Picture twirls of saucy spaghetti tucked into a baking dish, blanketed in a creamy, tangy layer of cheese, then finished with a bubbling golden cap of mozzarella. This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash‑up—part classic pasta dinner, part cozy casserole, and completely irresistible.

It’s the kind of meal you slide onto the table on a busy weeknight and watch everyone go quiet for a minute while they take that first cheesy bite. Simple pantry ingredients, a rich tomato‑meat sauce, and a quick cream cheese mixture turn basic spaghetti into a crowd‑pleasing bake that feels like Sunday supper, even when it’s just a Tuesday.

Why Add Cream Cheese to Spaghetti Casserole?

If you’ve only ever served spaghetti straight from the pot, this casserole is about to change your pasta routine. Cream cheese melts into the hot noodles, coating every strand in a silky, tangy sauce that adds richness without feeling heavy. It keeps the pasta from drying out in the oven and gives the dish that restaurant‑style creaminess we all crave.

Baking the spaghetti also lets the flavors deepen. The meat sauce thickens just enough to cling to the pasta, the cheeses bubble and brown, and the whole casserole slices into neat, satisfying squares that are perfect for serving family‑style. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so you get more than one easy dinner out of a single pan.

Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti
The star of the dish—long strands of pasta that hold onto the creamy sauce and bake up tender but still pleasantly firm.

Ground beef
Adds hearty, savory flavor and turns this casserole into a filling, protein‑packed main dish.

Onion
Brings sweetness and depth to the meat sauce so it doesn’t taste flat or one‑note.

Garlic
Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with tomato and cheese.

Tomato pasta sauce or marinara
Forms the base of the casserole, coating the pasta in a rich, tomatoey blanket.

Italian seasoning
A simple blend of herbs that adds classic pasta‑night flavor without needing multiple spice jars.

Red pepper flakes (optional)
Gives a gentle kick of heat that cuts through the richness of the cheeses.

Cream cheese
The secret ingredient that makes the spaghetti extra creamy and helps the casserole hold together.

Sour cream
Lightens the cream cheese mixture and adds a subtle tang that keeps each bite from feeling too heavy.

Parmesan cheese
Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps create a flavorful base layer in the casserole.

Mozzarella cheese
Melts into stretchy, gooey pools of cheese on top—essential for that classic casserole pull.

Cheddar cheese
Brings a sharper cheesy flavor and a beautiful golden color when baked.

Olive oil
Used to sauté the onion and garlic and brown the beef, adding a rich base flavor.

Salt and black pepper
Simple but essential for seasoning every layer so the casserole tastes balanced and bold.

Fresh parsley or green onions
A pop of freshness and color on top that makes the finished dish look as good as it tastes.

How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of well‑salted boiling water until just al dente, following the package directions but shaving off a minute or so of cooking time. The pasta will finish softening in the oven, so starting slightly firm keeps it from turning mushy.

Before draining, reserve a small cup of the starchy pasta water. It’s perfect for loosening the cream cheese mixture so it clings to the noodles.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and slightly translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the tomato pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can come together.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the mixture feels very thick, add a splash or two of the reserved hot pasta water and stir until it’s spreadable and silky.

This layer will hug the spaghetti and help each slice of casserole hold its shape.

Step 4: Toss the Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Add the drained, hot spaghetti to a large mixing bowl. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and toss until every strand is coated. Work fairly quickly here—the warmth of the noodles helps melt the cream cheese and makes it easier to distribute.

You’re aiming for glossy, lightly creamy spaghetti rather than a heavy sauce.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish. Spread half of the cream‑cheese‑coated spaghetti in an even layer. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.

Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, the rest of the sauce, and the remaining cheeses to create a second, cheesy layer. This gives you those beautiful, distinct layers when you slice into the finished casserole.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is mostly melted. Remove the foil and continue baking until the top is bubbly and golden brown around the edges.

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This short rest makes it easier to scoop neat portions and keeps the layers from sliding apart.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy that irresistible combination of creamy noodles, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese.

Serving and Storing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be the main event all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a salad and garlic bread. It’s a great choice for feeding a crowd, bringing to a potluck, or prepping ahead for a busy week—especially since it reheats so well.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer slices to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm a larger amount in a covered baking dish in the oven until hot all the way through.

You can also freeze the casserole. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze individual portions in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven. If the casserole looks a little dry after thawing, add a spoonful of pasta sauce or a splash of cream over the top before reheating.

What to Serve With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

A basket of warm, buttery garlic bread or soft breadsticks is a classic partner for baked pasta. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Simple Green Salad

Balance the richness of the casserole with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a bright vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the creamy cheese and tomato.

Roasted Vegetables

Sheet‑pan roasted broccoli, green beans, or zucchini tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan makes an easy, hands‑off side that roasts while the casserole bakes.

Italian‑Style Chopped Salad

Load up a big bowl with romaine, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and a sprinkle of cheese for a hearty chopped salad that feels right at home next to a cheesy pasta bake.

A Simple Dessert

Finish the meal with something sweet but unfussy—maybe cookies, brownies, or a slice of cake—to round out your comfort‑food dinner.

Want More Cozy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole wins a spot in your weeknight rotation, you might love some of these other comforting pasta favorites from Savor Queen:

Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta – Ultra creamy, kid‑friendly, and perfect for busy nights. Try it next time you’re craving a cheesy skillet pasta. (https://savorqueen.com/creamy-velveeta-beef-bowtie-pasta/)
Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni – Tender steak tossed with rigatoni in a garlicky, cheesy sauce that feels special but comes together easily. (https://savorqueen.com/garlic-butter-steak-parmesan-rigatoni/)
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara – A silky, egg‑based sauce with bacon and Parmesan for a quick but luxurious pasta dinner. (https://savorqueen.com/classic-spaghetti-carbonara/)
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup – All the cozy pasta flavors in a spoonable, creamy soup that’s great with crusty bread. (https://savorqueen.com/creamy-parmesan-italian-sausage-soup/)
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet – A one‑pan, boldly seasoned pasta that packs in smoky sausage, chicken, and plenty of flavor. (https://savorqueen.com/cajun-chicken-and-sausage-pasta-skillet/)

Save This Pin For Later

Keep this cheesy casserole in your back pocket for those nights when you want something cozy, kid‑approved, and wonderfully easy. Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it fast the next time you’re craving a baked pasta dinner.

Tried it with your own twist—maybe extra veggies, spicy sausage, or a different cheese blend? I’d love to hear how it turned out, so don’t be shy about sharing your tweaks, tips, or questions in the comments.

Need even more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com over on Pinterest—I’m always sharing new casseroles, pasta bakes, and easy dinner ideas there. https://www.pinterest.com/mydelicioushomerecipes/