If you’re searching for a cozy, outrageously creamy twist on spaghetti night, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is guaranteed to steal the show. Layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a cloud of smooth cream cheese are all blanketed under gooey mozzarella—each forkful is equal parts comforting and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just treating yourself to an upgrade on classic spaghetti, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients—each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and golden, cheesy comfort. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you’ll want to use every single one:
- Spaghetti: The classic base, cooked just al dente so it holds up perfectly during baking.
- Cream Cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it’s the secret to ultra-rich, tangy pasta.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra silkiness that lifts the creamy layer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty flavor to deepen the richness of the filling.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: Pick your favorite jarred or homemade version for a vibrant tomato base.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds heartiness and bold, savory character—you can swap for turkey or plant-based options, too!
- Garlic Powder: Delivers mellow, all-day simmered garlic flavor with zero prep work.
- Onion Powder: Another hands-free way to bring in subtle sweetness and depth.
- Italian Seasoning: The signature herbs that bring warmth and fragrance to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple, but they dial up every other flavor in the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into stretchy, golden deliciousness right on top.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness—don’t skip it if you have some on hand!
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage. Make sure to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease, then stir in your marinara or pasta sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes, so the sauce gets infused with all that meaty, herby goodness.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate large bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until it’s completely smooth. It’ll feel a bit thick at first, but keep mixing and you’ll end up with a velvety blend—this is what’s going to turn your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti into an epic comfort food experience.
Step 3: Toss the Spaghetti
Add your freshly cooked (and still warm!) spaghetti right into the cream cheese mixture. Use tongs or two big forks to make sure every strand is coated. That creamy mixture should cling to the pasta like a dreamy, rich sauce—don’t be afraid to take a taste, it’s already delicious at this stage!
Step 4: Layer the Dish
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of your hot, flavorful meat sauce evenly over the bottom. Top with all of the cream cheese spaghetti, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed. Then, pour over the remaining meat sauce, spreading it so the spaghetti is happily tucked in and getting cozy under those juicy layers.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella in an even layer across the top of your casserole. Pop the baking dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the mozzarella is perfectly melted, golden, and slightly browned in spots. Let it rest for about five minutes before serving, so those cheesy layers hold together beautifully on your plate.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Garnishes
This dish is a dream as is, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh kick and a pop of color to your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Want a little heat? A dash of crushed red pepper can be just the thing.
Side Dishes
A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the ultimate sidekick, balancing out the richness of the casserole. Don’t forget buttery garlic bread or warm breadsticks to soak up every last bit of sauce—your guests will thank you!
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti into individual ramekins for personalized servings at dinner parties, or cut neat squares for easy buffet-style gatherings. You can also prepare it in advance and reheat in smaller portions for family meal prep magic all week long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Simply transfer any extras into an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors continue to mingle and develop, making second-day servings even more irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, assemble the dish but hold off on baking and adding the final sprinkle of mozzarella. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add mozzarella on top, and bake as directed.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave single servings on medium power until piping hot, but add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent dryness and freshen up the texture.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef or sausage for your favorite meatless crumbles, mushrooms, or even a medley of sautéed vegetables for a delicious and hearty vegetarian version of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, this recipe is just as tasty with penne, rigatoni, or any shape that holds up well to baking and captures the creamy sauce.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to take your cream cheese out ahead of time, cut it into cubes and microwave it in a bowl for 10–15 seconds at a time, just until soft. Stir well and you’re ready to mix!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! Simply use two baking dishes or one larger roasting pan. This recipe doubles (and even triples) like a dream—just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if using a deeper dish.
How do I prevent my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti from drying out?
Be sure your sauce is nice and saucy before assembling—add a splash of tomato sauce if it seems too thick. Also, don’t skip the mozzarella topping, which helps seal in moisture as everything bakes together.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti enough for your next comfort food craving or family gathering—it’s soul-warming, extra creamy, and always a hit. Give it a try, and watch it disappear (and maybe spark a few new dinner traditions in your home)!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti casserole, where al dente spaghetti is coated in a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, layered with a savory meat sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the meat sauce: Brown and cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Add pasta sauce and seasonings, simmer.
- Combine cream cheese mixture and spaghetti: Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Toss with cooked spaghetti.
- Layer the casserole: Spread meat sauce in baking dish, top with cream cheese spaghetti, add remaining meat sauce, sprinkle mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Rest and garnish: Let it rest before serving, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper or a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg