Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food casserole, combining tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a rich meat layer. This recipe transforms ordinary spaghetti into a hearty, baked dish that’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its gooey cheese topping and layers of flavor, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Water (for boiling)
• 1 tbsp salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Casserole:
   Spread a small amount of the meat sauce at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until fully coated. Layer the spaghetti mixture over the sauce. Top with the remaining meat sauce, spreading evenly.
5. Add the Cheese Topping:
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

• Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian version.
• Add Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Customize the Cheese: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor twist.

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that everyone will love. It’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying those pasta cravings!