Indulge in a pasta dish that feels luxurious with every bite. This Million Dollar Spaghetti combines the rich flavors of creamy cheeses with tangy marinara and savory sausage. Often reminiscent of a lasagna, this dish is sure to become a family favorite for its comforting taste and delightful texture.
Ingredients
🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
🍝 1 pound spaghetti
🍖 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
🍚 1 cup ricotta cheese
🥛 1/2 cup sour cream
🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
🧀 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
🌿 Salt and pepper, to taste
🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1- Prep the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2- Cook the Spaghetti:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
3- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer.
4- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of the sausage marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce and spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Cover with the remaining spaghetti.
- Pour the rest of the sausage marinara sauce over the top.
- Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
6- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow it to cool slightly.
7- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Equipment: Baking dish, skillet, large pot, mixing bowl, spatula
Cooking Tips:
- For added flavor, include chopped onions or bell peppers in the sausage mixture.
- Substitute ground beef for sausage if preferred.
- Make it lighter by using low-fat cheese options.
#pasta #comfortfood #italiancuisine #easydinner #familyfavorite
YouTube channel - BAKER TV Too: https://www.youtube.com/@BAKERTV