Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole : The Coziest, Cheesiest Weeknight Dinner

AUTHOR BIO

Written by Chef Quinto ,the creative heart behind QuintoRecipes.com.
Chef Quinto crafts approachable, comforting meals inspired by everyday ingredients and global flavors, bringing warmth and joy to every table.

Featured in: Family Comfort Recipes / Cozy Pasta Dinners

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 15 min • Cook Time: 40 min • Total Time: 55 min • Servings: 6 • Calories: ~540 kcal per serving

Tagline:
“Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with rich tomato flavor ,this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a warm hug in every bite.”

Introduction

There are comfort foods… and then there’s this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole ,the kind of dish that can lift the mood of an entire evening. It’s a recipe that bridges the best of two worlds: the homestyle richness of baked pasta and the luxurious silkiness of a creamy cheese sauce.

Picture it: layers of tender spaghetti, coated in velvety cream cheese and sour cream, tucked beneath a hearty tomato-beef sauce, then topped with a generous layer of golden mozzarella that melts and bubbles into perfection. The aroma alone ,garlic sizzling in olive oil, onions softening into sweetness, the tang of tomato and herbs blending ,will draw everyone into the kitchen before it even hits the table.

This is a meal meant to be shared. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly weeknight or serving guests for Sunday supper, this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole has a way of bringing people together. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and completely irresistible, proof that comfort can be baked in a single dish.

Ingredients

This recipe uses familiar pantry staples but transforms them into something extraordinary. You’ll find a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory layers that play off each other beautifully.

For the Spaghetti & Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Layer

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer texture)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

For Baking

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions & Dietary Notes

• For a lighter version, use light cream cheese or substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
• For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based meat or a hearty lentil sauce.
• For gluten-free diets, swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, the texture holds up beautifully when baked.
• You can even swap marinara for vodka sauce or spicy arrabbiata for a different personality each time you make it.

Preparation Steps

Each step builds flavor and texture ,from the browned meat and simmered sauce to the creamy, tangy middle layer that holds the casserole together.

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil ,about a tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 1–2 minutes less than the package directions.

The pasta will continue to cook as it bakes, so slightly undercooking ensures it stays tender without becoming mushy. Drain well, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and toss to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce and cheese layers.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it begins to turn translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just long enough for the aroma to bloom.

Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat for a cleaner flavor.

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season generously with salt and pepper, then reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly — the secret to that rich, clingy texture that hugs every strand of pasta.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until completely smooth and creamy.

You’re looking for a texture that’s pourable yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it feels too stiff, whisk in a splash of milk or half-and-half until it loosens up. This layer adds an indulgent silkiness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce perfectly.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

Layering is key to the perfect bite in every forkful:

1. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it gently with a spatula into an even layer.
3. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, pressing down slightly to compact the layers.
4. Pour the meat sauce evenly across the surface, making sure every inch is covered.
5. Finish with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella ,the final touch that turns this casserole into bubbling, golden perfection.

5. Bake

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This traps steam, allowing the layers to meld together without drying out. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

You’ll know it’s done when the center is hot and the cheese forms a delicious, slightly crisped crust. The smell will be almost impossible to resist.

6. Rest & Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve neat, restaurant-style portions.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, the contrast of creamy, saucy pasta with the golden top is pure magic.

Chef’s Tips & Notes

• Chef Quinto’s Pro Tip: Stir a tablespoon of butter into the spaghetti after draining. It adds a subtle, luxurious richness and prevents the noodles from absorbing too much sauce during baking.
• Add a handful of spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini for a flavorful vegetable boost.
• Love extra cheese? Mix shredded mozzarella into the cream cheese layer for double the melt factor.
• For a bolder flavor, stir a splash of red wine into the meat sauce while it simmers, it deepens the flavor beautifully.
• To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole shines as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner. Serve it with:

• A crisp Caesar or Italian salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Garlic bread or warm baguette slices to mop up every last bit of sauce.
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a colorful, wholesome side.

Pair with a glass of Chianti, Merlot, or Pinot Noir, their gentle acidity complements the tomato sauce perfectly. For a non-alcoholic pairing, try sparkling water with lemon or a simple iced tea with fresh herbs.

For presentation, bring the casserole to the table in its baking dish, letting guests serve themselves. That bubbling top and melted cheese crust are too beautiful to hide, it’s rustic, generous, and deeply satisfying.

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Conclusion

There’s something timeless about a baked pasta casserole , it’s food that feels like home. This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole captures that warmth in every layer: the hearty tomato-meat sauce, the silky cream cheese filling, the perfectly tender noodles, and that irresistible golden top.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for Sunday dinner ,a dish that gathers everyone around the table and reminds you that the best meals don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be made with love, shared with others, and savored slowly.

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