If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate a classic comfort food with a twist, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Cream cheese blends seamlessly into the sauce, giving the dish a luscious, velvety texture that coats every strand of spaghetti. The combination of tangy pasta sauce, juicy diced tomatoes, and bubbly melted cheese on top creates a hearty, satisfying bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something warm, cheesy, and utterly cozy. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to weeknight meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe features simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful baked pasta dish. Each component plays a key role: creamy cheese for texture, tomatoes for freshness, and perfectly cooked spaghetti as the hearty base.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The main pasta that forms the perfect base and soaks up all the creamy sauce.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Adds a smooth, creamy consistency and a subtle tang that sets this dish apart.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups), divided: Provides gooey, melty goodness inside and a golden crust on top.
- Pasta sauce (24 ounces): Brings the classic tomato flavor and a rich depth to the casserole.
- Petite diced tomatoes (14 ounces), undrained: Adds bursts of juicy texture and brightens the overall flavor.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh, aromatic note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Melt the Cream Cheese
Using the same hot pot, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese mostly melts into a rich, creamy base. This makes the sauce gloriously smooth and gives it that luscious texture that makes this recipe so special.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, add the cooked spaghetti, pasta sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes to the pot with the melted cream cheese. Give everything a thorough stir to ensure the noodles are fully coated and the mixture is evenly combined. Don’t forget to fold in half of the shredded cheese here, which melts into the pasta and boosts the cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. This layer will create that beautiful golden, bubbly crust that every baked pasta dish deserves.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. After pulling it from the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Step 6: Storage and Next Steps
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! Cover the dish tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating to maintain that creamy texture and delicious flavor.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a natural choice to sprinkle on top just before serving. Its bright, herbal aroma adds a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. For an added touch, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serving this baked spaghetti alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh balance to the creamy casserole. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and are always crowd-pleasers.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Sprinkle each with fresh chopped basil and a little extra shredded cheese before broiling to get an extra bubbly, golden top just before presenting. This makes for a charming, personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover baked spaghetti tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week, making it a great meal prep option to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will maintain its creamy, cheesy goodness for up to two months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm and bubbly, or place the entire dish in an oven preheated to 300ºF (148ºC), covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. If baking straight from the fridge, just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works best for this recipe, feel free to use penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta shape if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese gives this dish its signature creamy texture and tang, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor profile. However, the classic cream cheese is what makes this recipe unique and so comforting.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
The easiest way is to add crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick that complements the creamy cheese beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before baking and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just pop it into the oven and add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What cheeses work best for the shredded cheese?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses work wonderfully here. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds sharpness, making the topping irresistibly gooey and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming together over a warm, cheesy dish like this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, with the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that everyone will adore. Give it a try for your next meal—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy spaghetti!
Print
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe is a creamy, comforting casserole perfect for feeding a crowd. Tender spaghetti noodles are combined with a rich cream cheese base, savory pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes, then topped with melted shredded cheese and baked to bubbly golden perfection. It’s an easy, hearty meal that can be assembled ahead and frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 box uncooked spaghetti
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into 8 cubes
Cheese
- 2 cups (226g) shredded cheese, divided
Tomato Sauce
- 1 24-ounce jar (680g) pasta sauce
- 1 14-ounce can (411g) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
Herbs
- Fresh basil, finely chopped (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
- Melt cream cheese: While the pot is still hot, add the cubed cream cheese, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese mostly melts creating 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 noodles are well-coated and mixture is evenly combined. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers properly: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. This casserole freezes well for up to two months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Reheat individual servings in microwave or covered with foil in oven at 300ºF (148ºC) for 20 minutes. You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate. If baking straight from refrigerated, add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy melting.
- Al dente pasta ensures the noodles don’t become mushy after baking.
- Feel free to add herbs like fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep or busy nights.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
- When freezing, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
