Savory Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Nights filled with comfort often call for a creamy baked spaghetti casserole that surprises everyone at the dinner table.

Cheese melts perfectly into tender pasta strands, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

Home cooks love this simple yet impressive meal that comes together quickly.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, making each bite memorable and delightful.

Families gather around, eager to sample this delectable combination of classic pasta and smooth cream cheese.

Weekend dinners become special with this hearty casserole that feels like a warm hug.

You will find yourself craving these delicious flavors again and again.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic unfold on your plate!

Best Matches for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Match the rich, creamy tomato sauce with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, cutting through the dish's decadence while complementing its herbal notes.
• Balance the heavy casserole with a zesty caesar salad featuring crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and parmesan shavings to provide a refreshing contrast and lighter texture.
• Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up extra sauce and add a complementary crispy element that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Create a bright, refreshing non-alcoholic drink with lemon, lime, and soda water to cleanse the palate between creamy bites and add a light, zingy counterpoint.

Tasty Additions to Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Vegetarian Spaghetti Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian meat substitute for a meat-free version.

Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining the creamy sauce’s delicious flavor.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute traditional spaghetti with roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that’s equally satisfying.

Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that still provides rich, creamy texture.

What Makes Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Creamy

• Combine simple ingredients with basic cooking techniques to create a deliciously comforting meal that requires minimal kitchen skills.
• Satisfy picky eaters and hungry families with a cheesy, creamy pasta dish that everyone from kids to adults will love and request again and again.
• Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an ideal option for meal prep and stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients That Go into Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that forms the foundation of the casserole, best when cooked al dente for perfect texture.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Rich and creamy ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious sauce base with tangy undertones.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a classic tomato flavor and adds moisture to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding subtle depth to the initial flavor development.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that add depth and traditional Italian-style aromatics to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste enhancement.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that create a golden, crispy topping with rich, complex flavor.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that provide bright, fresh finish and attractive visual appeal.

Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole at Home

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Saute until onions become translucent and garlic releases its aroma.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Stir until smooth and completely combined. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked spaghetti into the creamy tomato sauce. Ensure every strand is generously coated.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer pasta mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide casserole into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Delight

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Helpful Ideas for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Pasta Perfection: Choose spaghetti with a firm texture to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a delightful al dente bite in your casserole.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a smooth, golden-brown topping.
• Sauce Smoothing Trick: Whisk cream cheese and sour cream thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, uniform sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor that takes the dish from good to extraordinary.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Reheat and Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding splash of milk if sauce seems dry.
• Place individual servings in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners with its creamy, hearty layers. Rich Italian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, creating a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef

Pasta and Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

Cheese and Dairy:

• ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 g) ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by immersing spaghetti in generously salted boiling water. Cook until tender, then thoroughly drain and set aside for subsequent layering.
2. Activate a large skillet with olive oil over moderate heat. Gently transform chopped onions into translucent, softened gems, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking environment.
3. Incorporate cream cheese and sour cream into the skillet, whisking until a velvety, uniform mixture emerges. Pour in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, creating a harmonious sauce. Allow the blend to simmer, enabling flavors to intertwine and develop depth.
4. Merge the cooked spaghetti with the luxurious sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture. Distribute evenly to guarantee consistent flavor throughout the dish.
5. Warm the oven to 375F, preparing a baking vessel with a light protective coating. Transfer the sauced pasta into the dish, spreading it into a uniform layer that promises delectable consumption.
6. Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a potential golden, bubbling surface that will transform during baking.
7. Position the casserole in the heated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes. For an enhanced textural experience, consider a brief broiling finale to achieve a crisp, caramelized cheese topping.
8. Extract the casserole from the oven, permitting a brief resting period. Optional herb garnishes like parsley or basil can provide a fresh, vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Customize pasta thickness by choosing different spaghetti varieties like whole wheat, gluten-free, or spinach pasta for diverse dietary needs.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles to transform the dish into a complete meal.
• Maximize flavor by allowing the sauce to simmer longer, which helps ingredients meld and intensifies the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg