Go Back
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti

A rich, cheesy spaghetti dish loaded with Italian sausage and marinara sauce, layered with a creamy cheese blend and baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course dinner, pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 742 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 skillet for cooking sausage and onions
  • 1 9x13 baking dish for assembling and baking casserole
  • 1 medium bowl for mixing cheese layer
  • 1 oven preheated to 375°F and broil setting

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
  • 1 pound Italian sausage ground or removed from casings
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 jars 24 ounces each marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces cream cheese 1 block, 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 and position rack in the upper third.
  • In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano until smooth. Set aside.
  • Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and return to pot.
  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage and chopped onion until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet, cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat from pan.
  • Combine sausage mixture, cooked spaghetti, and marinara sauce in the pot. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the baking dish.
  • Spread the cheese layer over the pasta layer evenly, even if messy.
  • Add remaining pasta mixture on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
  • Cover casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil and broil for a few minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned. Watch closely.
  • Let sit 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

  • Use ground sausage or remove casing from links for best results.
  • Soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving 20-30 seconds.
  • Feel free to substitute cheeses in the cheese layer to your taste.
  • Leftovers reheat well and sauce prevents dryness.