Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Hey there! So, let me tell you about this little gem of a dish called Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. I stumbled upon it during one of those ‘what’s in the pantry?’ nights, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. I mean, who doesn’t have a box of spaghetti and some cream cheese lying around? It all started when I had friends over, and we were too busy chatting to make a fancy dinner. This dish saved the day!

Why You’ll Love This

I whip this up when everyone’s tired of the same old spaghetti routine. It’s like a comforting hug – cheesy, baked goodness. My kids practically lose their minds over it because it’s creamy and delicious. (They say cheese makes everything better, and I can’t argue with that!) Plus, it’s not one of those dishes that require a culinary degree or anything.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti (sometimes, I use linguine when I’m feeling fancy)
  • 1 cup cream cheese (full fat or light, up to you!)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (I’ve learned to just use whatever’s on sale)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar if you like a sharper taste)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (my granny swears by the fresh stuff, but jarred works too)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Let’s Cook!

  1. Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Don’t fret if it’s still a bit firm – it’ll cook more in the oven.
  2. In a pot, melt the cream cheese over low heat. Stir in the marinara sauce until it’s all nice and blended. I often sneak a taste here because, why not?
  3. Mix the sauce with the spaghetti and toss in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. (Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage – it always does!)
  4. Transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. I like to overdo it with cheese. No regrets!
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese gets all bubbly and golden. This is when I start hovering around the oven—can’t help it.

Notes Form the Trenches

Sometimes I add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick; it smooths things out nicely. Also, don’t be afraid to toss in some leftover veggies – broccoli or spinach work wonders.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Variations I’ve Tried

Once, I added cooked sausage, and it was a hit. Another time, I tried with pesto instead of marinara, but that… let’s just say, wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Equipment Check

If you don’t have a baking dish, a sturdy skillet works too. I’ve done it when everything else was in the dishwasher!

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Storing Your Creation

This keeps in the fridge for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve this with a simple salad or garlic bread (depends on how lazy I’m feeling). We have a tradition of telling silly jokes at the dinner table when we have this dish. It just fits!

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

Once, I tried rushing the baking step and regretted it because the cheese didn’t melt right. Trust me, give it the full 20 minutes.

FAQ Time!

Can I use gluten-free pasta? Sure thing! Just keep an eye on it while boiling; gluten-free often cooks differently.

Is there a vegan version? I haven’t tried it myself, but I’d imagine using vegan cheese and cream cheese alternatives could work!

What if I don’t have Parmesan? No worries, just add extra mozzarella or whatever cheese you have on hand. It’ll still taste great!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 120 ratings

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

yield: 4 servings
prep: 20 mins
cook: 40 mins
total: 50 mins
A deliciously creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
  2. 2
    In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. 3
    Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. 4
    Mix the cooked spaghetti with cream cheese until well coated. Place in a baking dish.
  5. 5
    Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the spaghetti. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. 6
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600 caloriescal
Protein: 35 gramsg
Fat: 30 gramsg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 50 gramsg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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