Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious layered pasta casserole that combines al dente spaghetti with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses. Baked to perfection with a bubbly mozzarella topping, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
Sausage Mixture
- 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)
Sauces & Cheeses
- 48 ounce marinara sauce (2 jars)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Seasonings
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix until smooth and well combined. 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. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
- Cook Sausage and Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked sausage mixture and marinara sauce to the pot with the spaghetti. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom. Carefully dollop and spread the cheese mixture over this layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and smooth it out.
- Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and switch to broil, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let it set. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage to avoid pork.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your desired spice level.
- Using freshly grated parmesan cheese greatly enhances the flavor.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps with portioning and improves texture.
- For a low-fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and lean sausage varieties.
