Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting pasta bake that’s simple to prepare and satisfying without being overly rich. Tender spaghetti tossed in a velvety cream cheese mixture, layered with marinara and topped with golden mozzarella creates a balanced, crowd-pleasing dinner. This recipe is flexible—swap ingredients to match your tastes and it will still turn out delicious.
The combination of a smooth cream cheese layer, bright tomato sauce, and a crisp, bubbly cheese topping makes this dish ideal for family meals, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. It reheats well and can be adapted with vegetables, cooked sausage, or roasted chicken if you want to add protein or extra flavor. Keep the seasonings simple to let the creaminess and tomato flavors shine.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet for sauce
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for combining
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions
-
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan. Whisk or beat until smooth and creamy.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
-
Assemble the Bake:
- Spread half of the sauced spaghetti into the prepared 9×13 baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and gently spread.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
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Serve:
- Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is creamy, comforting, and easy to customize—perfect when you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Enjoy!