If you are craving a comforting, rich, and cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring tender spaghetti enveloped in a luscious cream cheese and tomato sauce, then topped with melted golden cheese, this casserole is a standout at family dinners and special gatherings alike. Each serving offers a delightful balance of creamy texture, tangy tomato flavor, and cheesy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to making this dish both approachable and delicious. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect texture.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The pasta foundation that al dente holds well through baking without getting mushy.
- Cream cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture that transforms the sauce into something dreamy.
- Shredded cheese: Divided to mix into the sauce and create a golden, bubbly topping.
- Pasta sauce: Brings classic Italian flavors and moisture to the dish.
- Petite diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds fresh tomato bursts and a slightly chunky texture.
- Fresh basil: Finely chopped to sprinkle over at the end, adding brightness and an herby lift.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC), ensuring the perfect environment for a slow, even bake. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. This slight firmness is important since the noodles will continue softening in the oven, preventing that dreaded mushy texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt Cream Cheese
Return the hot spaghetti pot (off the heat) and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously using a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream cheese softly melts and combines into a luscious, creamy base. This step transforms the dish’s texture and gives it that signature creamy element.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the hot cooked spaghetti along with the jar of pasta sauce and the undrained petite diced tomatoes directly into the pot with the melted cream cheese. Stir thoroughly, making sure every strand of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato mixture. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheese for added richness throughout.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese to create that irresistible crispy, bubbly crust we all love. This final layer of cheese seals in the flavors and textures beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese topping turns bubbly and golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the dish to cool slightly for about 15 minutes, which helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil is a wonderful garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, herby note. For an optional touch, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra depth.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add brightness to your meal. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also complement the creamy baked spaghetti, offering satisfying textures that carry the flavors well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets, allowing each person to enjoy their own bubbling, cheesy portion right out of the oven. Alternatively, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of parmesan and a cherry tomato to brighten up the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries—store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for an even tastier leftover meal.
Freezing
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully for up to two months. Simply let the casserole cool completely, cover it tightly with foil or a freezer-safe lid, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. For larger portions or the whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 300ºF (148ºC) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you assemble it ahead and refrigerate before baking, remember to add an extra 5 minutes to your baking time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to use penne, rotini, or any sturdy pasta that holds up well to baking. The key is to avoid pastas that turn mushy quickly.
Is cream cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is essential to achieving that creamy, luscious texture that defines this recipe. You might try ricotta or mascarpone, but they will change the flavor and consistency somewhat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! This dish is already vegetarian if you use a pasta sauce and cheese free of animal-derived rennet. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkling some cayenne pepper before baking will introduce a pleasant kick. You can also mix in spicy Italian sausage if you want a meatier, spicier version.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure the sauce has enough liquid and cover the casserole with foil while baking for the first 20 minutes to trap steam before uncovering to brown the cheese on top. This helps keep the pasta moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe is truly a comforting classic that is incredibly easy to throw together yet feels special every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for the perfect cozy meal, this creamy, cheesy baked delight will quickly become one of your kitchen favorites. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share it with those you love—it’s pure pasta perfection!
Print
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese recipe is a comforting and creamy casserole combining al dente spaghetti, melted cream cheese, rich pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, it’s an easy and family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 box uncooked spaghetti
- 8 ounces (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cut into 8 cubes
- 2 cups (226g) shredded cheese, divided
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 24-ounce jar (680g) pasta sauce
- 1 14-ounce can (411g) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- Fresh basil, finely chopped (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the casserole. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Melt Cream Cheese: While the pot is still hot, add the cubed cream cheese and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until it mostly melts into a creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the hot cooked spaghetti, pasta sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes to the pot with the melted cream cheese. Stir thoroughly to coat the noodles and evenly combine the mixture. Stir in about half of the shredded cheese.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to one week. Freeze the casserole for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 300ºF (148ºC) for 20 minutes. You can assemble the casserole up to one day ahead and refrigerate; if baking from refrigerated, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Notes
- Use a large pot of salted water to ensure pasta cooks evenly and is well-seasoned.
- Softening cream cheese to room temperature helps it melt smoothly into the pasta.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Keep an eye on the casserole near the end of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- This recipe can be customized by using different types of shredded cheese or adding cooked vegetables or meat to the pasta mixture.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- When freezing, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
