Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy pasta dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender spaghetti with a rich, cheesy sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This easy casserole is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (optional)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, beaten eggs (if using), ¾ cup cheddar cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Beat until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and gently toss until noodles are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with remaining ¼ cup cheddar, ¼ cup Parmesan, melted butter, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. If desired, dot with small pieces of the remaining butter.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is bubbly.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and let stand for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the eggs or substitute with a plant-based egg replacer.
• Try adding cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor and protein.
• Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
• Substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack for cheddar for a milder cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. For best texture, the oven reheating method is preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baked straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works great here, other pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli can be used and will hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender spaghetti with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole is baked to golden perfection with savory sautéed onions and a hint of smoked paprika for added depth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti

Creamy Sauce Base

• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (optional)

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Vegetables & Aromatics

• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain thoroughly, rinse with cool water to stop cooking, and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, beaten eggs (if using), ¾ cup shredded cheddar, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, sautéed onion and garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture bowl. Gently toss using tongs or a spatula to evenly coat all noodles with the creamy sauce.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the coated spaghetti mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers), remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese, remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
8. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole surface. Optionally, dot with small pieces of the remaining butter for extra richness. Bake uncovered in the oven for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
10. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this delightful, comforting baked pasta dish.

Notes

• Using eggs is optional but helps set the casserole for easier slicing.
• For a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
• Letting the casserole rest before serving allows it to firm up and enhances flavor melding.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though texture may vary slightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Baked spaghetti casserole, creamy pasta bake, cream cheese spaghetti, cheesy baked casserole, comfort food pasta