The first time I made Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake, I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—I just needed dinner that stretched across five hungry kids without breaking the bank. Spaghetti had always been our go-to, but I wanted to give it a little extra comfort, something richer than a jar of sauce.
So, I softened a block of cream cheese, stirred it into the hot pasta, and baked it all under a blanket of mozzarella. The kitchen filled with the smell of bubbling cheese and garlic, and when I pulled that casserole dish from the oven, it felt like feeding the family had turned into a celebration.
It’s now one of our most requested dishes. Creamy, cheesy, hearty—this pasta bake has the power to gather everyone around the table, no matter how busy life gets.
What is Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake?
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake is a layered pasta casserole made with spaghetti tossed in tomato sauce, a creamy cream cheese mixture, ground beef or turkey, and plenty of melted cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it combines the comfort of spaghetti night with the indulgence of a lasagna-style bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly, budget-friendly, and makes big portions.
- Cream cheese adds a velvety richness you don’t get in plain spaghetti.
- Perfect for make-ahead dinners, potlucks, or freezer meals.
- Customizable with different meats, sauces, or veggies.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake
- Use full-fat cream cheese. It melts creamier and doesn’t separate.
- Cook pasta al dente. It’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Season each layer. Salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian herbs make flavors pop.
- Let it rest. Give it 10 minutes before serving so layers hold together.
- Cover, then uncover. Bake covered for the first half, then remove foil for a golden, bubbly top.
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Creamy Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta – Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce – In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture – In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer Casserole – In a greased 9×13 pan:
- Spread half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and half the cream cheese mixture.
- Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cream cheese.
- Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve – Let rest 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
You Must Know
- Cream cheese keeps the pasta from drying out.
- This dish freezes beautifully—perfect for meal prep.
- Leftovers are even creamier when reheated.
Top Tips
- Swap spaghetti for penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use Italian sausage instead of beef for more flavor.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm covered in oven at 325°F, or microwave in portions with a splash of water or sauce.
Helpful Notes
- Philadelphia cream cheese works perfectly for this dish.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt.
- Great recipe to double—one for tonight, one for the freezer.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten swears by seasoning each layer for depth.
- Giada De Laurentiis adds fresh basil at the end for brightness.
- Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) loves cream cheese in casseroles for its tang and richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese—it won’t mix smoothly.
- Overcooking pasta before baking.
- Skipping the rest period—it helps the bake set.
FAQs
Can you use cream cheese in a pasta bake?
Yes! It melts beautifully, adds creaminess, and prevents the pasta from drying out.
What does cream cheese do for spaghetti?
It balances tomato acidity, adds tangy richness, and creates a velvety sauce.
Can you bake cream cheese in the oven?
Yes, cream cheese becomes soft and creamy when baked—it blends perfectly into casseroles.
Can I use Philadelphia cream cheese for pasta sauce?
Absolutely. Philadelphia cream cheese is ideal for creamy sauces in pasta bakes.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It’s cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor—the kind of recipe that makes a regular spaghetti night feel like something special.
Every bite carries layers of rich tomato, tender pasta, and that irresistible creamy surprise. Around our table, it’s proof that simple pantry ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable.
Print
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese, marinara, and mozzarella. Family-friendly comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan
- 2 cups mozzarella
- Garlic, onion, parsley
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until al dente
- Brown beef with onion and garlic
- Stir in marinara and seasonings
- Mix softened cream cheese with sour cream and parmesan
- Layer pasta, sauce, and cream cheese mixture in pan
- Top with mozzarella and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes
Notes
Cover with foil for first half of baking to keep it creamy. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cream cheese spaghetti bake, baked spaghetti, cheesy pasta casserole
