If you are craving a hearty, comforting pasta dish that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite Italian kitchen, then you absolutely must try this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. It brings together layers of tender spaghetti, rich Italian sausage, and a creamy blend of cheeses that melt into every forkful, creating an irresistible meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty Italian sausage to the smooth cheese blend, every component plays an essential role in creating this crowd-pleasing dish.
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, perfectly al dente pasta adds chew and substance.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option; it provides savory, spiced richness.
- ½ medium onion (chopped): Offers sweetness and depth once sautéed with the sausage.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts just the right punch of aromatic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 48 ounces marinara sauce (2 jars): The tangy tomato base that ties everything together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, golden topping.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning each layer properly.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Contributes creamy texture and richness to the cheese mixture.
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds a light, fluffy contrast to the denser cheeses.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Brings savory umami and sharpness to the creamy blend.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the cheese mixture with extra garlic punch.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that adds Italian flair and fragrance.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this luscious cheese layer is what elevates the dish to “million dollar” status.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook it for two minutes less than the package directions recommend, so it stays firm enough to hold up during baking. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot to keep warm.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion together. Let them brown and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions become translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute to release those wonderful aromas. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the sausage and onion mixture into the pot with the cooked spaghetti, then add the marinara sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and sausage—this ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the pasta mixture at the bottom, then carefully dollop and spread the creamy cheese mixture over it. Top with the remaining pasta, smoothing it over to create an even layer ready for cheese and baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes until everything is warmed through and bubbly. Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes to get a golden-brown, deliciously melty cheese crust—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the layers set and makes serving easier while allowing flavors to marry beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped basil or a sprinkling of extra parmesan can brighten this rich baked pasta. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or some cracked black pepper on top right before serving also adds a fresh finishing touch that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a Caesar or mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works beautifully to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans can add a pop of color and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe family-style in the baking dish right at the table, letting everyone scoop their own portions. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a small herb garnish and a side salad for an elegant dinner presentation. For parties, consider making mini casserole portions in ramekins for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Prepare it completely but don’t bake it before freezing. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to avoid sogginess. Cover with foil to keep moisture in but remove foil near the end if you want to refresh the cheesy topping. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave, but oven reheating preserves texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed around spaghetti, other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni will also work beautifully, especially ones that can hold a good amount of sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious meatless version that keeps all the cheesy goodness.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily omit them for a milder dish. Adjust this to your preference to make the recipe your own.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps, such as dairy-free cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella, you can create a dairy-free version. The flavor and creaminess will differ slightly but still be delicious.
What’s the best way to leftover pasta without it drying out?
Store leftovers in an airtight container with a little extra marinara sauce stirred in to keep the pasta moist. Reheat gently with a splash of water or sauce if needed to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe that keeps me making it again and again—its rich, cheesy layers combined with savory sausage and hearty pasta make every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, I promise this recipe will become one of your go-tos too. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to dig into a dish that’s pure comfort and joy in every bite!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, a rich blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and parmesan, all layered with spaghetti and marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 48 ounce marinara sauce (2 jars)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions specify to ensure it remains slightly firm. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Cook sausage and aromatics: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage together with the chopped onion. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and onions are soft. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional 1 minute. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the browned sausage mixture and the marinara sauce to the cooked spaghetti in the pot. Toss everything together to distribute evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Spread the prepared cheese mixture over this layer. Top with the remaining pasta and smooth out the top.
- Add mozzarella and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the layered pasta. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Broil for finishing touch: After baking, remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes until the mozzarella is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers to set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- Using turkey or chicken sausage is a great alternative to pork if preferred.
- Cooking the pasta slightly less than package instructions keeps it from becoming mushy after baking.
- The optional red pepper flakes add a nice subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder version.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving improves texture and flavor melding.
- To save time, prepare the cheese mixture and sausage in advance.
