Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy: The cream cheese sauce creates a luscious, tangy base that clings to every strand of pasta.
Customizable: Add veggies, protein, or spices to suit your taste.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is delicious.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for leftovers—it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

12 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free pasta if preferred)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk (whole milk or heavy cream for extra richness)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers

For the Topping:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
2 tbsp melted butter

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce and stir to combine.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and cream cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and optional breadcrumbs.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top for added richness and crunch.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Protein Options: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the casserole.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese sauce for a subtle kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Let it come to room temperature before baking if it’s been refrigerated.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap the cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese you prefer.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Prepare it as usual, but freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, thaw and bake according to the instructions.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy sausage or hot pepper cheese for added heat.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Yes, ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken are great protein additions that complement the creamy sauce.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

Yes, the breadcrumbs are optional. You can leave them off or substitute them with crushed crackers or crushed tortilla chips for a different crunch.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and customizable options, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, it’s sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy and cheesy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this customizable recipe offers endless options to suit your taste — from adding veggies and protein to using different types of cheese. It’s a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s sure to please everyone!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce and stir to combine.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and cream cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and optional breadcrumbs.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top for added richness and crunch.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.

Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese.

Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Bake after thawing overnight.