Rich, creamy, and bubbling with layers of flavor, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This dish takes traditional spaghetti and transforms it into a cheesy baked masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you just want something warm and satisfying.

What makes it stand out? It’s the luscious layer of cream cheese that melts into the noodles, locking in moisture and adding a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the hearty meat sauce and melted mozzarella topping. It’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to become a staple in your rotation.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Classic spaghetti noodles work best, but you can substitute with angel hair or linguine if you like a lighter texture. Just make sure not to overcook them, as they’ll bake further in the oven.

Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole (1)

How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Boil and Drain the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly. Top with remaining spaghetti and pour meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Pasta Bake

Serve it hot right out of the oven with a side salad or garlic bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or family dinners. Leftovers? Even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a lighter option, while Italian sausage adds more spice and richness.

Can this be frozen?

Yes, freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

What cheese works best on top?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for melty goodness, but feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy texture and cheesy top are usually a big hit with little ones.

Can I add veggies?

Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions layered into the meat sauce.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting dishes:

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a hands-off dinner option.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood twist.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini packed with cozy flavor.
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce if you’re craving classic nostalgia.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole for a creamy, tangy weeknight fix.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it later when pasta cravings hit: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

And don’t forget to let me know how your casserole turned out! Did you switch up the sauce or toss in some spinach? I love seeing your twists and tasty results.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, creamy twist on classic spaghetti, this baked casserole layers al dente noodles with a tangy cream cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and melty mozzarella for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly. Top with remaining spaghetti and pour meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.