It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you want something extra special but still incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not usually a fan of baked pasta dishes, the combination of tender spaghetti and creamy sauce will win you over. If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will love, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect choice!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Spatula or spoon
Knife and cutting board
Aluminum foil

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) spaghetti
1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Cook the Spaghetti:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the marinara or pasta sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Mix the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In the same pot you used to cook the spaghetti, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top the spaghetti with half of the meat sauce, spreading it out over the pasta.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 540
Total Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 880mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 29g

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delightful twist on traditional pasta, offering layers of rich, creamy flavors and a perfectly baked finish. It’s sure to become a family favorite, offering comfort and deliciousness in every bite!