Million Dollar Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

There’s something about comfort food that warms the soul, and Million Dollar Spaghetti is the epitome of that feeling. Imagine digging into a cheesy, saucy dish that melds rich flavors and delightful textures. This recipe is not only perfect for family gatherings but also shines when it comes to meal prep. You’ll find that it’s a favorite among pasta lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal dish to share with friends or enjoy on a cozy night in. Plus, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “Million Dollar!” So, get ready to savor every bite of this hearty and delicious meal.

What is a Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti dishes that takes comfort food to a whole new level. Essentially, it combines classic pasta with a creamy, cheesy filling and a robust marinara sauce. The dish is layered, making every forkful a blissful experience.

The ingredients are pretty simple, yet each plays a crucial role. The combination of sausage, rich tomato sauce, and multiple cheeses creates a delightful harmony that tantalizes your taste buds. This recipe not only brings a unique flair to the plate, but it also stands out from other pasta dishes because of its rich, creamy layers.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti

For this fantastic dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, Philly), softened
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Preparing the Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cheese Mixture

First things first, go ahead and preheat the oven to 375°F. Next, in a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano. Use a fork or a spatula to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth; this cheese mixture is what adds that creamy goodness to the dish.

Cook the Spaghetti

Now, it’s time to cook the spaghetti. Boil a large pot of salted water, and toss in the spaghetti. Make sure to cook it for about two minutes less than the package instructions to keep it al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. This way, it stays warm while you finish the other components.

Sauté Sausage and Vegetables

In a skillet, you’ll want to brown the Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium-high heat. This should take about ten minutes. As the sausage cooks, it releases its flavors into the onion, creating a delicious base. After about ten minutes, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just another minute. This little step will add a fantastic aroma to your kitchen!

Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Sausage

Once the sausage is nicely browned, spoon out any excess fat from the skillet. Now, add that wonderful sausage mixture into your pot of drained spaghetti along with the marinara sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly, ensuring each piece gets a taste of the robust flavors.

Layer the Casserole

Grab a 9×13 baking dish. Start by spreading half of the pasta/sauce mixture across the bottom. Next, take your creamy cheese mixture and drop spoonfuls over the pasta. Gently spread it out to cover the pasta layer evenly. Top it all off with the remaining pasta/sauce mixture, making sure to spread it all out. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, allowing it to create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.

Bake and Broil

Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and set your oven to broil. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it, so the cheese doesn’t burn. It should have a gorgeous, inviting color.

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready, cut it into portions and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, it’s time to dig in!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing Million Dollar Spaghetti with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. These sides complement the dish perfectly, adding crunch and freshness to the meal. And why not enjoy a glass of red wine or sparkling water with it? They bring balance to the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Tips for Success

Here are a few handy tips to ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out fantastic:

• Use fresh ingredients because they enhance the flavors significantly.
• Don’t rush the baking process; proper baking develops the ideal texture.
• Adjust the spice levels to your taste; feel free to increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes.

Variations

Want to put a twist on this recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option that still offers great taste.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda or fontina for a unique spin.
• Add veggies such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Storage Tips

After enjoying this delicious dish, you might have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze individual portions for up to three months; reheating in the oven yields the best results.

Pairing Ideas

For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil and oregano on top before serving. And if you’re looking for a zesty side dish, consider serving it alongside Italian roasted vegetables; they contrast nicely with the richness of the pasta.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
A3: You can adjust the spice level by altering the amount of red pepper flakes.

Q4: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A4: Absolutely! Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Q5: What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti?
A5: Garlic bread and a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this dish.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a dish that envelops you in warmth and comfort. With its rich layers of cheese and savory sausage enveloped in a hearty marinara sauce, it promises satisfaction in every bite. Whether you customize it or follow the recipe as it is, you’ll find it hard to resist coming back for seconds. Enjoy every moment of this delicious meal!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf
• Homemade Cheesy Potatoes
• Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
• 3-Ingredient Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash

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Million Dollar Spaghetti

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Million Dollar Spaghetti delivers cheesy, hearty satisfaction perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy layers of flavor and comfort in every bite.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in a bowl.
• Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
• Brown sausage and onion in a skillet, then add garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Combine sausage mixture with spaghetti and marinara sauce.
• Layer half of the pasta in a baking dish, spread creamy cheese mixture, then add remaining pasta.
• Top with mozzarella and bake covered for 30 minutes, then broil until golden.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavors.
Don’t rush the baking process for the ideal texture.
Adjust spice levels to your preference.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6
• Sodium: 800
• Fat: 30
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 25
• Cholesterol: 70