If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! This dish combines tender spaghetti, a rich cream cheese sauce, and a flavorful meat sauce, all baked to perfection with a gooey layer of melted cheese on top. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cream Cheese Sauce:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti 1 minute less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce

1. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture and coat well.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top.
4. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the pasta.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Cooking Notes

• Want a richer flavor? Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Prefer a little heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
• Need a shortcut? Use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of the cream cheese mixture.

Variations

1. Spicy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Use spicy Italian sausage and pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!

2. Vegetarian Version

• Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini instead.

3. Keto & Low-Carb Version

• Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
• Use a low-carb marinara sauce (such as Rao’s) to reduce sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cook time.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

4. What should I serve with this?

Pair with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect blend of comfort food and indulgence. With its rich, creamy texture, flavorful meat sauce, and cheesy topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!