Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Tender spaghetti noodles are tossed in a velvety cream cheese mixture, layered with rich tomato sauce, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and indulgent, yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Each bite is a blend of creamy pasta and savory sauce that’s sure to satisfy every craving at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family Favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and full of rich flavor.
Easy Weeknight Dinner: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Perfect for Leftovers: Even better reheated the next day.
Comfort in a Pan: All the flavors of lasagna with half the effort.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Add cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the noodles are well coated.
• Spread half the meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer the creamy spaghetti over the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 26g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Makes it easier to mix into the pasta.
• Use Whole Wheat Spaghetti: For added fiber and a heartier texture.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Why This Recipe Works

This baked casserole combines the creamy richness of cheese with the savory depth of tomato sauce. The cream cheese mixture gives the pasta a luscious, velvety texture, while the baked topping adds golden, melty perfection. It’s the perfect dish to feed a family—or to enjoy with leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. With layers of creamy pasta, hearty sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dinner that feels special but couldn’t be easier to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday gathering, this dish brings warmth and flavor to every table.