The Golden Touch: Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Worth Every Penny

Comfort meets luxury in this delectable million dollar spaghetti recipe that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

Layers of rich, creamy cheese blend seamlessly with hearty meat sauce, creating a decadent pasta experience.

Every forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that will make you forget about ordinary spaghetti nights.

The secret lies in the perfect combination of ingredients that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Cheesy, meaty, and utterly irresistible, this recipe transforms a classic pasta into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so incredibly indulgent.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this mouthwatering creation.

Save Million Dollar Spaghetti for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place spaghetti in oven-safe dish, add splash of water or marinara to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Barbera that complements the rich sausage and marinara sauce, cutting through the creamy cheese layers with its tangy acidity.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the hearty, meaty casserole, enhancing the overall flavor profile and visual appeal.
• Create a Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a simple green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy pasta.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy, soft spaghetti casserole.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Variations

• Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sensation: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this hearty dish.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or crumbled tofu, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for robust flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella to create a creamy, cheese-like experience for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef or ground turkey work perfectly as substitutes. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly and drain excess fat before mixing with the pasta.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes during cooking or include some diced jalapeños in the sausage mixture. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce to increase the heat level.

• What if I don't have all the cheese types listed in the recipe?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, and use a blend of whatever cheeses you have on hand. The key is to maintain a creamy cheese layer that melts well.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Flavor Notes

• Easily swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even make it vegetarian with plant-based alternatives for a personalized meal that suits every taste.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that satisfies multiple appetites simultaneously.
• Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prepping that doesn't sacrifice taste or quality.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the hearty foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds rich, savory depth to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy texture to the cheese mixture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a soft, mild richness to the cheese blend.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the cheese layer.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a golden, melty topping that browns beautifully.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that coats the pasta with tangy flavor.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the sausage mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall garlic flavor in the cheese mixture.
• Oregano: Brings a traditional Italian herb note to the cheese blend.

• Salt: Helps to enhance and balance the overall flavors of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the sausage mixture.
• Black Pepper: Optional seasoning to adjust the final taste of the casserole.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Instructions

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven for perfect golden browning.

Step 2: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Oregano

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook Spaghetti

Boil salted water and cook spaghetti two minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture.

Drain and return to pot.

Step 4: Brown Sausage

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage with chopped onions.

Break sausage into small crumbles while cooking until fully done.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancers

Stir minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the sausage mixture.

Cook for one minute.

Remove excess fat from the pan.

Step 6: Create Saucy Pasta

Combine sausage mixture with pasta in the pot.

Pour marinara sauce and toss until pasta is completely coated.

Step 7: First Pasta Layer

Spread half the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, creating an even base layer.

Step 8: Distribute Cheese Layer

Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over the first pasta layer.

Step 9: Complete Final Layer

Top with remaining pasta mixture.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.

Step 10: Bake and Brown

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and broil until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Serve hot and savor every bite.

Tips for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Boil spaghetti two minutes less than package instructions to maintain perfect al dente texture, ensuring pasta doesn't become mushy during baking.
• Remove excess sausage grease completely to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile in your casserole.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing with other cheeses to achieve a creamy, lump-free consistency that spreads evenly.
• Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then remove for the final broiling stage to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
• Allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps set the layers and makes cutting into perfect portions much easier.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar spaghetti, where creamy layers and hearty meat sauce create a casserole masterpiece. Cheese-laden and rich, this dish promises to delight dinner guests with its irresistible blend of classic Italian-American flavors you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 (24 ounces) jars marinara sauce
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), positioning the rack in the top third to ensure a golden, crispy cheese topping.
2. Blend cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside the cheese mixture.
3. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water, removing it two minutes before package instructions to maintain al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage with chopped onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles until fully cooked, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for one minute to release aromatic flavors. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
6. Combine sausage mixture with pasta, mixing in marinara sauce until every strand is evenly coated.
7. Spread half the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, creating an even base layer.
8. Distribute the prepared cheese mixture uniformly over the first pasta layer, creating a rich, creamy middle section.
9. Top with remaining pasta mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and broil until cheese turns golden and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Slice and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

• Adjust pasta cooking time carefully to maintain the perfect al dente texture, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during the baking process.
• Use high-quality Italian sausage and fresh herbs for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste in the dish.
• Consider substituting ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier version that still delivers incredible taste.
• Allow the casserole to rest after baking, which helps the layers set and makes serving more precise and visually appealing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg