Indulgent Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this irresistible baked cream cheese spaghetti that promises to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds.

Rich, creamy sauce cascades through tender pasta strands, creating a dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that dance between tangy cream cheese and robust seasonings.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this culinary delight.

The aroma wafting from your kitchen will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor every delectable bite.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a secret weapon in your cooking arsenal.

Grab your apron and get ready to become the dinner hero with this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 408 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredient List for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Choose high-quality pasta for perfect texture and authentic Italian flavor.
• Water: Essential for cooking pasta to achieve ideal al dente consistency.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce that binds ingredients with tangy richness.

• Ground Beef: Select lean meat for hearty, robust flavor without excessive greasiness.
• Marinara Sauce: Pick premium, well-seasoned sauce for authentic Italian taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic undertone without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance overall flavor complexity.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides golden, stretchy, melty layer that creates irresistible comfort food experience.

Tools for Creamy Baked Spaghetti Success

• Large pot: For boiling spaghetti perfectly.
• Colander: To drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Helps blend cream cheese and sour cream smoothly.
• Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring beef and sauce.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Creates beautiful layered casserole.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cheese grater: Optional for fresh mozzarella, if desired.

Instructions for This Cheese-Laden Pasta Dish

• Pasta Foundation

Boil spaghetti until perfectly tender, creating a soft base for our delicious casserole. Drain and set aside, allowing the noodles to rest and cool slightly.

• Creamy Layer

Whip cream cheese and sour cream together into a silky, smooth mixture that will add richness and depth to our dish. The blend should feel luxurious and light.

• Savory Meat Preparation

Brown ground beef in a hot skillet, carefully draining excess fat. Infuse the meat with marinara sauce and aromatic seasonings, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

• Layering Magic

Create a delectable landscape in your baking dish by alternating spaghetti, creamy cheese mixture, and seasoned meat sauce. Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella between each layer for extra indulgence.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the assembled casserole into a preheated oven. Watch as the cheese melts and turns golden, creating a crispy, bubbling top that promises incredible flavor and comfort.

Tweakable Tips for Baked Spaghetti

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, parmesan, or sharp cheddar to elevate the flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne for an extra kick of heat and excitement.
• Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers between layers to increase nutritional value and add colorful texture.

Serving Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Hot and Bubbly

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy pasta.
• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy main dish.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Complement with Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the beef and tomato sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Save Slices of This Cheesy Pasta

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for a convenient make-ahead dinner option.
• Portion and Freeze: Divide leftovers into individual servings, wrap securely in freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
• Revive Refrigerated Leftovers: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture and restore the dish's creamy texture.
• Smart Storage Tips: Keep leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the best flavor and food safety for subsequent meals.

Luscious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese spaghetti combines classic Italian pasta with rich, tangy cream cheese for an irresistible dinner. Home cooks can quickly prepare this comforting meal that delivers hearty flavor and satisfying texture you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 package (8 oz/227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb (454 g) spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and ready a spacious baking dish for the culinary assembly.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, drain completely, and set aside. Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese and sour cream into a smooth, luxurious blend.
3. Meat Infusion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked, eliminating excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, simmering for 5 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
4. Layering Technique: Construct the first stratum by spreading half the spaghetti across the baking dish. Distribute cream cheese mixture evenly, followed by a generous coating of seasoned beef sauce. Sprinkle a lavish layer of mozzarella cheese.
5. Final Assembly: Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and balanced distribution of components.
6. Baking Transformation: Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, appetizing crust that bubbles with enticing aromas.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose al dente spaghetti to maintain a slight firmness and prevent mushy texture during baking.
• Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent greasy, heavy dish and ensure clean, robust flavors.
• Cheese Distribution: Spread cream cheese mixture evenly to create consistent, creamy layers throughout the casserole.
• Temperature Control: Let dish rest 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg