Nothing says comfort like a bubbling, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe takes your classic pasta night to a whole new level with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly baked spaghetti. It’s the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters, brings the family together, and reheats like a dream the next day.

Imagine twirling your fork through soft spaghetti, coated in a tangy tomato-meat sauce, with a luscious layer of cream cheese tucked in between, all blanketed in golden, melty mozzarella. It’s indulgent but easy—a must-have in any home cook’s rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this hearty baked spaghetti hits the spot every time.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Go for classic, long spaghetti noodles. They hold up well during baking and allow the sauce and cheese to cling beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap in your favorite alternative—just cook it al dente to avoid mushy texture post-bake.

Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Spaghetti: The base of the dish, it gives that satisfying bite and familiar comfort.
Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and makes the dish filling enough for a main course.
Cream cheese: The secret ingredient! It adds a rich, creamy middle layer that elevates this from average to addictive.
Marinara sauce: Brings in acidity and sweetness to balance the creaminess.
Garlic and onion: Classic aromatics that deepen the flavor profile of the meat sauce.
Italian seasoning: A simple way to pack in herby flavor without fuss.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, giving that bubbly, golden finish.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth when combined with the mozzarella.

How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese. Mix well until the noodles are fully coated and the cheese has melted into a creamy layer.

Step 4: Layer the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti. Spoon half of the meat sauce over it, then sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving to help everything set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This dish is best served hot out of the oven, when the cheese is at its ooey-gooey peak and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Use a wide spatula to scoop out hearty portions that hold their shape beautifully on the plate. Garnish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for easy weeknight dinners—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up all that rich sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast and helps balance the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Roasted Green Beans

Simple roasted green beans with olive oil and sea salt add a bit of earthiness to the meal.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complements the Italian flavors of the spaghetti.

Sauteed Spinach

This light and garlicky side adds nutrients and depth to your dinner plate.

Antipasto Platter

Set out some olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies for a fun and shareable appetizer.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Serve a warm cup alongside to make the meal feel extra cozy.

Parmesan Zucchini Chips

For a low-carb, crispy option, bake some thin-sliced zucchini with Parmesan.

Want More Pasta Casserole Ideas?

If you love this creamy baked spaghetti, you’re going to want to check out more cozy, cheese-packed pasta favorites:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for another rich, meaty classic.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re in the mood for something decadent and protein-packed.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for when you need that creamy fix without using your oven.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with layers of cheesy, saucy indulgence.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever that cheesy comfort craving hits.

And I’d love to know how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms or go heavy on the mozzarella? Maybe you swapped in ground turkey or tried a spicy sauce twist?

Drop your variation in the comments—let’s inspire each other to make even more delicious meals.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas and cheesy pasta bakes on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dinner favorite!