I have the most amazing recipe for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This dish combines the comfort of creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying flavors of spaghetti. The cream cheese adds a rich and velvety texture to the sauce, making it absolutely irresistible. The best part is that it’s super easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this savory and indulgent dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give this mouthwatering recipe a try and prepare yourself for a truly delicious pasta experience!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and return it to the pot. Stir in the olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a bit more olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine the spaghetti and the sauce. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the spaghetti in the dish.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sour cream layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, lightly browned, and bubbly.
Let the baked spaghetti stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choosing the Right Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly influences the taste of your dish. Opt for high-quality marinara sauce or consider making your own from scratch. When it comes to cheese, full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella provide a richer flavor and creamier texture than their low-fat counterparts.

Pasta Cook Time: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it until it’s just al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s slightly underdone during the boiling phase.

Spice to Your Liking: The red pepper flakes are optional but recommended if you enjoy a bit of heat. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your taste or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This facilitates smoother blending and a creamier sauce.

Layering: For an even distribution of flavors and textures, thoroughly mix the cooked spaghetti with the cheese and sauce mixture before transferring it to the baking dish. The layer of sour cream and Parmesan adds a tangy richness, so spread it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

Let It Rest: Allowing the baked spaghetti to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on the plate. Its crispy texture and aromatic flavor complement the creamy, hearty nature of the spaghetti.

Green Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a light, refreshing green salad. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing works well.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers add a healthy, flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the pasta.

Wine Pairing: For those who enjoy wine with their meal, a medium-bodied red wine such as a Chianti or Merlot can complement the tomato-based sauce and cheese’s richness.

For a Crowd: This dish is a fantastic option for gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and its comforting taste is widely appealing. Serve it with a variety of sides to accommodate different preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the pasta’s cooking instructions, as it may have a different cook time than traditional spaghetti.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Incorporating vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can add nutritional value and additional flavors to the dish. Sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding them to the meat sauce.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian? For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and consider adding a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables. Ensure your marinara sauce is vegetarian as well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting from a colder temperature.

How should I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.

Can I freeze Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti? This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

No ratings yet

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a recipe destined to become a staple for any dining occasion.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced

24 oz marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for a spicy kick
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 oz cream cheese softened

1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and return it to the pot. Stir in the olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a bit more olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine the spaghetti and the sauce. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the spaghetti in the dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sour cream layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, lightly browned, and bubbly.