This cheesy baked spaghetti dish is rich, creamy, and layered with flavorful meat sauce—pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re just craving a warm, cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra creamy pasta base with a secret cream cheese layer

• Classic meat sauce with bold Italian flavors

• Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly comfort food

• Easy to prep ahead and perfect for freezing or meal planning

Ingredients

Pasta & Meat Sauce:

• 12 oz spaghetti

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce or marinara

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Creamy Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 530 kcal per serving

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef (or sausage) and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

While the spaghetti is still hot, mix it in a large bowl with softened cream cheese and optional sour cream.
Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly into the dish.
Top with the meat sauce, spreading to cover the noodles.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully!

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.

• Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

• Use leftover spaghetti: A great way to repurpose leftover cooked pasta.

• Swap the cheese: Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Roasted veggies or steamed broccoli

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini also work well in this recipe.

Does the cream cheese melt properly?

Yes, it melts into the hot pasta easily. Just mix while the pasta is warm for a smooth result.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti takes your classic pasta bake to the next level with a luscious, creamy base and cheesy top. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream, this one’s a keeper!