If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This recipe brings together tender spaghetti, a luscious cream cheese base, and rich pasta sauce, all crowned with golden, bubbly melted cheese. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. Ready in under an hour and serving a crowd, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a homestyle meal that ticks all the boxes for comfort and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for a dish bursting with creamy texture, rich tomato flavor, and gooey cheese topping. Each component adds a special touch to the final bake, making every forkful satisfying.
- Uncooked spaghetti: Provides the classic noodly foundation that holds all the flavors together beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened to room temperature for easy melting, it creates a silky, creamy sauce that elevates this baked spaghetti.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups): Divided to mix in and sprinkle on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
- 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce: Brings tangy tomato goodness and moisture to keep everything tender and flavorful.
- 14-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds chunky bursts of juicy tomato to complement the smooth sauce base.
- Fresh basil, finely chopped: Optional but highly recommended, offering a fragrant, herbal brightness that balances the rich cheese.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by warming your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) so it’s ready to create that perfect baked cheese crust later on. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your spaghetti just until al dente. This slight undercooking ensures your pasta stays tender yet firm after baking. Drain and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt Cream Cheese
Using the still-hot empty pasta pot is a clever step here! Add the softened cream cheese cubes back into the warm pot and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the cheese mostly melts into a smooth, velvety base. This creamy layer is the secret that sets this recipe apart.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, toss the cooked spaghetti back into the pot with the melted cream cheese. Pour in the jar of pasta sauce and the undrained petite diced tomatoes, then give it all a thorough stir to fully coat each noodle with that luscious sauce. To boost the cheesy goodness, fold in half of the shredded cheese at this stage.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the entire spaghetti mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish or a standard 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly so every bite offers gooey delight. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top creating that inviting golden layer you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese topping bubbles merrily and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes helps the flavors marry together and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up each plate and add a fresh aroma, sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil over your serving. The herbal notes balance the creamy and cheesy richness perfectly, making every forkful pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a refreshing vinaigrette or lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These sides add texture contrast and freshness to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins for charming personal casseroles. Alternatively, add a handful of sautéed mushrooms, cooked Italian sausage, or even some roasted red peppers into the mix before baking to customize the dish to your taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe keeps incredibly well. Simply cover leftovers tightly in the refrigerator and enjoy within one week. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to two months. Make sure to freeze in an airtight container or well-wrapped with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual servings on medium power until warmed through, stirring once halfway for even heat. Alternatively, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 300ºF (148ºC) for about 20 minutes. If baking directly from the fridge, just add 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is key for the signature creamy texture in this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still creamy outcome.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and everything else remains the same. Just be sure to check that your pasta sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to one day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and when ready to bake, simply add 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
Feel free to stir in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables to boost the heartiness and flavor of this baked spaghetti.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cooking the spaghetti just al dente before baking is essential. Since the pasta continues to cook as it bakes, slight undercooking helps maintain perfect texture rather than becoming overly soft.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe truly feels like a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most comforting way possible. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy, cheesy goodness will earn a permanent spot on your recipe list. So gather your ingredients and dive into making this warm, delightful casserole that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside out.
Print
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy twist on classic baked pasta. Combined with savory pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and a blend of shredded cheeses, it’s an easy, hearty casserole perfect for family dinners. The cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich base that coats every strand of spaghetti, then baked until bubbly and golden on top.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 box uncooked spaghetti
- 1 24-ounce jar (680g) pasta sauce
- 1 14-ounce can (411g) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- Fresh basil, finely chopped (to taste)
Cheese
- 8 ounces (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into 8 cubes
- 2 cups (226g) shredded cheese, divided (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the casserole. Drain well and set aside.
- Melt Cream Cheese: While the pot is still hot, add the cubed cream cheese to it and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese has mostly melted and formed a creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the hot cooked spaghetti, pasta sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes to the pot with the melted cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until the noodles are well-coated and the mixture is evenly combined. Stir in about half of the shredded cheese and the finely chopped fresh basil.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. This casserole freezes well for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake covered with foil at 300ºF (148ºC) for 20 minutes. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated; if baking from chilled, add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
Notes
- Use your favorite shredded cheese or a blend for best flavor variations.
- For an extra herbaceous flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by ensuring the pasta sauce contains no meat products.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your cheese and pasta sauce.
- Allowing the casserole to cool before serving helps it set for cleaner slices.
