Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

I still remember the first time I made this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It was one of those busy evenings where I needed something satisfying, simple, and comforting—but I didn’t want to resort to the usual spaghetti. I had a block of cream cheese in the fridge, and I thought, why not bake it into the pasta? The result was beyond what I expected. The creaminess paired beautifully with the marinara sauce, and the baked top gave it just the right texture and heartiness. Now, this casserole has become one of my favorite go-to dishes, especially when I want to impress guests or treat the family to something cozy and delicious.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together everything you love about spaghetti and turns it into something even more irresistible. The cream cheese adds a silky richness to the pasta that traditional baked spaghetti just can’t match. It’s not just tasty—it’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and fills the room with the scent of comfort food at its finest. Best of all, it’s family-friendly, kid-approved, and reheats wonderfully, making it great for leftovers.

Versatile

You can easily tweak this dish to fit what you have on hand or suit your dietary needs. Want to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms? Go ahead. Prefer beef instead of ground turkey? No problem. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely and doubling up on vegetables. This dish adapts well without losing its creamy, baked goodness.

Affordable

This baked casserole is made with pantry staples and common fridge ingredients, making it incredibly budget-friendly. A box of spaghetti, a block of cream cheese, a jar of marinara sauce, and ground turkey or chicken ham is all it takes to build this filling meal. Whether you’re cooking for a big family or just looking for several days of meals in one go, this recipe won’t break the bank.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Prepare This Recipe
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare. Even though it looks like a layered pasta dish, the steps are simple, and the result is a creamy, cheesy, perfectly baked casserole with golden edges and melty layers. From start to finish, it’s a dish that doesn’t require much fuss but delivers full-on flavor. Below is a detailed guide to help you recreate it in your own kitchen.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions.
Drain well and set aside. Lightly toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Once heated, sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and milk.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in Italian herbs if using.
Add the cooked and drained spaghetti directly to this bowl.
Gently toss until all the noodles are coated in the creamy sauce mixture. This step makes all the difference—it’s where the magic starts!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Add half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti mixture.
Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan.
Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, followed by meat sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers hold together nicely.

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Quick and Easy

Despite sounding like a multi-layered pasta bake, this recipe is surprisingly efficient. You can prep most of it ahead of time—cook the pasta and make the meat sauce earlier in the day. Even the full casserole can be assembled and stored in the fridge, then baked just before dinner. That convenience is a huge time-saver for busy evenings.

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Customizable

Feel free to adjust this recipe to your taste or what you have available. Want more veggies? Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture. Craving extra heat? Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use chicken ham instead of beef for a lighter variation. The flexibility of this dish makes it ideal for weeknights and leftovers alike.

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Popular with Many People

This dish is a family favorite in many homes, and it’s easy to see why. It’s rich without being heavy, comforting without being too rich, and elegant enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, everyone will appreciate the flavors and texture. Plus, it’s kid-approved, making it a smart choice for picky eaters.

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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This recipe is great for prepping in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely. Once assembled (but not yet baked), wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. You may need to add 10–15 extra minutes of bake time if it’s still cold when placed in the oven.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with ricotta or cottage cheese for a lighter version. Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of shredded mozzarella also works in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as creamy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily turn this into a vegetarian meal. Simply omit the ground meat and use a hearty vegetable-based marinara sauce. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to give it more substance and flavor.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini. Just be sure to cook it until just al dente so it holds up during baking.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. It’s mild and kid-friendly. However, if you enjoy a little kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.