The Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy, cheesy million dollar spaghetti promises a luxurious twist on classic pasta dishes.

Layers of rich flavors will make you swoon with every bite.

Comfort meets indulgence in this crowd-pleasing casserole that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the effortless technique that produces such incredible results.

Melted cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles combine into a magical experience.

You won’t believe how simple it is to create something so spectacular.

How to Store Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the dish reaches steaming hot temperature throughout.

FAQs

• What makes the turkey mixture flavorful?

The combination of Tonys Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper creates a rich, bold flavor profile that elevates the ground turkey.

• Why use both cream sauce and marinara sauce?

The marinara sauce provides a classic tomato base, while the cream sauce adds richness, depth, and a luxurious texture that makes the dish creamy and indulgent.

• Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?

Yes, ground beef or chicken work perfectly as alternatives. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor, but the overall recipe structure remains the same.

What Makes Million Dollar Spaghetti So Special

• Simplify Cooking Process: This recipe breaks down complex steps into manageable parts, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious meal without feeling overwhelmed.
• Customize and Experiment: The recipe allows for personal touches with various seasonings and optional ingredient swaps, giving home chefs the freedom to make it their own unique dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this spaghetti casserole delivers a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends at gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, pasta, and sauce in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime preparation a breeze for busy households.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a healthier alternative to traditional beef.
• Tony's Creole Seasoning: A flavorful blend that adds a spicy kick to the dish.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Crushed Red Pepper, Salt, Pepper: A combination of spices that create a rich and complex flavor profile.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that forms the foundation of this hearty casserole.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth to the meat mixture.
• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide aromatic flavor and texture to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Ingredients that create a rich and creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp cheese that adds a nutty and salty dimension to the cream sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melting cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping.

• Parsley Flakes: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti following package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

• Onions
• Green peppers
• Garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become wonderfully soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Turkey

• Tony's Creole seasoning
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Crushed red pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the turkey turns a beautiful golden brown.

Splash in marinara sauce and let it simmer.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Remaining seasonings

Stir in parmesan cheese and watch it melt into pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

In a large baking dish, build your masterpiece:

First layer: Half the spaghetti

Second layer: Half the turkey mixture

Third layer: Pour half the cream sauce

Repeat the layers for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes irresistibly bubbly and golden.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Use ground turkey for a leaner protein option, ensuring even browning by breaking it into small crumbles while cooking.
• Let shredded cheeses reach room temperature before sprinkling to promote more uniform melting and prevent clumping.
• Whisk cream sauce continuously to prevent separation and achieve a silky, consistent texture that coats pasta beautifully.
• Toast seasonings briefly in olive oil before adding other ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities and depth of flavor.
• Chop vegetables and measure seasonings beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth recipe execution.

Variations on Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavors.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a creamy, allergen-friendly casserole.

Serving Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty spaghetti dish with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce and turkey marinara layers.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which will enhance the dish's complex seasonings and cheesy goodness.
• Veggie Balance Boost: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side to create a more nutritionally balanced meal and add vibrant color to the plate.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy million dollar spaghetti delivers comfort on a plate with layers of rich flavors that dance together. Hearty meat sauce and melted cheese create a luxurious pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 pound spaghetti

Vegetable and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 12 green pepper, chopped
• 12 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauces, Seasonings, and Dairy:

• 28 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dried parsley flakes (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté onion, green pepper, and half the garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground turkey and blend in all seasonings: Tonys Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook meat until completely browned.
5. Incorporate marinara sauce into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors.
6. Create cream sauce by heating remaining olive oil and garlic, then introducing butter and heavy cream with additional seasonings.
7. Stir parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, letting it melt and create a smooth, velvety texture.
8. Assemble casserole by layering half the spaghetti in a large baking dish, followed by half the turkey mixture and half the cream sauce.
9. Repeat layering process with remaining spaghetti, turkey mixture, and cream sauce.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
12. Garnish with parsley flakes and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using homemade marinara sauce for a richer, more authentic taste.
• Swap ground turkey with ground beef or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein options.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 725 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg