Christmas dinner at our house always means one thing – comfort food that brings everyone together. Last year, I was scrambling to make a creamy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish without hogging the oven (because let’s be real, holiday oven space is gold!). That’s when I tried this Air Fryer Christmas Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, and wow – it was a game-changer. The air fryer crisps up the cheesy breadcrumb topping perfectly while keeping the spaghetti underneath luxuriously creamy. Now, it’s our go-to holiday dish – quick enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough for Christmas Eve. And the best part? No wrestling with baking dishes in a packed oven!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Trust me, this dish is about to become your new holiday obsession. Here’s why:
- Creamy dreamy texture: That luscious cream cheese sauce coats every noodle – it’s like holiday comfort in every bite
- Speed demon: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes (perfect when you’re juggling a million Christmas tasks)
- Festive but fuss-free: Fancy enough for Christmas dinner, easy enough for a weeknight – just add some red and green garnishes!
- One-dish wonder: Your air fryer does all the work, leaving you with barely any cleanup (more time for eggnog!)
Seriously, it’s the dish my family now demands at every gathering – and yours will too.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy holiday magic happen (and yes, I’ve tested all the substitutions so you don’t have to!):
- 8 oz spaghetti (cooked al dente – trust me, slightly underdone is perfect since it’ll cook more in the air fryer)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (leave it out for an hour – cold cream cheese will give you lumpy sauce nightmares)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff from the refrigerated section, not the shaky cheese – it melts better)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works in a pinch)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a rush)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher – adjust to taste if you’re watching sodium)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but gives a nice holiday warmth)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (the pre-shredded kind works, but block cheese melts smoother)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain both work – gluten-free friends can use panko)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (makes the topping golden and irresistible)
For my dairy-free friends: I’ve had success with vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The texture changes slightly but still tastes amazing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the short-and-sweet list of gear that makes this recipe a breeze:
- Air fryer with baking insert (the shallow pan or basket that comes with yours – mine’s a 6-quart model)
- Mixing bowls (one big, one small – no fancy equipment required!)
- Measuring cups and spoons (eyeballing the cream cheese never ends well for me)
- Silicone spatula (for scraping every last bit of that creamy sauce)
That’s it – no special tools needed, promise! If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re already 90% there.
How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so fast you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the creamiest, most comforting holiday pasta in no time.
Step 1: Cook and Prep the Spaghetti
First, cook your spaghetti in boiling salted water – but pull it out about 1 minute before the package says it’s done (we’re aiming for al dente here). Drain it well, but don’t rinse – that starchy coating helps the sauce cling to every noodle. If your sauce seems too thick later, you can mix in a splash of that reserved pasta water.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
Now for the magic! In a big bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy – no lumps allowed! Add the Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then slowly mix in the milk until everything’s silky smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon nicely – if it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of milk. Taste it (my favorite part!) and adjust the seasonings.
Step 3: Assemble and Air Fry
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until every strand is coated. Transfer to your greased air fryer baking dish (or basket if that’s what you’ve got). Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over top, then mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle that over the cheese – this gives you that perfect golden crunch. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the top is bubbly and beautifully browned. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
After making this dish dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), here are my hard-earned secrets for absolute perfection:
- Full-fat is your friend: That reduced-fat cream cheese might tempt you, but trust me – go for the real deal. The extra richness makes all the difference in this holiday dish.
- Peek at 10 minutes: Air fryers vary wildly – mine is done at 10 minutes on the dot, but yours might need 12. Check early to avoid a burnt topping!
- Room temp ingredients: Cold cream cheese = lumpy sauce. I leave mine out overnight if I’m baking in the morning (or microwave it for 15 seconds in a pinch).
- Don’t skimp on the butter: That golden breadcrumb topping needs every bit of melted butter to get perfectly crispy. No substitutions here!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have the creamiest, most decadent holiday spaghetti every single time. Promise!
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is like your favorite holiday sweater – cozy but ready for some festive accessories! Here are my go-to twists:
- Protein boost: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken (my time-saver!) or browned Italian sausage – perfect for meat lovers.
- Veggie power: Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach (just wilt it into the hot pasta) add color and nutrients.
- Flavor bombs: Roasted garlic instead of raw gives deeper flavor, or sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy pop.
- Dietary swaps: Gluten-free pasta works great, and for dairy-free, try cashew cream cheese with nutritional yeast.
The best part? You can customize it differently every holiday season!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy spaghetti deserves the perfect holiday companions! I love serving it with:
- Garlic bread (because you can never have too much cheese at Christmas!)
- A crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds for festive color
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – their crunch balances the creamy pasta perfectly
For Christmas Eve, I’ll sometimes garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes – looks so pretty against the golden crust!
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any cooled spaghetti in an airtight container – it keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat portions in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until bubbly again. The breadcrumbs stay crisp, and the cheese gets perfectly melty – sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions I get asked most about this holiday favorite – and all the answers I’ve discovered through trial and (many) delicious errors!
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble everything but wait to air fry until ready to serve. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours – just add 2 extra minutes cooking time.
Can I use cottage cheese instead?
Yes! Blend it smooth first. The texture changes slightly, but it still gives that creamy tang we love. I often use 1 cup cottage cheese + 2 tbsp milk.
Will regular oven directions work?
Sure thing! Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes in a conventional oven. Watch for that golden crust – that’s your cue it’s done.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The sauce can get grainy after freezing. For best results, eat within 4 days – but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Why is my sauce lumpy?
Two culprits: cold cream cheese or not mixing enough. Soften that cheese properly, and whisk like you mean it for silky smooth results every time.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates and might change depending on your exact ingredients. Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) has roughly:
- 420 calories
- 22g fat (13g saturated)
- 38g carbs (2g fiber, 4g sugar)
- 18g protein
Portion size matters with this rich dish – but hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoy every creamy bite.
Share Your Experience!
Did you make this holiday spaghetti? I’d love to see your cheesy creations! Tag me @MyKitchenAdventures or leave a rating – your tips might help other home cooks too!
Print
Creamy Air Fryer Christmas Spaghetti in Just 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious spaghetti dish made with cream cheese, perfect for the holidays and cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, milk, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
- You can add cooked chicken or mushrooms for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American