Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that blends silky, cheesy goodness with pasta’s familiar charm, you have to try Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This dish strikes a perfect balance between the nostalgia of classic spaghetti and the luxurious creaminess of a baked casserole. It’s a weeknight hero that wins over both picky eaters and pasta connoisseurs, making mealtime feel a little more special every time it appears on the table. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your personal collection of irresistible pasta recipes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is how a few humble ingredients come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Each one pulls its weight, whether it’s adding flavor, a gooey texture, or golden color. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this weeknight wonder to life:

• Spaghetti: Classic, hearty strands that hold all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Cream cheese: The star that makes the sauce impossibly velvety and rich.
• Milk: Helps the sauce reach that perfect pourable, silky consistency.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons, inside and bursting golden on top.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty punch to balance out the richness.
• Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and savoriness as the aromatic base.
• Garlic: Delivers that irresistible aroma and depth that makes everyone’s mouth water.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the whole dish with warmth and complexity.
• Salt: Essential for making each cheesy bite pop—adjust to your liking.
• Black pepper: Brings just the right hit of mellow spice.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle fruitiness.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle adds freshness and a splash of color when serving.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so you’re ready to bake once everything is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup extra easy.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until just al dente—remember, the pasta will finish cooking in the oven and absorb even more flavor, so don’t overdo it! Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside while you build the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft, translucent, and fragrant, about three minutes. Add in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for just a minute longer until your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Make Cream Cheese Sauce

Turn the heat down to low and add the softened cream cheese and milk to your skillet. Whisk steadily as the cream cheese melts into the milk, creating a smooth, luscious sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, salt, and black pepper. The result should be a rich, creamy base filled with the aromas and flavors that define Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.

Step 5: Combine & Assemble

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss your drained spaghetti with the warm cream cheese sauce, making sure every strand is fully coated. Transfer this glorious mixture into your greased baking dish, then scatter the remaining mozzarella evenly across the top to guarantee every finished bite gets a gooey, melted cheese blanket.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Slide your assembled Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti into the oven and bake—uncovered—for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden top with patches of gooey cheese that tell everyone something special is about to be served.

Step 7: Rest & Garnish

Once baked, let your spaghetti rest for five minutes. This helps everything set up perfectly and makes serving tidy, generous scoops a breeze. Just before you bring it to the table, sprinkle it with fresh chopped parsley if you like—a touch of green gives it a restaurant-worthy finish!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is my favorite way to brighten the richness of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a scratch of fresh lemon zest can add a surprising pop of flavor. Shaved Parmesan curls are also fabulous for a little extra drama!

Side Dishes

This pasta is wonderfully hearty on its own, but I adore serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or some oven-roasted vegetables. Don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta—perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dress it up? Try spooning the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti into individual ramekins for cute, personal servings at your next dinner party. Or, serve it as part of a pasta buffet, alongside classic marinara or a big pan of meatballs, so everyone can build their own cozy plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store any extra Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors seem to get even richer overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or quick family dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the dish, assemble the pasta and creamy sauce in your baking dish, but hold off on baking and topping with extra cheese. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, add the cheese topping, and bake as usual.

Reheating

For best results, cover and reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and creamy. If reheating a larger amount, bake at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it seems thick; the sauce returns to silky perfection!

FAQs

Can I add protein to my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, or browned ground beef all taste fantastic mixed in with the creamy sauce and pasta before baking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

While cream cheese is key for the classic texture and flavor, you can substitute with neufchâtel for a lighter version, or try a combination of ricotta and a few spoonfuls of sour cream for a slight twist.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. Be sure to cook until just al dente, as gluten-free pasta is often a bit more delicate, especially after being baked.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble everything earlier in the day, cover and refrigerate it, and then bake right before serving. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of milk to the pasta and cover with foil or a lid. This helps the sauce stay creamy while the spaghetti heats through, preventing it from drying or getting overly thick.

Final Thoughts

Give this dreamy, irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti a spot on your weekly menu and see what all the fuss is about! It’s easy enough for busy nights yet comforting and decadent enough to make every meal feel like a celebration. Trust me—after just one bite, you’ll be hooked.

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