Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Baked cream cheese spaghetti is a rich, comforting dish that combines creamy pasta with a savory meat sauce, all baked under a bubbly, cheesy topping. The recipe begins by cooking spaghetti and preparing a ground beef and marinara sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cream cheese is melted and mixed with the cooked spaghetti for added creaminess.
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 9x13-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
This versatile recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- 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.