Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole featuring layers of Italian sausage, a robust marinara sauce, and a luscious cheese blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and parmesan. This comforting dish is finished with gooey mozzarella cheese and a perfectly browned top, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block Philadelphia), softened
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven for optimal baking and broiling.
- Mix Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later layering.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Drain the pasta and return it to the same pot.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add Italian sausage and chopped onion. Break up the meat as it cooks. Continue for about 10 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Pepper Flakes: Stir minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Spoon out any excess fat from the pan.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked sausage mixture to the pot with pasta, then pour in marinara sauce. Toss everything thoroughly using tongs or two large spoons to coat the pasta evenly.
- Layer Pasta and Cheese: Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish in an even layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over the pasta layer. It may be a little messy and doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth.
- Add Remaining Pasta: Spoon the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Broil: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for a few minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, cut into portions using a spatula. Season with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the spaghetti; cook it slightly under the package instructions to prevent mushiness after baking.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use Italian sausage with or without casings based on preference for easier browning and crumbling.
- This dish is best served fresh but leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Letting the casserole sit before cutting helps it set and makes serving easier.
