Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, cheesy baked pasta dish combining hearty Italian sausage with creamy ricotta and cream cheese blends, layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering layers of savory flavors and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 48 ounce marinara sauce (2 jars)
- to taste salt & pepper
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (use turkey or chicken sausage if avoiding pork)
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water, cooking it for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to ensure it remains slightly firm. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot.
- Cook Sausage and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage with chopped onion, cooking for 8–10 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook an additional 1 minute. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked sausage mixture and marinara sauce directly to the pot with the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then spread the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and smooth out the surface.
- Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage to reduce pork content.
- Cooking spaghetti 2 minutes less than directed helps avoid overcooking since it will bake.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust amount to taste.
- Broiling at the end adds a deliciously golden crust to the mozzarella topping.
- Allowing the dish to rest improves slice-ability and flavor melding.
