If you love a bubbling, cheesy casserole that combines the ultimate comfort of pasta with the irresistible tang of cream cheese, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is about to become your newest obsession. This dish transforms classic spaghetti into a cozy, creamy masterpiece, thanks to a velvety cream cheese sauce, plenty of mozzarella, and a golden, bubbly finish from the oven. It’s the kind of meal you crave after a long day or want to share with friends and family at the weekend—simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is in its simplicity—every ingredient brings something special, whether it’s a punch of flavor, creamy richness, or cheesy goodness. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Spaghetti (8 ounces): The classic base, perfectly al dente pasta that soaks up all that creamy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic for a fragrant start.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Instantly boosts the flavor and adds wonderful depth to the sauce.
- Cream Cheese, softened (8 ounces): The star of the show, creating a luscious, tangy sauce that clings to every strand.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the cream cheese and creates a silky, pourable sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Infuses salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors and keeps the dish perfectly seasoned.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and balances the richness.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a herby aroma that ties everything together.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, golden finish.
- Optional Chopped Parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the whole dish right before serving.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti just until it’s al dente. You want the noodles to have a little bite since they’ll soften more in the oven. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside while you get started on that dreamy sauce.
Step 2: Build the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just bubbling, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute—just long enough for your kitchen to start smelling amazing. Next, add the softened cream cheese and pour in the milk, stirring continuously until everything blends into a smooth, creamy sauce. It’ll look luscious and feel almost luxurious even before you add the cheese.
Step 3: Season and Enrich the Sauce
Take that saucepan off the heat, and stir in your grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is where the magic happens: the Parmesan melts into the sauce, the herbs add warmth, and the whole mixture becomes gloriously thick and fragrant. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—it’s your time to shine!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, pour your cooked spaghetti right into the saucepan and toss it with the cream cheese sauce until every strand is coated. This is the moment when plain pasta gets transformed into Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, oozing with cheesy, herby goodness. Don’t be afraid to really mix it all up so the sauce hugs every noodle.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the saucy spaghetti evenly in the dish, then shower the top with that glorious shredded mozzarella. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a melted, lightly golden cheese topping that just begs to be scooped up.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is out of the oven, sprinkle it with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Let it sit for just a couple of minutes before serving so the cheesy topping can set slightly. Then dig in and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness to the rich, cheesy casserole. You could also grate a little extra Parmesan on top or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick. These little details take Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti from homey to restaurant-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a hit, letting you soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. If you want a heartier spread, consider serving with roasted chicken or even a simple tomato soup on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try dividing the pasta into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized presentation—perfect for dinner parties or picky eaters. You could also serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti family-style straight from the baking dish, or swirl twirls of spaghetti onto plates and top with extra cheese and herbs. For a festive touch, bake it in a round dish and slice it like a pie!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti keeps surprisingly well. Just allow it to cool, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or easy weekday lunches.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, you’re in luck: this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the spaghetti and sauce in your baking dish, but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to ensure it’s hot and bubbly all the way through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave works well—just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Either way, the cheese will melt back into gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic and twirls beautifully with the creamy sauce, you can try penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up during baking.
Is it possible to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.
How can I add protein to this dish?
Easy! Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage before baking to make your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti even more hearty and satisfying. You can also toss in sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms if you’d like a vegetarian boost.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and proceed as usual. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping work perfectly with gluten-free noodles.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix your own using dried basil, oregano, and a little thyme or rosemary, or simply add whichever dried herbs you love most. The recipe is very forgiving and versatile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting dinner that’s both easy and outrageously delicious, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is calling your name. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—creamy, cheesy, and always a hit. Give it a try and watch everyone at your table go back for seconds!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make American classic combines smooth, cheesy flavors with Italian seasonings, perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the softened cream cheese and milk, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Toss Spaghetti in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan and toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the coated spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with optional chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage before baking.
- You can add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
