Baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This pasta casserole features spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy and cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella cheese.
Post Update: 8/10/18 This recipe has been updated with new pictures and a video. I've had multiple websites stealing a certain picture from below and not even asking me for my permission to use it. I'm getting pretty sick and tired of this too. If you want to use any of my images please ask me first. My email is in the upper right-hand corner of the sidebar.
Try these other casserole recipes: Chicken Dorito Casserole, 5 Ingredient Sausage Hash Brown Casserole.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
I think the hardest part of this recipe was mixing the noodles with the cream cheese. Here's a couple of helpful tips. Make sure the noodles are very warm and the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing them together. Cut the cream cheese into cubes or even smaller pieces and that will help as well.
Do not go overboard on the Italian Seasoning. I did this once and it was too overpowering and had a very distinct taste.
What Ingredients do I need?
- Spaghetti noodles, cooked
- Marinara Sauce - Store bought jarred marinara sauce is convenient to have at home for a quick meal. My favorite marinara sauce is always Rao’s because it has all clean ingredients on the back of the ingredients list
- Ground beef or lean ground turkey - Is considered better than higher fat options for several reasons. First, it has less saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, it tends to have fewer calories per serving, making it a good option for those watching their weight. The 96% lean ground beef from Aldi is my favorite.
- Italian seasoning - Is a popular blend of herbs and spices that typically includes a mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes garlic powder or dried red pepper flakes.
- Garlic, minced
- Cream cheese fat free cream cheese, softened (Instead of cream cheese you could sub ricotta cheese or cottage cheese)
- Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that originated in Italy. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a sharp, nutty flavor. Parmesan cheese is often grated and used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and other foods.
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain fat and stir in spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook spaghetti according to the directions on the packet. Drain and place cooked spaghetti in bowl. Add cream cheese, Italian Seasoning and minced garlic. Stir until cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Lightly grease a 9x13" pan. Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish. Put spaghetti on top of sauce and top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.
Recipe Tip: If the cream cheese and noodles are not combing well add a little bit of pasta water to help it from sticking.
Recipe FAQS
To freeze the casserole let it cool completely before wrapping in saran wrap. Cover tightly and place it in the freezer. It's just like freezing lasagna.
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If you tried this Baked Spaghetti Casserole or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
I think the hardest part of this recipe was mixing the noodles with the cream cheese. Here's a couple of helpful tips. Make sure the noodles are very warm and the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing them together.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (28 ounce) jars prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef or lean ground turkey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese fat free cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain fat and stir in spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Cook spaghetti according to directions on packet. Drain and place cooked spaghetti in bowl. Add cream cheese, Italian Seasoning and minced garlic. Stir until cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated.
- Lightly grease a 9x13" pan. Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish. Put spaghetti on top of sauce and top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.
Notes
My WW Personal Points: 7 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)Â
- Category: Easy
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: â…›th
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 3.79
- Fat: 13.12
- Saturated Fat: 4.17
- Carbohydrates: 44.07
- Fiber: 2.7
- Protein: 27.89
Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
PB says
Made today!! In oven.
TKY says
If you put cream cheese in this recipe and freeze it, it will change the consistency. JS
★★★★★
Lizzie says
We make this recipe frequently using GF pasta and wild game (elk or deer) turns out fantastic every time and is a family favorite. Thank you for sharing.
★★★★★
Jenna says
Yes different pasta shapes will work but I have not tried this with gluten-free pasta.
Gwen says
Would it work with fusilli or elbow pasta? Those are the only gluten free shapes I have. Otherwise - I’ll put speghetti on the grocery list! Can’t wait to try this recipe out on my family!