Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked pasta. Rich cream cheese sauce coats every strand, and the melty mozzarella topping adds a satisfying golden crust. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a gathering. Add your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Optional Add-Ins:
Cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken
Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
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 and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and silky.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you like a crispier topping, broil the pasta for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve
Let the baked spaghetti cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish is extremely versatile. You can easily stir in cooked ground meat, shredded chicken, or sautéed vegetables before baking to add extra flavor and heartiness. For a tangier sauce, you can mix in a few spoonfuls of sour cream. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.