Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
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!
- 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
Ingredients
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
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ 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:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Add 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce and stir to combine.
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In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and cream cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
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Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and optional breadcrumbs.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the top for added richness and crunch.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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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.