole dishes — it’s a fun way to make it feel a little fancier and easy to portion out. Another fun idea is layering it with extra veggies or switching out the cheese blends for themed flavors, like adding smoked gouda for a smoky twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge when stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil. In my experience, they stay fresh and tasty for up to a week, which makes for an easy grab-and-go dinner later on.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked spaghetti in portions wrapped well with plastic wrap and foil, and it held up beautifully for around two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it tastes almost like fresh-baked.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and bake at 300°F (148°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. For quick meals, microwaving individual portions works well too — just sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to refresh that melty goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll come back to it again and again whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving a creamy pasta fix. Give it a whirl—you might just discover your new go-to comfort food like I did!

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