If you ever crave a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to pull together yet bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles enveloped in a luscious cream cheese base, mingling beautifully with savory pasta sauce and juicy diced tomatoes, all topped with a golden blanket of melted shredded cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that generously serves a hungry group and transforms simple pantry staples into a bubbling, irresistible casserole. You’ll quickly find this dish becoming a go-to whenever you want that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors all in one satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. These basics not only complement each other seamlessly but also make the whole process straightforward enough for a busy weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend feast.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, cooked al dente for the ideal bite that holds up well during baking.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened and cubed to create a smooth, creamy sauce that adds richness and depth.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups, divided): A blend or your favorite cheese to ensure a deliciously gooey, golden topping.
- Pasta sauce (24-ounce jar): Brings tangy tomato flavor and unites all the ingredients with comforting familiarity.
- Petite diced tomatoes (14-ounce can, undrained): Adds texture and bursts of freshness embedded right into the sauce.
- Fresh basil, finely chopped: Sprinkled in for an aromatic punch that brightens and balances the richness.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente since the noodles will continue to soften during baking. Once cooked, drain your spaghetti thoroughly and set it aside to prepare the creamy sauce base.
Step 2: Melt Cream Cheese
Keeping the pot warm, add those cubes of cream cheese directly into the hot pot. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese melts down and forms a smooth, silky base. This step is the magic touch that transforms traditional baked spaghetti into a delectably creamy dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, bring everything together by adding the drained warm spaghetti, jarred pasta sauce, and undrained petite diced tomatoes to the pot with the melted cream cheese. Stir patiently until all the noodles are evenly coated and the mixture looks perfectly blended. Then fold in about half of your shredded cheese, which will melt into those layers during baking, adding extra richness.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your creamy spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly so every bite has the perfect balance of sauce and noodles. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top in a generous layer — this will melt, bubble, and become delightfully golden during baking.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Once baked, let the dish cool on the counter for about 15 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the casserole to set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve without a mess.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil right before plating for a lovely color contrast and a burst of herbal freshness. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick if you like a little heat. Grated Parmesan cheese can also be dusted on top for an extra layer of nutty flavor that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with crisp green salads like Caesar or mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls provide the perfect vehicle for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus add brightness and balance out the richness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or small ovenproof dishes to make each serving feel special. Layering in slices of cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms before baking can also add hearty flavor and texture. For a lighter version, stir in some fresh spinach or kale leaves just before baking so they wilt gently in the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe stores wonderfully. Simply cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. The flavors meld even further after a day or two, making it a delicious second-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this casserole freezes just as well. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings quickly in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven. For best results, cover with foil and bake at 300ºF (148ºC) for about 20 minutes until heated through. If you bake it straight from the refrigerator, just add an additional 5 minutes to the baking time so it warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly here, feel free to substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep your pasta al dente before baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian or meatier?
This baked spaghetti is naturally vegetarian if your pasta sauce doesn’t contain meat. For a meatier dish, stir in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken before baking to add protein and extra flavor.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Yes, for a different creamy texture, you can experiment with ricotta cheese or mascarpone, but cream cheese provides the perfect tang and consistency that makes this recipe so special.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper along with the cheese topping before baking. You can also include diced jalapeños if you enjoy fresh heat.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely! This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe freezes well and maintains its delicious flavor and creamy texture after thawing and reheating, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade casserole that brings together creamy, cheesy, and saucy elements in such a delightful harmony. The Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those treasures that’s easy to prep, fun to bake, and wonderful to serve. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making an extra-large batch for leftovers, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved favorite in your own kitchen!
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Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese combines tender al dente pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from softened cream cheese, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes. Topped with melted shredded cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. It’s easy to assemble and offers a rich, flavorful twist on classic baked pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 box uncooked spaghetti
- 1 24-ounce jar (680g) pasta sauce
- 1 14-ounce can (411g) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
Cream Cheese and Cheese
- 8 ounces (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into 8 cubes
- 2 cups (226g) shredded cheese, divided (cheddar or mozzarella recommended)
Garnish
- Fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Cream Cheese: While the pot is still hot, return it to the stovetop and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese is mostly melted and forms a creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the hot cooked spaghetti, pasta sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes to the pot with the melted cream cheese. Stir thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Then, mix in about half of the shredded cheese until distributed well.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole or a 9×13-inch baking dish evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The casserole freezes well for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 300ºF (148ºC) for 20 minutes. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; if baking from cold, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Notes
- Use a 2-quart or 9×13-inch casserole dish for even baking.
- Choose a mild shredded cheese like mozzarella or a sharp cheddar depending on preference.
- For extra flavor, add garlic or Italian herbs to the sauce before mixing.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings—use a larger baking dish and increase baking time as needed.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it firm up for cleaner serving.
- Leftover baked spaghetti can be reheated in the microwave or oven to retain creaminess and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
