Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: The Ultimate Creamy Oven-Baked Comfort Dish

Introduction

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the kind of comforting, no-fuss dinner that quickly earns a permanent place in your recipe collection. It brings together tender spaghetti, a rich tomato-based sauce, and the unmistakable creaminess of melted cream cheese, all baked together until warm and irresistible. This dish feels familiar yet slightly indulgent, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and casual gatherings. The cream cheese softens the acidity of the tomato sauce and creates a silky texture that coats every strand of pasta. When I first prepared this recipe, I was surprised by how effortlessly the flavours came together using such simple ingredients. It is filling, satisfying, and wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Whether you are feeding a crowd or planning meals ahead of time, this baked spaghetti offers reliable comfort with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines simplicity with rich flavour, using everyday ingredients to create a hearty baked pasta dish. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and ideal for leftovers. The creamy texture appeals to both adults and children, making it a dependable family favourite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti
Spaghetti provides the foundation of this dish. When cooked just until al dente, it maintains its structure and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully during baking.

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture. It melts into the sauce, balancing the tomato flavours with gentle tang and creaminess.

Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce forms the base of the dish, adding depth, acidity, and classic Italian-inspired flavour that complements the cream cheese.

Ground Beef
Ground beef makes the dish hearty and satisfying. It adds savoury depth and turns the spaghetti into a complete meal.

Onion
Onion brings mild sweetness and enhances the overall savoury profile when cooked with the beef.

Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and aroma, elevating the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.

Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning ties the flavours together with a blend of herbs that pair well with tomato and cheese.

Salt
Salt enhances each component and ensures the pasta and sauce are well seasoned.

Black Pepper
Black pepper provides subtle heat and balance to the creamy sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly on top, creating a stretchy, lightly browned finish.

Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness and a savoury note that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Lower the heat and add the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the skillet, stirring gently until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately six servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 30 minutes, and baking takes an additional 25–30 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is highly versatile and easy to customise. For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. I have also prepared this dish without meat, adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead, which resulted in a satisfying vegetarian option.
For extra creaminess, a small amount of heavy cream or sour cream can be stirred into the sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes add gentle spice without overwhelming the dish.
Cheese variations are also easy to explore. Cheddar, provolone, or a mixed Italian cheese blend all work well. Cooked sausage or bacon can be added for a deeper, smokier flavour. These adjustments allow you to personalise the recipe while preserving its comforting nature.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is rich and filling, providing protein from the beef and calcium from the cheeses. Using lean meat or reduced-fat cream cheese can slightly lighten the recipe. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted for those with dietary restrictions.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfect Pasta Consistency
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.

Smooth Sauce Texture
Cut the cream cheese into small pieces so it melts evenly into the sauce.

Make-Ahead Convenience
The dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble the spaghetti and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Can this recipe be frozen?

Yes, it freezes well either before or after baking for up to two months.

What type of sauce is best?

A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce works best.

Can I make it meatless?

Yes, simply omit the beef and add vegetables.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

Ensure the pasta is fully coated with sauce before baking.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini are suitable alternatives.

Will the cream cheese overpower the dish?

No, it blends smoothly and balances the tomato sauce.

Can vegetables be added?

Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Can low-fat cream cheese be used?

Yes, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and dependable recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, oven-baked meal everyone can enjoy. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich flavour make it suitable for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meals. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, this dish consistently delivers warmth, satisfaction, and classic comfort.

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