Cream Cheese in Baked Spaghetti for Ultimate Comfort

Discover how cream cheese in baked spaghetti transforms a classic pasta bake into a rich, velvety comfort meal that’s simple to make .

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 520 kcal

12 ounces of spaghetti cooked until just firm following package directions
8 ounces block-style cream cheese softened at room temperature for smoother blending
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey for a hearty protein layer
24 ounces of jarred marinara sauce from your preferred brand
1 small yellow onion minced to add depth of flavor
2 cloves of garlic finely minced to release maximum aroma
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a blend of oregano,basil
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Optional: ½ cup sour cream for extra tang and silkiness

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, blend softened cream cheese (and sour cream if using) until smooth. Combine with cooked spaghetti, ensuring noodles are well-coated.
Assemble Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the creamy spaghetti mixture. Top with the meat sauce, then add the remaining spaghetti. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let it set.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.