Name: Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 oz. cherry tomatoes (2 pints); 1/2 small white onion, minced; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh baby spinach, gently torn; Basil (optional garnish); 1/4 cup olive oil; 8 oz. full-fat cream cheese; 8 oz. pasta of choice, cooked and drained

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 73 reviews

If you adore comfort food that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, you are in for a real treat with this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe. Imagine juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness as they roast alongside sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic garlic, all mingling with a creamy block of full-fat cream cheese. The oven magic transforms these simple ingredients into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta, while fresh baby spinach adds a subtle touch of freshness. This dish is pure warmth on a plate — a perfect weeknight dinner that will quickly become your go-to for cozy, satisfying meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, featuring a block of cream cheese on a white speckled plate at top left, a small white bowl of golden olive oil next to a clear glass bowl full of fresh, green spinach leaves on the top right. Below the cream cheese is a white speckled bowl filled with bright red cherry tomatoes, and nearby a white bowl contains finely chopped white onions. There is a white speckled bowl with uncooked yellow bowtie pasta at the bottom center, surrounded by small white bowls holding salt, black pepper, chopped garlic, dried herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a small glass with fresh green basil leaves positioned on the right side. The composition is clean and colorful with a natural, fresh appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe plays its part in creating a burst of flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant color. Each component is simple, but together, they deliver a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

20 oz. cherry tomatoes: Offering a sweet, juicy pop when roasted, they form the base of the sauce.
1/2 small white onion, minced: Adds a subtle pungency and depth of flavor without overpowering.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a tangy, chewy contrast.
1/4 cup olive oil: Essential for roasting and infusing the sauce with richness and silkiness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
1 tsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds herbal warmth and depth.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
8 oz. full-fat cream cheese: The hero of the dish, adding luscious creaminess that pulls everything together.
2 cups fresh baby spinach, gently torn: Offers a fresh, nutrient-rich element that softens into the sauce.
8 oz. pasta of choice, cooked: Acts as the comforting canvas soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
Basil (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and elevates presentation.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Mixture

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a roomy oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir them together to ensure every piece is coated with the savory flavors. This colorful medley is the foundation of your sauce—full of brightness and depth waiting to unfold in the oven.

Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese

Next, nestle the whole block of full-fat cream cheese right in the center of the tomato mixture. This might look a little unconventional, but trust me—it’s the magic step that will transform the roasted tomatoes into a creamy, dreamy sauce. The cream cheese will soften and meld with those roasting tomatoes, creating a luscious texture you won’t be able to resist.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the casserole dish in the oven uncovered, and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. What you’re aiming for is the cream cheese turning golden on top and appearing slightly puffed and ready to break apart. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions, so it’s perfectly al dente and ready to soak up the sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Create the Sauce

Once out of the oven, grab a spoon and gently smash the softened cherry tomatoes down, mixing them with the melted cream cheese. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor. Stir in the torn baby spinach leaves and let them wilt into the warmth of the sauce, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.

Step 5: Finish with the Pasta

Finally, stir your cooked pasta directly into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every noodle or bite of rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti is generously coated. Give the whole dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. The result is a tantalizingly creamy, cheesy, and tomato-rich pasta bake that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds a mix of small, round, shiny red cherry tomatoes spread evenly around the edges, with finely chopped onions and thin dark strips of what looks like dried herbs scattered throughout. In the center, there is a thick rectangular block of white cheese with a smooth surface. A wooden spoon rests on the right side inside the dish, slightly covered with some of the chopped onions and oil. The dish is placed on a surface that looks like white marble, and a fresh green leaf is visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little fresh basil on top makes a world of difference—not only does it add a lovely pop of green color, but the herbal brightness perfectly balances the richness of the cream cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick or a dash of red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The lightness and crunch of these sides contrast delightfully with the creamy, soft pasta, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta bake directly in the casserole dish, garnished generously with basil leaves. If you want to make individual servings extra special, use small ramekins or oven-safe dishes to bake and serve portions, giving everyone their own bubbly, creamy pasta prize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days to enjoy safely and deliciously.

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes well, which is great for meal prepping or saving for busy days. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce feels a bit thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy consistency. Warm it through until steaming hot, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cream cheese?

While cream cheese gives this dish its signature creamy texture, you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still luscious result. However, cream cheese melts in that perfect way to bind the sauce and tomatoes beautifully.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta shape that holds sauce well works great here—think penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even classic spaghetti. The important part is to cook it al dente so it keeps its shape after mixing with the sauce and baking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish holds up wonderfully for meal prep. It tastes amazing reheated and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I add protein to make it more filling?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or crispy bacon can be stirred in just before baking to boost the protein content and add extra savory notes to the pasta bake.

How do I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan version of this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative and ensure the pasta is egg-free. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to the sauce, and use olive oil generously to keep things rich and creamy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and rewarding about making this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion but is so easy to whip up any night of the week. The harmony of roasted tomatoes, silky cream cheese, and fresh spinach mixed with pasta will have you craving it again and again. Give it a try—the smiles around your table will say it all!