Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole takes everything you love about classic spaghetti and makes it extra comforting with a rich, creamy twist. With just 15 minutes of prep and easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole version bakes up bubbly, golden and deeply satisfying. It's the kind of cozy, family-friendly dinner that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for make-ahead meals.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
I'm always on the hunt for a dinner that feels comforting but doesn't require a long prep list, especially on busy weeknights, and this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole checks every box.
With just 15 minutes of hands-on time and simple ingredients, it's an easy baked spaghetti that still delivers rich, creamy flavor thanks to the cream cheese folded right into the noodles.
It's also one of my favorite recipes to make ahead - this spaghetti casserole holds up beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream. I love doubling the recipe and stashing one pan in the freezer, because it's perfect for meal prep and my go-to dish when I'm putting together a meal train for someone who could use a homemade dinner.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
People keep coming back to this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole because it checks all the boxes for an easy, comforting dinner that actually fits real life.
- Quick prep with big payoff: With just 15 minutes of hands-on time, this baked spaghetti with cream cheese comes together fast but still feels hearty and satisfying once it's out of the oven.
- Creamy, comforting texture: Cream cheese melts into the spaghetti, creating a rich, smooth base that balances perfectly with the savory meat sauce. It doesn't taste overly cheesy.
- Perfect for meal prep and sharing: This spaghetti casserole is easy to make ahead, stores well and is ideal for freezing. It's reliable for busy weeks, meal prep and sharing with anyone who needs a little comfort.
Ingredients
You'll need a handful of familiar ingredients to bring this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole together, which is part of what makes it such an easy weeknight win.
Spaghetti noodles form the base of this baked spaghetti, soaking up all the creamy, savory flavors as it bakes. Don't have spaghetti? No big deal! Any kind of pasta works, and gluten-free spaghetti should be just fine, too.
Jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce keeps things simple, while ground beef adds hearty richness - you can easily swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer something lighter. The real magic comes from cream cheese, which melts into the hot pasta to create that signature creamy texture, balanced by Italian seasoning and minced garlic for classic flavor.
A generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese finishes the casserole with a salty, golden top. (For a cheesier version, add some shredded mozzarella cheese as well.) Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Once everything is prepped, this baked spaghetti with cream cheese comes together in just a few simple layers before heading into the oven. The spaghetti casserole bakes until hot, bubbly and lightly golden on top, giving the noodles time to soak up the sauce and turn perfectly creamy and comforting.
Before you begin, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9x13-inch inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium sized skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until brown and no longer pink. Drain the grease. Add the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine.
- While the ground beef is browning, cook spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and transfer the noodles to a large bowl.
- Add Italian seasoning, minced garlic and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place a small amount of meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Next, add the cream cheese spaghetti noodles and spread evenly over the meat sauce.
- Add the remaining meat sauce on top of the noodles and spread evenly. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Allow the spaghetti to slightly cool before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with additional shredded parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese first: Letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for a bit helps it melt smoothly into the hot spaghetti, creating a creamier, more evenly coated baked spaghetti.
- Season the pasta well: Mixing the Italian seasoning and garlic directly into the noodles ensures the cream cheese spaghetti is flavorful from the inside out, not just on top.
- Let it rest before slicing: Allowing the spaghetti casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making cleaner slices and better texture when serving.
What to Serve With Spaghetti Casserole
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides that round out the meal without stealing the spotlight. I love serving it with my cheesy garlic bread or homemade focaccia to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce - it turns this baked spaghetti into a true comfort-food dinner.
Add a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette for contrast, and you've got an easy, balanced meal that works for weeknights, guests or meal trains alike. For dessert, no one can say no to dreamy, Italian tiramisu or my favorite chocolate chip pudding cookies.
Make It A Meal Train
When someone you care about is going through a big life moment, dropping off a homemade meal is one of the easiest ways to show support.
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole works especially well for meal trains because it's filling, familiar and reheats beautifully.
- Pair it with a simple protein-free side like a green salad or veggies.
- Everyone always forgets about breakfast, so round things out with something easy like banana blueberry muffins.
- I always recommend using disposable containers so there's nothing to return.
Don't forget to ask about allergies and preferred drop-off times to make things as stress-free as possible.
FAQ
Yes, this spaghetti casserole freezes very well. Assemble the baked spaghetti with cream cheese in a freezer-safe or disposable pan, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed until hot and bubbly.
Store leftover cream cheese spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente, since it will continue to soften as it bakes. You can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini or gluten-free noodles - just be sure they're sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy sauce and baking time.
More casseroles to love
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 28 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
- 3-4 sprigs fresh parsley stems removed and finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium sized skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until brown and no longer pink.
- Drain the grease. Add 28 ounces spaghetti sauce and stir to combine.
- While the ground beef is browning, cook 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Drain and transfer the noodles to a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 8 ounces cream cheese.
- Stir until the cream cheese is melted and all of the ingredients are thorougly combined.
- Place a small amount of meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Next, add the cream cheese spaghetti noodles and spread evenly over the meat sauce.
- Add the remaining meat sauce on top of the noodles and spread evenly. Top with 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Allow the spaghetti to slightly cool before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with additional shredded parmesan cheese and 3-4 sprigs fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
with fresh chopped parsley. Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Substitutions: Omit the meat from this recipe completely if desired. You can also substitute ground beef
with ground turkey or ground chicken. Cheesier version: Shred 1 cup of mozzarella and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Spread evenly on top and bake for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
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