A Creamy Twist on Traditional Spaghetti
Spaghetti is a beloved dish in households around the world. It’s quick, comforting, and universally appealing. But have you ever tried baked cream cheese spaghetti? This recipe takes the classic spaghetti experience to new heights with a creamy, cheesy twist that turns it into the ultimate comfort food. The cream cheese adds a luscious texture that makes every bite indulgent, while baking brings everything together into a perfectly gooey masterpiece.
In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even as a weeknight treat. The best part? You’ll learn how to make a baked spaghetti dish that’s not just delicious but also impressive, with every step designed to ensure the best taste.
What Makes Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Special?
Baked cream cheese spaghetti is a dish that blends the familiarity of classic spaghetti with the richness of creamy pasta bakes. The addition of cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats the noodles, providing a decadent experience in every bite. By baking it in the oven, you also achieve that perfect balance of tender pasta and a bubbly, slightly crispy top layer of cheese.
What makes this dish truly special is its adaptability Baked cream cheese spaghetti works perfectly as a main course or a side, and it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to prepare this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti – Traditional spaghetti works best, but you can swap it with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 8 oz cream cheese – The key ingredient that makes the dish rich and creamy.
- 1 lb ground beef – For added protein and flavor. You can substitute this with turkey or even plant-based ground meat.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – Choose a high-quality sauce for the best results, or use homemade if you prefer.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that cheesy, gooey topping.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – To build flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds a burst of flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish – Adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to prepare baked cream cheese spaghetti. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect dish on the table in no time.
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by heating a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil.Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, add the cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt. Once it’s smooth, remove it from the heat. This creamy sauce will bind the spaghetti and add a rich texture.
3. Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the diced onion in the pan for about 5 minutes, or until it turns soft and translucent .Next, stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until it becomes aromatic.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the meat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Once the meat is fully cooked, pour in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Combine Pasta and Cream Cheese
Now that your cream cheese is ready and the pasta is cooked, it’s time to combine them. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the melted cream cheese until all the noodles are coated. Make sure every strand is evenly covered for that signature creamy texture.
5. Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti at the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
6. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pasta and meat sauce. The combination of these cheeses will create a bubbly, golden topping once baked.
7. Bake It
Place the assembled spaghetti into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once the baked cream cheese spaghetti is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Mastering Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the spaghetti will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to cook it al dente (firm to the bite) when boiling.
- Use full-fat cream cheese: For the richest and creamiest sauce, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Light versions can work, but they might not deliver the same level of indulgence.
- Customize the protein: Ground beef is a classic choice, but you can easily switch it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option like Beyond Meat for a vegetarian twist.
- Add vegetables: To boost the nutritional value, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Prepare in advance: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping.You can assemble the baked cream cheese spaghetti in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, it will last up to 3 months.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti – Traditional spaghetti works best but you can swap it with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 8 oz cream cheese – The key ingredient that makes the dish rich and creamy.
- 1 lb ground beef – For added protein and flavor. You can substitute this with turkey or even plant-based ground meat.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – Choose a high-quality sauce for the best results or use homemade if you prefer.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that cheesy gooey topping.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty nutty flavor.
- 1 medium onion diced – To build flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves minced – Fresh garlic adds a burst of flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano basil, and thyme.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish – Adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- Begin by heating a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil.Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, add the cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt. Once it’s smooth, remove it from the heat. This creamy sauce will bind the spaghetti and add a rich texture.
Cook the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the diced onion in the pan for about 5 minutes, or until it turns soft and translucent .Next, stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until it becomes aromatic.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the meat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Once the meat is fully cooked, pour in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine Pasta and Cream Cheese
- Now that your cream cheese is ready and the pasta is cooked, it’s time to combine them. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the melted cream cheese until all the noodles are coated. Make sure every strand is evenly covered for that signature creamy texture.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti at the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pasta and meat sauce. The combination of these cheeses will create a bubbly, golden topping once baked.
Bake It
- Place the assembled spaghetti into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Garnish and Serve
- Once the baked cream cheese spaghetti is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Spicy Baked Spaghetti: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara to give the dish a kick.
- Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti: Skip the meat and add more veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a hearty, veggie-filled alternative.
- Cheesy Alfredo Twist: Swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce and add extra cheese for a decadent white sauce version of the dish.
- Gluten-Free Baked Spaghetti: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerances.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Baked cream cheese spaghetti stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat the dish:
- In the fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, place the cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If using the microwave, heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
The Perfect Pairings for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
This dish complements a wide range of sides and drinks beautifully. Consider serving it with:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp, refreshing flavors of a Caesar salad complement the richness of the baked spaghetti.
- Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti, is a great match for the cheesy, meaty flavors of this dish.
Final Thoughts: Comfort in Every Bite
Baked cream cheese spaghetti is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just looking to indulge in some comfort food, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and customizable options, it’s no wonder this dish is gaining popularity.
Now that you know how to make the perfect baked cream cheese spaghetti, you’re ready to wow your guests with this indulgent and satisfying meal. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
