If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a must-try. It’s the ultimate combination of hearty spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy twist with melted cream cheese. Topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked dish is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also a fantastic way to elevate a simple spaghetti dinner into something special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this baked spaghetti is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti combines the flavors of classic spaghetti with the richness of cream cheese, making it extra creamy and indulgent. The meat sauce, loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and Italian seasoning, adds a savory, hearty element that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. You can prepare the spaghetti and sauce in no time, and the baking process brings all the flavors together, while the cheese on top gets wonderfully bubbly and golden. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal that you can pop in the oven whenever you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Yes! You can easily substitute the spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. The result will still be delicious and creamy.
How Can I Make It Lighter?
To lighten up this recipe, you can use light cream cheese or swap half of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. You can also use whole wheat pasta and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Can I Add More Sauce?
If you like your spaghetti saucier, feel free to add an extra ½ cup of spaghetti sauce or even a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to the sauce before baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti: The base of the dish. You can use regular or whole wheat spaghetti, depending on your preference.
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 oz): Any jar of your favorite spaghetti or marinara sauce will work.
- 1 lb ground beef, lean: Adds hearty protein and flavor to the sauce.
- ½ cup diced green pepper: Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch to the meat sauce.
- ½ cup diced onions: For added flavor and depth to the sauce.
- ½ cup grated carrots: Adds sweetness and helps sneak in some veggies.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring out the flavor in the meat sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 8 oz cream cheese: The key ingredient for making the spaghetti extra creamy.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the dish.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible cheesy finish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Follow these simple steps to create this creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onions, garlic, green pepper, and grated carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Turn off the heat and stir in the Italian seasoning. Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Set the meat sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meat sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Immediately add the cream cheese to the hot, drained spaghetti and stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and coats the noodles. This step gives the spaghetti its creamy texture and helps the sauce stick to the noodles.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top of the meat sauce, spreading it out evenly.
Top the noodles with the remaining meat sauce, spreading it over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Spaghetti
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet: For cooking the meat sauce.
- Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the spaghetti.
- Spatula or spoon: For mixing and spreading the sauce and noodles.
