Decadent Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Delight

Craving the best baked spaghetti with cream cheese? This easy recipe combines luscious creaminess and hearty pasta for your weeknight dinners. Try it now!

May 15, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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The Comfort of Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Oh my gosh, have you ever had that moment when you just crave something cozy and comforting? that's exactly how i feel about baked spaghetti with cream cheese .

Seriously, it’s like getting a warm hug from your favorite blanket after a long day. this dish combines the hearty goodness of spaghetti with the creamy texture of cream cheese.

It's a flavor explosion that marries savory marinara and gooey cheese in a way that will have you going back for seconds, maybe even thirds!

A Taste of Tradition

Originating from classic italian-american cuisine, baked spaghetti holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many home cooks.

This dish is a beautiful twist on traditional baked pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or those family gatherings where you actually want everyone to leave full.

Now, let’s keep it real—it’s medium in difficulty. there are a few steps involved, but nothing a little patience can’t handle.

You’ll have this beauty ready in about 50 minutes , serving up 6 to 8 people. trust me, it’s totally worth it!

Why You'll Love It

Now, let’s chat about some of the goodness packed in this dish. first, the biggest health perk? you get protein from the cheese and fiber from the pasta.

It's not a health food, but it’s comforting without being completely guilt-laden! this makes it the perfect occasion for a cozy family dinner or a potluck where you want to impress your friends.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the cream cheese —it adds a velvety richness that takes a classic spaghetti bake to new heights that you didn’t know existed.

Imagine serving this warm, cheesy delight with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad—it’s practically guaranteed to be a hit.

Bonus points if you make extra for the next day because trust me, leftovers are just as good!

So why wait? Gather your ingredients because we’re about to dive into a creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious adventure. If you’re ready for a recipe that brings smiles to the table, baked spaghetti with cream cheese is your ticket to food happiness! Let’s get cooking!

Decadent Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Delight Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
• Salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Boil water in a large pot; add salt. Cook spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic; sauté until fragrant (1 minute). Stir in marinara sauce, dried herbs, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until smooth.
• In the baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, followed by half the sauce. Spread the cheese mixture over the sauce, then top with remaining spaghetti and sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this baked spaghetti with cream cheese . This dish is all about comfort and flavor, so quality counts!

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or any pasta you love, honestly)
• Salt (just enough for boiling)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small onion , finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (trust me, fresh is better)
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (that classic mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened (let it sit out a bit for easy mixing)
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for that pop of color and flavor)

Quality Indicators

When picking your ingredients, go for fresh items whenever possible. a vibrant, firm onion and aromatic garlic will amp up your sauce.

For the cheese, look for full-fat cream cheese and freshly grated parmesan for that perfect melt and richness.

Seasoning Notes

Now let’s chat seasonings. you’ve gotta have that italian herb mix, but you can also throw in some red pepper flakes if you want a kick.

Want to boost flavor? a splash of balsamic vinegar in your sauce does wonders!

Need substitutions?

• No ricotta? Cottage cheese does the trick.
• Out of Italian herbs? Hit it with some dried basil and oregano. Easy peasy!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to whip up this easy baked spaghetti recipe . Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pot (for boiling your pasta)
• 12x9 inch (30x23 cm) baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet (for sautéing those flavors)
• Whisk or fork (for mixing that cheesy goodness)
• A trusty wooden spoon or spatula

If you don’t have a large baking dish, an old casserole dish works just fine – and hey, it probably has some stories to tell!

Wrap-Up

Armed with these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to tackle this baked spaghetti with cream cheese! seriously, gathering these elements is half the fun.

Think about how good it’s gonna feel to dig into that cheesy, cozy goodness. this recipe is perfect for family dinners or a relaxing weekend.

So grab your gear, and let’s get cooking!

Cooking Method for Decadent Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Delight

When it comes to whipping up a crowd-pleaser, baked spaghetti with cream cheese hits all the right notes. this recipe is as cozy as your favorite couch blanket and just as comforting.

So, let’s dive in and turn this easy baked spaghetti recipe into a star dinner!

Prep Steps

First off, mise en place is your best friend. get everything prepped before you start, trust me! chop your onion, mince your garlic, and gather your cheeses.

It makes the cooking go smoother than a hot knife through butter.

To save time, keep your station organized. Measure out your ingredients and have them ready to go. This helps you avoid the classic "Where’s that garlic?" panic mid-cook.

Also, safety first, folks! Remember to be careful with that hot pasta water and keep an eye on your skillet. We’re cooking, not performing a magic trick here!

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preheat the oven. Set it to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is your golden zone for baked spaghetti magic.
2. Cook the pasta. Boil your water, add a sprinkle of salt, and toss in 12 oz spaghetti . Cook until al dente —you want it slightly firm since it'll keep cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet on medium. Sauté a finely chopped onion until it's all soft and translucent—this takes about 5 minutes . Toss in 3 cloves of garlic and give it a minute until fragrant.
4. Mix the marinara. Pour in a 24 oz jar of marinara sauce , add your spices, and let it simmer for 5- 10 minutes . It’s time for those flavors to mingle!
5. Blend the cheese mixture. In a bowl, whip together 8 oz cream cheese , 1 cup ricotta , half the mozzarella, and 1 large egg until smooth. This creamy layer is where the magic happens!
6. Layer it up. In a baking dish, start with half of the spaghetti, then half of the sauce. Spread that luscious cheese mix on top, followed by the remaining spaghetti and sauce. Finish it off with more shredded mozzarella.
7. Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes , then uncover and bake for an additional 10- 15 minutes until it's all bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips

• Soften that cream cheese. If your cream cheese is firmer than a block of concrete, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds . It’ll be easier to mix, and you’ll avoid the arm workout!
• Watch that pasta. Don’t overcook it! Remember, it’s going to absorb more heat while baking. Al dente is key!
• Crunch it up! For some texture, sprinkle ground breadcrumbs with olive oil on top before baking.

Oh, and if you wanna prep ahead, feel free to assemble the dish a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

This creamy spaghetti casserole will make you the star of dinner!

So there you have it! a comforting, delicious dish that’s bound to be a hit. serve it with some garlic bread, and you’ll have a dinner party in your hands.

Happy cooking, everyone!

Recipe Notes for Your Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Delight

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to plating, don't skimp on the presentation! layer your baked spaghetti with cream cheese in a big ol' dish for a family-style vibe.

You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that pop of color. if you want to elevate the experience, serve it with a crunchy side salad drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette.

Add some garlic bread on the side—because who doesn’t love that buttery goodness, right? for drinks, a nice glass of pinot grigio pairs nicely, or you can whip up a fizzy lemonade to wash it all down.

Storage Tips

After the family dinner, if there are leftovers (and that’s a big if!), you can store your baked spaghetti casserole in the fridge.

Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. it'll be good for about 3-4 days. thinking about freezing? pop that bad boy in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll last up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350° f.

If you're in a real rush, microwave it for a quick fix!

Variations

Cooking is all about creativity! if you want to switch things up, try adding sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms.

They add a nice texture and some extra nutrients, too. and hey, if you’re looking for a low-carb option, swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

It might just blow your mind!

Nutrition Basics

Now, i'm no nutritionist, but i can tell you that this dish packs in some protein from the cheese and a good dose of carbs from the spaghetti.

The cream cheese spaghetti casserole is not only a comforting meal but also gives you that warm, cozy feeling. plus, it has some calcium from the cheeses, making it a little nutritious treat.

So there you have it, folks! cooking should be fun and laid-back, just like sharing a meal with friends. whether you're whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, you can't go wrong with this easy baked spaghetti recipe .

Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite! happy cooking!