BAKED SPAGHETTI CREAM CHEESE DREAM

Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Forget boring weeknight dinners! This Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new family favorite – a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to experience spaghetti in a whole new, unforgettable way!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy, dreamy casserole. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples!

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• Water, for boiling
• Salt, for seasoning the water

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step to Spaghetti Casserole Nirvana

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is easier than you think. I’ll walk you through each step, ensuring success even if you’re a beginner.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Seriously, don’t skimp on the salt! It seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, until al dente. This means “to the tooth” – slightly firm. Overcooked spaghetti will get mushy in the casserole.
3. Drain the spaghetti well. Don’t rinse it! We want that starchy water to help the sauce cling.

Making the Creamy Sauce:

1. While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is *truly* softened, or you’ll end up with lumps. A hand mixer works best, but you can also use a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease.
2. Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. I usually add a pinch or two of each.
3. Pour the sauce over the drained spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every strand is lovingly covered in that creamy goodness.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the oven fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or oil.
3. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese! It’s what creates that gorgeous, bubbly crust.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!
7. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. This adds a pop of freshness and color.

Why This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Rocks!

Okay, so why choose this recipe over all the other spaghetti casseroles out there? It’s simple: the cream cheese! It adds a richness and tanginess that you just can’t get with other sauces. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your family’s tastes.

Variations and Add-Ins to Make It Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Here are some ideas:

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the sauce. Brown the meat separately before adding it to the sauce.
• Veggie Power: Sauté some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini and add them to the sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Cheese, Please!: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.
• Herb Heaven: Add fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce.

Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

Want to take your Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to the next level? Here are some of my best tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Al dente is key! Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the casserole.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Seriously, this is important! Room temperature cream cheese will blend much more easily into the sauce.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to the sauce to suit your taste.
• Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: The better the sauce, the better the casserole will be. I prefer to use a jarred sauce that I know and love, but you can also make your own from scratch.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Making Ahead & Storage Secrets

This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Other Comfort Food Favorites

If you love this casserole, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite comfort food recipes. For another creamy and comforting chicken dish, try the CREAMY DREAMY CHICKEN CASSEROLE. Or, if you’re in the mood for stuffed pasta, the STUFFED SHELLS are always a winner. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you may want to try our CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA. And for a bit of a kick, there’s the SPICY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE! Lastly, if you’re craving more garlic, then GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA PERFECTION is the one.

Get Ready to Impress!

So there you have it – the ultimate recipe for Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! This is truly one of my go-to recipes when I want a simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing meal. I know you’ll love it, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking, my friend!

Baked Spaghetti Cream Cheese Dream

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This baked spaghetti casserole is a creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. The addition of cream cheese adds a richness and tanginess that elevates it beyond ordinary spaghetti casseroles. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cooking spray or butter
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound spaghetti
• Water, for boiling
• Salt, for seasoning the water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain the spaghetti well in a colander. Do not rinse.
• While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cream cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
• Pour the sauce over the drained spaghetti and toss to coat evenly.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Do not overcook the spaghetti, as it will become mushy in the casserole. Use a high-quality marinara sauce for optimal flavor. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. Consider adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sauteed vegetables to the sauce for variations.