Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is just what you need. It’s a luscious mix of velvety cream cheese sauce and tender spaghetti baked to bubbly, golden perfection. The combination of mild cheeses, subtle spices, and the little bit of crisp on top makes it incredibly satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a special weeknight treat, this recipe is a wonderful way to indulge in pasta with a creamy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet flavorful is what makes this baked spaghetti so approachable and delicious. Each item plays an essential role in building layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with a perfect bite of pasta.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Your classic pasta choice that holds the sauce beautifully; feel free to swap in your favorite shape.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that adds richness and creamy texture to the sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Helps thin the cream cheese into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s not too heavy.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a savory depth that’s perfectly subtle.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds another layer of aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Just enough to add a gentle kick and warmth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Gives gooey stretchiness on the inside and melty topping on the outside.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping: Adds a nutty, salty finish that complements the cream cheese superbly.
You can also jazz up the dish by adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for protein; sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition; or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy surprise.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Cooking the spaghetti until it is just al dente is crucial — not only to prevent mushiness but also so it can finish cooking perfectly in the oven without getting mushy. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to absorb all that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese with milk until silky and smooth. This method helps avoid lumps and creates a rich, creamy base. Then gently stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the sauce. This is where your baked cream cheese spaghetti starts coming to life with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Adding the hot pasta to the cream cheese mixture allows the sauce to coat every strand of spaghetti beautifully. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan so they melt right into the sauce, enhancing the creaminess and infusing cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Transfer the coated pasta evenly into the dish—the smoother and flatter, the better for an even bake. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden. For a final flourish, you can broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This step gives you that crave-worthy crunchy top that contrasts perfectly with the creamy inside.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the baked cream cheese spaghetti a few minutes to cool slightly so it can set up for easier serving. Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add a vibrant touch and enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of color and a touch of brightness to cut through the richness. An extra dusting of Parmesan cheese brings more savory depth, while red pepper flakes offer a lovely heat if you like a bit of spice. These simple touches make each bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked cream cheese spaghetti with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect companions for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables bring freshness and add a wholesome component to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top before baking for an extra crunchy topping. For a family-style presentation, add colorful vegetable toppings like cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a garnish to brighten the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your baked cream cheese spaghetti, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of a homemade comfort meal anytime you’re craving cozy pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. A splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheese can freshen up the creamy texture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s al dente before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses traditional wheat-based pasta, but you can easily make it gluten-free by selecting your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and baking method remain the same.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the meat add-ins and opt for a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to keep it hearty and delicious.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, ricotta mixed with a bit of cream or milk can be a suitable substitute, though the texture will be less tangy and slightly different. Cream cheese is preferred for its signature creaminess.
How spicy can I make the dish?
If you love heat, add red pepper flakes either while mixing the sauce or as a topping before serving. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. It pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a special treat but comes together with surprising ease. It combines the best parts of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—in a way that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy dish as much as I do. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to pasta bake!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and creamy pasta casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Combining tender spaghetti with a luscious cream cheese sauce and a golden cheesy topping, it’s an easy-to-make dish that can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies. Baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe serves six and brings cheesy, flavorful indulgence to every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken
- Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a rich coating.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top to form a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned. Optionally, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end for an extra golden crust—monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed in for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, or substitute with lower-fat milk if preferred.
- Keep an eye on the casserole if broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
