Spaghetti a la Philly

Back in 2010, I came across a recipe for Spaghetti a la Philly on the Love My Philly website. After seeing a few other bloggers make it too, I decided it was finally time to give it a try. The recipe is incredibly simple, uses just a handful of ingredients, and comes together in less than 30 minutes.

This is the kind of meal that is easy enough for beginner cooks or even older kids to help make. All you really need to do is brown the ground beef, cook the spaghetti, and stir everything together. It is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something quick and comforting.

The secret ingredient is cream cheese. Adding just a little to a jar of spaghetti sauce gives it a richer, creamier texture and makes a basic pasta dinner feel a little more special. It is such an easy way to upgrade bottled sauce without adding much extra work.

As the spaghetti sits and cools, the sauce will continue to thicken. If it gets thicker than you like, simply stir in a small amount of water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

This turned out to be another quick and easy dinner that everyone enjoyed. It is simple, filling, and made with ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.

Since first finding this recipe, I have also come across a zesty version of Spaghetti a la Philly. Now I am curious to try that one too and see which variation ends up being my favorite.

Ingredients for Spaghetti a la Philly

• SPAGHETTI – Spaghetti provides the pasta base for the dish and holds onto the creamy meat sauce. Cook it just until al dente so it does not become overly soft when mixed with the sauce.
• LEAN GROUND BEEF – Ground beef adds hearty, savory flavor and makes the spaghetti filling enough for a complete meal. Using lean beef also helps keep the finished sauce from becoming greasy.
• SPAGHETTI SAUCE – Jarred spaghetti sauce makes this recipe especially quick and easy. Use a brand and flavor you enjoy since it provides most of the tomato and herb flavor in the dish.
• PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE – Cream cheese is the ingredient that makes this spaghetti a little different. It melts into the spaghetti sauce, giving it a smoother, richer, and creamier consistency. You can reduce the amount slightly if you prefer just a hint of creaminess.
• PARMESAN CHEESE – Parmesan adds salty, nutty flavor and gives the finished spaghetti an extra savory boost. Sprinkle it over the pasta before serving or stir a little into the sauce.

Instructions for Spaghetti a la Philly

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.

Meanwhile, add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the spaghetti sauce and cubed cream cheese. Cook over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through.

Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini would all work well. Just cook the pasta according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a lighter version.

What kind of spaghetti sauce works best?
Use your favorite jarred sauce, whether that is traditional marinara, roasted garlic, meat-flavored, or another variety you enjoy.

Can I use less cream cheese?
Yes. If you want a lighter sauce with just a little creaminess, use 2–3 ounces instead of the full 4 ounces.

Why is my sauce too thick?
The cream cheese will thicken the sauce, especially as it cools. Stir in a small splash of pasta water or regular water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be easy additions.

Can I add more cheese?
Definitely. Extra Parmesan or a little shredded mozzarella can be stirred in or sprinkled on top.

How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add a splash of water or sauce when reheating if the pasta has thickened.

What can I serve with Spaghetti a la Philly?
Garlic bread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli all pair well with it.

Tips and Tricks

• Cube the cream cheese first. Cutting it into small pieces helps it melt faster and blend more smoothly into the spaghetti sauce.
• Cook the pasta just until al dente. Slightly firm spaghetti holds up better when tossed with the warm sauce.
• Drain the ground beef well. Removing excess grease keeps the sauce rich and creamy without becoming oily.
• Keep the heat low after adding the cream cheese. Low heat helps the cream cheese melt smoothly and keeps the sauce from scorching.
• Save a little pasta water. Before draining the spaghetti, reserve some of the cooking water. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two to loosen it without diluting the flavor too much.