Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that's perfect for weeknights or potlucks, combining spaghetti, cream cheese, sour cream, and marinara for an indulgent comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauces
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce Choose a simple, good-quality marinara for best results.
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) Full-fat gives the best texture; low-fat works in a pinch.
- 1 cup sour cream Can substitute with ricotta (1:1) for a lighter texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and pour in the marinara sauce. Toss everything gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
Baking
- Grease a baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with chopped parsley, if you like.
Notes
For a heartier twist, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or roasted vegetables. You can also double the recipe, just using a larger dish and expect a few extra minutes of baking time. Best served with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.