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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

A comforting and creamy baked casserole combining al dente spaghetti noodles with a rich cream cheese and marinara sauce blend, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals, this dish delivers cheesy indulgence with simple pantry ingredients and customizable options.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

Sauce & Cheese

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Seasonings & Fats

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Optional Protein Additions

  • Ground beef, sausage, or chicken (quantity as desired)

Optional Variations

  • Vegetables: sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
  • Spicy additions: red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
  • Extra cheeses: sharp cheddar or provolone
  • Gluten-free pasta substitute

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent mushiness after baking.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese and combine it with marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the creamy sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated with cheesy goodness.
  4. Layer in the Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over it, then layer the remaining pasta mixture on top.
  5. Top with Cheese and Bake: Finish by generously topping the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, initially covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncovered until golden and bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley as desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta: leaving noodles slightly firm prevents sogginess after baking.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded.
  • Cover casserole with foil during initial baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the top.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to make slicing and serving easier.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Adaptable (Gluten-Free option available)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cream cheese casserole, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner, comfort food, make-ahead meal