If you’ve been looking for the ultimate cheesy comfort food, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender spaghetti tossed in a creamy blend of cream cheese and sour cream, layered with savory marinara sauce, and finished with a golden crown of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
This easy baked pasta casserole is a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or even potluck gatherings. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can create a hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria. Whether you include ground beef or sausage for extra protein or keep it vegetarian, this cheesy casserole delivers comfort food at its best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super creamy and cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan guarantees melty goodness.
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Family-approved comfort food: Picky eaters will happily dig in.
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Easy to prepare: Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this recipe weeknight-friendly.
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Versatile: Can be made with or without meat, and easy to adapt with add-ins.
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Make-ahead magic: Assemble it earlier in the day, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
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Crowd-pleasing casserole: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday side dishes.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Spaghetti (8 oz): The pasta base of the casserole, cooked just until tender so it holds up during baking.
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Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds creamy richness and tang, creating the “secret layer” that sets this casserole apart from regular baked spaghetti.
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Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Provides that gooey, melty topping we all crave.
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Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps achieve a golden, slightly crisp top.
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Sour Cream (½ cup): Makes the cream cheese mixture extra smooth and tangy.
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Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses savory flavor into the creamy base without overpowering it.
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Italian Seasoning (½ teaspoon): Brings a classic blend of herbs like basil and oregano for authentic Italian flavor.
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Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth.
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Marinara Sauce (24 oz jar): Coats the spaghetti and balances the richness with tangy tomato flavor.
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Ground Beef or Sausage (1 cup, cooked – optional): Adds hearty protein and extra flavor if desired.
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Fresh Parsley (optional garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color for serving.
Pro Tips
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Soften the cream cheese fully: Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents clumps in the sauce.
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Undercook the pasta slightly: It will continue to cook in the oven, so drain it while it’s still a little firm.
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Layer sauce at the bottom: Spread a thin layer of marinara in your casserole dish to keep the pasta from sticking.
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Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as nicely.
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Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Protein swaps: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or spicy Italian sausage instead of beef.
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Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
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Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or use spicy marinara sauce.
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Cheese lovers’ twist: Add provolone, fontina, or asiago for an even cheesier blend.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe suitable for dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides creates a balanced meal. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks make the perfect companion for soaking up the cheesy tomato sauce. For gatherings, pair it with antipasto platters, bruschetta, or a bowl of Italian wedding soup for a full Italian-inspired spread.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. To make ahead, prepare the spaghetti mixture, transfer to the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time if starting cold.
For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through. For a crispy top, sprinkle extra mozzarella before reheating in the oven.
To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Baked pasta casseroles like this one are a staple of Italian-American cooking, inspired by classic dishes such as lasagna and baked ziti. While cream cheese isn’t traditional in Italian cuisine, it has become a popular American addition that adds richness and a velvety texture. This recipe combines old-world Italian flavors with American comfort food style, making it a modern classic that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding extra time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone, ricotta, or even cottage cheese for a slightly different but equally creamy result.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the meat and load it with vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, baked leftovers can be frozen in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Do I have to use spaghetti?
Not at all. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well in this recipe.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in marinara sauce and optional cooked meat.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.