This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food magic—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s like a warm hug in a dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just when you’re craving something indulgent, this casserole takes spaghetti to the next level. With layers of tender pasta, velvety cream cheese, gooey melted cheese, and savory goodness, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The rich cream cheese sauce makes every bite luxuriously smooth and satisfying.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with melty cheese, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this casserole a breeze to whip up.
- Customizable: Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 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 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- If using optional add-ins like cooked meat or veggies, gently fold them into the mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese over the top for a gooey, golden finish.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
