Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Easy Casserole Recipes For Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 (24 oz) jar meat sauce; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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There’s something oddly comforting about twirling spaghetti, isn’t there? Now imagine that same cozy feeling baked into a cheesy, dreamy casserole. That’s exactly what we’re doing here at Lila Cooks. When I first made this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy—just something hearty and foolproof that wouldn’t leave me knee-deep in dirty dishes. Spoiler alert: it worked. The creamy layer of cheese hugs every noodle like a warm sweater you didn’t know you needed. It’s the kind of recipe that makes the kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking for hours when really, you just had a good plan. This casserole is a mix between easy recipes for dinner and quick and easy dinner recipes, ideal for anyone who’s juggling a thousand things but still craves a homemade touch. Kids love it, picky eaters don’t even blink, and honestly, you’ll probably want seconds.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
4) How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
5) Tips for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
6) Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
8) Try these Casserole recipes next!
9) Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

When you are craving a dinner that checks off every box easy, cozy, cheesy, and family-approved this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole has your back. We mix up tender spaghetti, luscious cream cheese, and a hearty meat sauce into layers of pure comfort. It is like giving your taste buds a hug and let us be real who does not need that after a long day?

This casserole brings together the magic of easy casserole recipes for dinner with the reliability of a good old-fashioned spaghetti bake. Plus it uses simple ingredients you likely have sitting around just waiting for their big moment. Whether you are feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week this dish makes life deliciously easier.

One bite and you will wonder why you ever settled for plain old pasta nights. Spoiler you might start craving baked casseroles more often after trying this recipe.

2) Easy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole it was a random Tuesday where the fridge looked pretty sad and takeout just was not cutting it. A few pantry staples a little creativity and voila dinner magic happened. That is the beauty of easy casserole recipes for dinner you do not need a culinary degree or a shopping spree to pull them off.

Our recipe keeps things stress-free from boiling the spaghetti to stirring the creamy cheese mixture. You get big flavor without standing over the stove forever. The melted mozzarella bubbling around the edges will have you hovering by the oven timer in anticipation. Been there done that still do it.

If you love quick and easy dinner recipes this one should move to the top of your list. It is warm it is hearty and it has that satisfying homemade feel we all crave after a long day.

3) Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti: I usually grab whatever brand is on sale but trust me cooking it just right to al dente makes all the difference.

Meat Sauce: A trusty jar of store-bought meat sauce works wonders on busy nights. If you are feeling ambitious you can always make your own too.

Cream Cheese: The unsung hero of this dish. It melts into the noodles creating a velvety rich bite every time.

Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang that keeps the casserole from feeling too heavy. It is that little something that makes people ask what your secret is.

Cottage Cheese: Trust me on this. It blends into the background bringing moisture and a hint of creamy flavor without being in your face.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty stretchy cheesy top layer we all fight over at the table.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: A salty nutty finish that elevates every forkful. Parmesan might just be my love language.

Fresh Parsley: Totally optional but sprinkling a little on top makes you look fancy with zero effort. Win-win.

4) How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and give a 9×13 baking dish a quick coat of nonstick spray.

Step 2. Boil the spaghetti according to the box instructions. Drain it but do not rinse. We want that starch to help hold everything together later.

Step 3. In a large bowl beat the softened cream cheese sour cream and cottage cheese together until smooth and gloriously creamy.

Step 4. Toss the hot drained pasta into the cheese mixture and stir like you mean it until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 5. Spread half the spaghetti into the bottom of the dish then spoon half the meat sauce over it. Sprinkle half the mozzarella on top.

Step 6. Repeat the layers with the rest of the spaghetti meat sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan over everything like you are blessing the dish.

Step 7. Bake uncovered for about 30 to 40 minutes until the edges are bubbly and golden brown and your kitchen smells like a dream.

5) Tips for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

For extra cheesy bites mix a little extra mozzarella into the cheese sauce before layering. Trust me more cheese never hurt anyone here.

Always salt your pasta water well. Think like the ocean. It is the first layer of flavor and you will taste the difference in every bite.

Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. That way it holds together better and you do not burn your mouth rushing in for a bite. Been there regretted that.

6) Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Ahead of Time

This casserole is basically the hero of meal prep. Assemble it up to a day ahead pop it in the fridge and bake when you are ready. If you are baking straight from the fridge add about 10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Alternatively you can freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Life feels easier when you have easy homemade recipes like this tucked away for the chaos days. You will thank past you later.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Leftovers keep beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like reheating slices in the microwave with a damp paper towel over them to keep things moist.

If you are freezing leftovers wrap individual portions tightly and stash them in a freezer bag. They will be your best friend on nights when cooking feels impossible.

Quick reheats in the oven or microwave mean cheesy hearty dinners can happen anytime and that feels like a small personal victory every time.

8) Try these Casserole recipes next!

Love casseroles as much as we do? Check out more easy casserole recipes for dinner like our Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, Chicken and Rice Bake, and Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole next!

9) Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole