Imagine layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich, creamy blend of cream cheese and seasonings, then smothered in hearty meat sauce and blanketed with bubbly melted cheese. This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is everything you love about pasta night—just turned up to 11.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need something warm and satisfying after a long day… this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti (regular or thin)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef/half Italian sausage)
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Topping:
- 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for that pretty finishing touch)