Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Hey there, pasta lover! If you’re anything like me, you know that comfort food doesn’t get any better than a cheesy, creamy, and saucy pasta bake. Enter this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole—it’s the ultimate dish to satisfy your cravings and impress anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner. The layers of rich cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and savory spaghetti are like a warm hug for your taste buds. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping a meal for the week, or feeding a group of friends, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, it’s creamy, and it comes together in a flash. Oh, and did I mention it’s super customizable? You can easily tweak the ingredients to make it your own, whether that’s adding some spice or loading it up with extra cheese (I’m not judging!). So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is your new go-to comfort food. Here’s why it’s a favorite in our house:

Versatile

Perfect for any occasion! Busy weeknights? It’s ready to go in no time. Hosting friends? They’ll be asking for the recipe before they even finish their plate. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need to break the bank to make something incredible. The ingredients are simple—nothing fancy or hard to find—yet the flavors are out of this world. It’s proof that you don’t need to splurge to have a delicious, hearty meal.

Quick and Easy

No stress here! This recipe is designed to be super straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you can follow along with ease. You’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time!

Customizable

Like things spicy? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Want extra veggies? Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You’re the chef here, and this recipe is built to adapt to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether it’s kids, adults, or picky eaters, this dish is a winner across the board. The creamy, cheesy goodness is always a hit, and it’s one of those dishes where everyone at the table is going back for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Don’t worry, the full ingredient list with measurements is included in the recipe card below!

Spaghetti

The base of the casserole. Perfectly cooked pasta that absorbs all the creamy goodness, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Cream Cheese

This is what gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture. It’s the secret ingredient that turns regular pasta into something extraordinary.

Mozzarella Cheese

For that melty, gooey goodness we all crave. It adds just the right amount of stretchiness that makes this casserole irresistible.

Parmesan Cheese

A little sprinkle of parmesan on top adds a nice touch of sharpness to balance out all that creamy goodness. It also creates a beautiful golden crust when baked!

Marinara Sauce

The flavor-packed tomato sauce ties everything together. It’s zesty, savory, and makes the casserole feel like a classic Italian dish.

Ground Beef or Sausage (Optional)

If you want to add some extra protein and flavor, ground beef or sausage is the way to go. It’s totally optional, but it adds that extra layer of heartiness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy, creamy pasta casserole. It’s easier than you think, and it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and gives the dish that golden, bubbly finish we all love.

Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt your water for flavor! Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and marinara sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens—this will be the luscious sauce that coats your pasta.

Add the Cheese

Mix in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, saving a bit of mozzarella to sprinkle on top later. This will make your casserole ooze with cheesy goodness!

Combine Everything

In the same bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy sauce. If you’re adding ground beef or sausage, now’s the time to mix it in. You want every strand of pasta coated in that cheesy sauce!

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will create that perfect cheesy, melty layer.

Bake to Perfection

Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. The aroma will have you drooling in anticipation!

Let it Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. I know, I know, it’s tempting to dig right in, but this brief rest will help the flavors set and make serving so much easier.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole warm. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few ideas:

Fresh Salads

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy casserole.

Crusty Bread

Garlic bread or a simple baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to mop up every last bit.

Creamy Accompaniments

Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip on the side for extra richness.

Vegetable Sides

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or even a simple side of sautéed spinach balance out the flavors and add some nutrients to the meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead

Save time by cooking the pasta and prepping the ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Spice It Up

Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of red pepper flakes or some Italian seasoning can give this dish an extra kick.

Dietary Adjustments

Looking to make this recipe gluten-free? Simply swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. You can also use plant-based cheese to make it vegan.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Double the Batch

This casserole freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch and freezing one for a later date. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with something else?
A1: Definitely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it nice and cheesy.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Absolutely! Freeze it before baking, and then bake it directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: Yes! Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free spaghetti.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Consider pairing it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli for a balanced meal.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use whole wheat pasta and add in some extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this casserole. Ceramic or glass dishes are great for even cooking.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is a surefire hit. Try it tonight and thank me later!

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