Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and satisfying pasta dish, this Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate answer. It combines tender spaghetti noodles with a luscious cream cheese-infused sauce and a hearty meat layer, all baked to golden perfection. Each forkful offers a creamy, cheesy burst of flavor that’s perfectly balanced with savory meat and fragrant herbs.

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. The creamy sauce melts beautifully into the pasta, while the baked top layer creates a delightful cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible.

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Ingredients for Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. While still warm, mix in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until evenly coated. Set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to enhance the flavors.

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Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the spaghetti mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

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Step 4: Bake the Spaghetti

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden hue.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight straight from the oven!

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the spaghetti in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating can help restore its creamy texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 850mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works best, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great alternatives.

3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta, cottage cheese, or a mix of sour cream and shredded cheese for a creamy texture.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make excellent additions to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a fiery kick.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a family favorite, even for picky eaters.

7. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Of course! A rich, homemade marinara will enhance the dish even more with fresh flavors.

8. What side dishes pair well with this spaghetti?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are fantastic complements to this rich and creamy pasta.

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