If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both creamy and cheesy, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines the familiar goodness of spaghetti with the luscious smoothness of cream cheese, creating a baked dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. With bright bursts of tomato and fresh basil, every bite delivers warmth and satisfaction, all coming together in a way that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. From the soft cream cheese creating that dreamy sauce foundation, to the shredded cheese adding gooey, melty goodness on top, everything works together beautifully.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The foundation of the dish—cook it al dente so it holds up perfectly during baking.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Melts into a rich, velvety sauce that makes this pasta extra creamy.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups, divided): Provides wonderful meltiness and that golden baked crust you’ll love.
- Pasta sauce (24-ounce jar): Packs in savory tomato flavor that complements the creamy base wonderfully.
- Petite diced tomatoes (14-ounce can, undrained): Adds texture and bursts of juicy freshness throughout the dish.
- Fresh basil: Finely chopped to bring a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens up the rich casserole.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Aim for it to be just al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven, retaining great texture without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside so you can move on to the creamy sauce base.
Step 2: Melt Cream Cheese
With the pasta pot still hot, drop in the softened cream cheese cubes. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon, allowing the cheese to soften and melt into a smooth, creamy base. This melding step is crucial—it transforms the cream cheese from a solid block into a luscious sauce that coats every noodle with velvet-rich goodness.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, add the freshly cooked spaghetti back into the pot. Pour in the luscious pasta sauce and undrained petite diced tomatoes. Stir everything thoroughly so the noodles are perfectly coated in the tomato-cream cheese blend. Once combined, fold in about half of the shredded cheese, ensuring it melts into the warm mixture and adds extra gooey decadence.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your creamy spaghetti mixture into a casserole dish—either a 2-quart or a 9×13-inch dish works well. Evenly spread the remaining shredded cheese over the top; this is what will create that irresistible bubbling, golden crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese on top is beautifully bubbly and golden brown. Then, remove it and allow the dish to cool for about 15 minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the dish firms slightly, making it easier to serve. That’s when the magic really shines—creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting pasta goodness.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your baked spaghetti with freshly chopped basil adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma that perfectly balances the richness. You can also sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesiness that will impress anyone at your table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring a fresh crunch and vibrant color to round out the meal. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To give your baked spaghetti a fun twist, try serving it in individual ramekins for personal portions that look adorable and make dining feel special. Another idea is to sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with fresh herbs over the cheese before baking to add a wonderful crunchy texture contrast. Play around and make it your own—it’s a dish that welcomes your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked spaghetti keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes it an excellent recipe for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners that taste every bit as good as freshly made.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully for up to two months. Just cover it tightly and pop into the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain that creamy texture without drying out, ensuring your baked spaghetti tastes just as decadent as the first time.
Reheating
You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick lunch or warm up the whole dish covered with foil in a 300ºF (148ºC) oven for about 20 minutes. If you baked it straight from the refrigerator, just add about five minutes extra to the baking time so everything heats through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully for this recipe, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or fusilli to match your preference or pantry availability. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your pasta sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. It’s an easy tweak that keeps all the flavor without compromising dietary needs.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken can turn this into a heartier meal. Brown the meat first, drain excess fat, then stir it in with the sauce before baking.
What type of cheese works best for the shredded cheese?
Great options include mozzarella for meltiness and mild flavor, cheddar for sharpness, or a blend of both. Feel free to experiment with provolone or Monterey Jack too for different taste profiles.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to one day before baking. Just remember to add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish, the Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe offers unbeatable creaminess, savory tomato goodness, and satisfying cheesy layers that will warm the heart and delight the taste buds. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve when friends and family come over. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to this wonderfully comforting classic.
Print
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy twist on classic baked pasta, combining tender spaghetti with a rich cream cheese base, savory pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes, all topped with melted shredded cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
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 Topping
- 8 ounces (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into 8 cubes
- 2 cups (226g) shredded cheese, divided
Herbs
- 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 the package directions, aiming for al dente as it will continue to cook in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Cream Cheese: While the pot is still hot, add the cubed cream cheese and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until mostly melted into 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 until the noodles are well-coated and the mixture is evenly combined. Then stir in about half of the shredded cheese.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to one week. This casserole freezes well for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 300ºF (148ºC) for 20 minutes. You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate. If baking from refrigerated, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Notes
- Use freshly chopped basil as a garnish to add a fresh herbal note.
- For best melting, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding to hot pasta.
- To make the dish ahead of time, assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven to maintain creamy texture and melted cheese.
- Feel free to substitute shredded cheese type based on preference, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
