Looking for a warm, hearty, and comforting dinner that satisfies every time? Say hello to Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole—a delicious mashup of creamy pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, all layered and baked to golden perfection. This is not your average spaghetti dinner—it’s a cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving cozy dinner ideas with spaghetti sauce ou olhando para easy stuffed pasta recipes to feed a crowd, this casserole has you covered.
What is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole takes the familiar flavors of spaghetti and elevates them by adding tangy cream cheese, a flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. It’s layered like lasagna but much easier to prepare. Imagine all the comfort of baked spaghetti with a rich, creamy twist from the cream cheese.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or when you’re simply in the mood for casserole with spaghetti noodles that hits the spot.
Por que Você vai Adorar Esta Receita
- ✅ Creamy & Cheesy: A decadent blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan makes this dish incredibly creamy and satisfying.
- ✅ Família-Amigável: Loved by both kids and adults, this is a meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- ✅ Fazer Previamente Amigável: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
- ✅ Versátil: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies, meats, or sauces.
- ✅ Great Use for Pantry Staples: You likely already have many of these ingredients on hand!
Ingredientes que Você vai Precisar
Para fazer isso creamy spaghetti casserole, você vai precisar dos seguintes ingredientes:
For the Pasta and Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 8 oz de creme de queijo, softened
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
- ½ Xícara de queijo Parmesão ralado
- 1 colher de chá de alho em pó
- Sal e pimenta-do-reinoa gosto
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cebola pequenacortada em cubos
- 2–3 cloves garlicpicada
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 colher de chá de tempero italiano
- Flocos de pimenta vermelha (optional, for a bit of heat)
For Assembling:
- 2 xícaras de queijo mussarela ralado
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package directions and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the pasta is still warm, toss it with the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sour cream (if using). Stir until everything is melted and creamy. This step gives the noodles that signature rich, tangy flavor that sets this dish apart from traditional baked spaghetti and cheese.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Drain any excess fat, then pour in the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pré-aqueça o forno a A 350°C (175°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
- Half of the meat sauce
- All of the creamy spaghetti
- Remaining meat sauce
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese
Step 5: Bake!
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
What to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with:
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheese-stuffed breadsticks
- Assado de legumes like zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus
- A light Caprese salad to add a fresh bite
If you’re wondering about things to eat with cream cheese and pasta, these sides keep it balanced and satisfying.
Variações e Substituições
This casserole is super customizable. Try some of these easy twists:
- Opção Vegetariana: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Protein Swap: Use Italian sausage, chicken, or even lentils for a meat-free version.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for added nutrition.
Looking for cream cheese entrée recipes that suit special diets? You can easily adapt this recipe for low-carb or keto lifestyles by using zucchini noodles or low-carb pasta alternatives.
Dicas para o Sucesso
- Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: This helps it melt evenly into the pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked noodles can become mushy during baking.
- Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Dobrar a Receita: Make two casseroles—bake one, freeze one!
- Add Layers: Try adding a ricotta or cottage cheese layer for a lasagna-style vibe.
How to Store and Reheat
Armazenamento:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Congelamento:
This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 meses. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reaquecimento:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick and easy lunch.
Why Cream Cheese Works So Well in Pasta Casseroles
Cream cheese in pasta? Absolutely. It adds body and a luxurious texture without the need for heavy cream or complicated sauces. If you’re always searching for cream cheese and pasta recipes, this baked spaghetti variation is the perfect blend of creamy and tangy, making it irresistibly good.
Plus, cream cheese enhances the flavors of both the noodles and sauce, bringing everything together into one luscious bite. It also holds up well in the oven, maintaining its creaminess without curdling—ideal for cream cheese entrée recipes that are rich but not greasy.
Make It a Meal: Ideas for Hosting or Gifting
Hosting a dinner party or bringing a dish to a friend?
- Bake in a disposable foil pan for easy gifting.
- Pair with a bottle of red wine like Chianti or Merlot.
- Add a handwritten label with baking instructions if gifting.
- Serve buffet-style with a salad bar and garlic knots for an easy Italian-themed dinner.
Pensamentos Finais
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a twist on traditional pasta dishes, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the answer. Creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, it’s one of those supper ideas with cream cheese that will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
It’s rich without being too heavy, cheesy without being greasy, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a little food hug from the oven.
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