There are some recipes that just feel like home — not because they’re fancy or complicated, but because they’re the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without saying a word. The kind that fills the house with warmth, togetherness, and anticipation long before the first bite. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is one of those dishes. I remember the first time I tried something like this. I was in a cozy little kitchen, the kind where the windows fog a bit from the warmth of the oven. The cheese was bubbling, the sauce was rich and comforting, and the whole room smelled like love — the kind of love that lives in family dinners, shared laughter, and slow, happy evenings. It’s not just pasta. It’s a hug in casserole form.
And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Optional, but highly recommended:
1 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. - Cook the Pasta
Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside — letting it cool slightly helps it absorb flavor later. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
You want it to be creamy, smooth, and irresistible. - Add the Marinara (and Meat if Using)
Stir the marinara sauce into your creamy mixture. If you’re adding cooked ground beef or sausage, mix that in too.
(This is where the casserole gets its cozy depth of flavor.) - Combine with the Pasta
Add the spaghetti and half of the mozzarella to the bowl. Gently toss until every strand is coated in that silky sauce. - Assemble & Bake
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbling, and irresistible. - Finish & Serve
Let it rest a few minutes out of the oven — this step helps everything settle into creamy perfection.
Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
What You Get in Every Bite
✨ Soft, tender pasta
✨ A rich, creamy sauce that melts in your mouth
✨ Cheesy layers that stretch and pull with the fork
✨ Warm, cozy flavors that feel like comfort and home
This casserole isn’t just dinner.
It’s a moment.
A memory.
A reminder to slow down and savor something simple and good. 💛
Hashtags
#comfortfood #casserolerecipe #easymeals #familydinner #homemadegoodness #pastalovers #cozycooking #cheesylove #yum #kitchenstories #homecookinglove