This Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, with a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. The rich, tangy cream cheese base is elevated by savory seasonings and a hint of sweetness, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Imagine a forkful of tender spaghetti, coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce that melts in your mouth – pure bliss!
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Rich, savory, and slightly tangy, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.
- Textures: Creamy sauce coating tender spaghetti.
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes, including baking time.
- Difficulty: Easy. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you’ll need the basics: spaghetti, of course, plus a creamy cream cheese sauce made with simple seasonings and a touch of tomato. The dish comes together beautifully in the oven, and the easy method is straightforward.
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti – Any type of spaghetti will work, or you can substitute with your favorite pasta shape.
- Cream Cheese – Soften the cream cheese before you start to make it easier to incorporate into the sauce. Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest flavor, but low-fat is also fine.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melds best into the sauce, but the pre-grated kind can also be used.
- Tomato Sauce – This adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors of the creamy cream cheese sauce.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add Protein: Cook and stir in your favorite ground meat, like ground beef or turkey, for a heartier meal.
- Get Cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a boost of cheesy goodness.
How to Make Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Prep the Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of boiling water. Cook until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Bake: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
Pro Tip: Be sure to stir the sauce well so that the cream cheese is fully incorporated for that perfectly creamy texture.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti al dente to prevent it from getting mushy when it bakes in the oven.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing it into the sauce. This will make it easier to blend into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti will taste.
- Let it Rest: Let the spaghetti rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven to allow the flavors to meld.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can add other cheeses, like mozzarella or cheddar, for extra flavor, but the recipe is best with Parmesan. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Green Salad: A fresh, simple salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all great choices.
- Meatballs: Add classic meatballs for a heartier meal.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make the Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time. Assemble the pasta and sauce, then cover the baking dish and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Print
Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
This Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, with a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. The rich, tangy cream cheese base is elevated by savory seasonings and a hint of sweetness, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of boiling water. Cook until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti al dente to prevent it from getting mushy when it bakes in the oven.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing it into the sauce. This will make it easier to blend into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti will taste.
Let it Rest: Let the spaghetti rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
