Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 3 cups marinara sauce (or meat sauce); 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I Enjoy This Dish Because It’s Easy To Prepare And Feels Like A Warm Hug In A Bowl. The Cream Cheese Melts Into The Pasta, Creating A Velvety Sauce That Pairs Perfectly With Tomato-Based Or Meaty Sauces. I Also Like That It’s A Crowd-Pleaser—Whether I’m Cooking For Family Or Friends, Everyone Always Goes Back For Seconds.

Ingredients

(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

1 Pound Of Spaghetti
1 (8 Oz) Package Of Cream Cheese, Softened

(This Is A Partial List Based On What You Provided. If You’d Like, I Can Expand It Into A Complete Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe With Sauce, Meat, And Seasonings.)

Directions

I Cook The Spaghetti According To Package Instructions Until Al Dente, Then Drain Well.
While The Pasta Is Still Warm, I Stir In The Softened Cream Cheese Until It’s Melted And Coats The Noodles.
At This Point, I Usually Layer The Creamy Spaghetti In A Baking Dish With Marinara Sauce (And Sometimes Cooked Ground Beef Or Sausage).
I Top With More Sauce And A Sprinkle Of Mozzarella Or Parmesan Cheese.
I Bake At 350°F For About 20–25 Minutes, Until Hot And Bubbling.

Servings And Timing

This Dish Typically Serves 6 People. Prep Takes Around 15 Minutes, And Baking Takes Another 20–25 Minutes, For A Total Time Of About 40 Minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I Add Cooked Ground Beef, Sausage, Or Rotisserie Chicken To Make It Heartier. For A Lighter Version, I Use Light Cream Cheese And Whole Wheat Pasta. I Also Like Mixing Spinach Or Zucchini Into The Sauce For A Veggie Boost.

Storage/Reheating

If I Have Leftovers, I Store Them In An Airtight Container In The Fridge For Up To 4 Days. To Reheat, I Warm It In The Oven At 325°F Until Heated Through Or Microwave Single Portions With A Splash Of Extra Sauce To Keep It Moist. This Recipe Also Freezes Well For Up To 2 Months.

FAQs

Can I Use Other Types Of Pasta?

Yes, I Often Use Penne, Rigatoni, Or Rotini Instead Of Spaghetti.

Does The Cream Cheese Need To Be Softened?

Yes, Softened Cream Cheese Blends Smoothly With The Hot Pasta.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. I Assemble The Dish Up To A Day In Advance, Cover, Refrigerate, And Then Bake When Ready.

What Sauce Works Best For This Recipe?

I Usually Use Marinara Sauce, But Meat Sauce Or Even A Spicy Arrabbiata Works Well.

Can I Add Extra Cheese On Top?

Of Course! I Love Adding Mozzarella, Parmesan, Or Even A Mix Of Italian Cheeses For A Golden, Cheesy Crust.

Conclusion

I Love Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Because It’s Simple, Creamy, And Comforting. The Combination Of Pasta, Tomato Sauce, And Melted Cream Cheese Creates A Dish That Always Satisfies And Feels Special, Even On A Weeknight.