Million Dollar Spaghetti is rich, creamy, and exactly the kind of comfort food that makes everyone ask for seconds. It has tender spaghetti coated in a cheesy cream sauce, savory browned sausage, and a bright tomato marinara that keeps each bite balanced. The texture is creamy from cream cheese and mozzarella, with small pockets of ricotta-style creaminess if you use ricotta. It’s simple to put together in one pan and a baking dish, so it works especially well for weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. For a quick serving idea, add a green salad and garlic bread and you have a complete meal in under an hour. For a different rich dinner with the same “million-dollar” vibe, see this roast beef version: Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Hands-off baking step finishes the dish, so most work is stove-top and assembly.
- Cream cheese and mozzarella make a silky, rich texture that feels indulgent but is easy to make.
- Sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that stands up to the cheese and tomato.
- Uses basic pantry ingredients—spaghetti and marinara—so it’s budget friendly.
- Great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers; it reheats well.
- Flexible with cheeses; mix mozzarella, ricotta, or other mild cheeses as you like.
- Comfort food vibe that’s great for weeknights, casual dinners, or potluck sharing.
- Quick to assemble: prep and cook take about the same time as traditional baked pasta.
What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole that mixes cooked spaghetti with a rich, creamy cheese base, savory sausage, and marinara sauce, then bakes until bubbly and golden. It tastes like a cross between spaghetti and a cheesy pasta bake—tomato-forward with creamy cheese and meaty depth from sausage. The cooking method is simple: boil the pasta, brown the sausage with aromatics, stir in marinara, combine everything with cream cheese and mozzarella, then bake. The vibe is classic comfort food—perfect for family weeknights, casual dinners, and easy entertaining.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti
For the Base
- spaghetti
For the Protein & Sauce
- sausage
- marinara sauce
- onion
- garlic
For the Cheesy Mix
- cream cheese
- cheese (e.g., mozzarella, ricotta) — use mozzarella for topping; ricotta is optional in the mix
Seasoning & Finish
- salt
- pepper
- parsley (optional)
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)
- Sausage: Use mild, spicy, or turkey sausage. Turkey sausage lowers fat, but keeps flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Store-bought jarred sauce works fine. For more flavor, choose a seasoned marinara.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for best texture. Low-fat cream cheese can be used but the bake will be less rich.
- Mozzarella & ricotta: If you skip ricotta, add a bit more cream cheese or mozzarella. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella.
- Onion & garlic: Leeks or shallots can replace the onion in a pinch. Garlic powder works if fresh is not available (use less).
- Spaghetti: Any long pasta or even short pasta like penne will work if you prefer. Cooking times vary.
- Herbs: Parsley is optional. Fresh basil can be used for a different aromatic finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish so the spaghetti won’t stick and you get an even bake.
Step 2 – Cook the spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Visual cue: Pasta should be tender but still firm in the center — not mushy.
Step 3 – Brown the sausage and soften the aromatics
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 4 – Add the marinara
Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes to let flavors merge.
Step 5 – Combine with cheeses
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sausage mixture, cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined and the cream cheese is melted into the pasta.
Step 6 – Bake until bubbly
Pour the spaghetti mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro cue: When the cheese on top is fully melted and lightly browned at the edges, the dish is ready.
Step 7 – Garnish and serve
Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Brown the sausage well: Browning adds flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Drain excess fat: If the sausage releases a lot of fat, drain most of it before adding onion and garlic.
- Keep pasta slightly undercooked: Cook spaghetti al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Soften cream cheese first: For easier mixing, let cream cheese sit at room temperature or cut into small pieces before adding.
- Mix evenly: Make sure cream cheese and half the mozzarella are well distributed so every bite is creamy.
- Use a shallow baking dish: Shallow dishes help the top get bubbly and slightly browned.
- Watch the oven time: Ovens vary; check at 20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit 5 minutes after baking so portions hold their shape when served.
Flavor Variations
- Optional: Add ricotta to the cheese mix for a lighter, creamy texture and a mild tang.
- Optional: Mix in red pepper flakes when browning sausage for extra heat.
- Optional: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or cooked mushrooms with the sausage for extra veggies.
- Optional: Swap half the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different mellow flavor.
- Optional: Add a small handful of grated Parmesan on top before baking for a salty finish.
- Optional: For herb lift, fold fresh chopped basil into the hot pasta before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Toasted garlic bread or a crusty baguette balances the creamy texture.
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make a bright, healthy side.
- Pair with a simple tomato and cucumber salad for a lighter contrast.
- For family-style serving, place the baking dish in the center and serve with large spoons.
- For a cozy night, serve with a bowl of warm soup and a small side salad.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: Prepare the full dish up to the step where you top with remaining mozzarella. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage duration: Store leftover baked Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheating best practices: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. For whole dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–25 minutes until hot.
- Texture changes: The cheese may firm up in the fridge. Reheating restores creaminess but the top may not be as bubbly as fresh-baked.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Freezing baked casserole: You can freeze the fully baked dish for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Freezing before baking: Assemble the dish and cover tightly; freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from thawed state in a 350°F oven for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- If you prefer not to freeze: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat. Freezing can change the texture of cream cheese slightly, so thaw fully and reheat gently for best results.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
—|—:|—:|—:|—:|—:
Approx. 520 | 28 g | 46 g | 24 g | 3 g | 820 mg
Estimates vary by brands and portions.
FAQ About Million Dollar Spaghetti
Q: Why is my dish too watery after baking?
A: Likely excess liquid from the marinara or undercooked pasta. Use a thicker marinara, drain pasta well, and simmer the sauce a bit to reduce liquid before mixing.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
A: Yes. Ground beef works, though sausage adds extra seasoning. Adjust salt and spices to taste.
Q: My cream cheese didn’t melt smoothly. What went wrong?
A: Cold cream cheese will clump. Soften it at room temperature or cut into small pieces before mixing with hot pasta.
Q: How do I prevent the top from burning?
A: Tent the dish loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes if it browns too quickly. Remove foil for the final 5 minutes to let cheese bubble.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace sausage with a plant-based sausage or extra mushrooms and season well.
Q: How long do I bake it if I assemble it cold from the fridge?
A: If chilled, bake covered for 30–35 minutes, then uncover for 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- For even melting, tear mozzarella into small pieces before adding to the mix.
- Use a metal baking dish for a crisper edge and shorter bake time.
- Save a small amount of pasta water when draining to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
- If you like a crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color and a light herbal note.
Troubleshooting
- Bland flavor: Add more salt and pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
- Overcooked pasta: Use less boiling time and aim for al dente; the oven finish will soften it slightly.
- Cheese clumps: Make sure cream cheese is softened and mix thoroughly off the heat so it melts into the pasta.
- Sauce too thick: Stir in a couple tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture before baking.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the marinara alone for a few minutes to reduce liquid before mixing.
- Sausage burns: Reduce heat and stir more often; drain excess fat from the pan if needed.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti is an easy, crowd-pleasing bake that turns simple pantry staples into a creamy, comforting meal. It’s forgiving, flexible, and perfect for busy nights or feeding a group. Follow the small tips above and you’ll have a hot, cheesy, and satisfying dinner with little fuss.
Conclusion
For a classic take on this rich, baked pasta, see the inspiration behind many versions at the original Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe.