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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté onion, green pepper, and half the garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- 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.
- Incorporate marinara sauce into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Create cream sauce by heating remaining olive oil and garlic, then introducing butter and heavy cream with additional seasonings.
- Stir parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, letting it melt and create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Assemble casserole by layering half the spaghetti in a large baking dish, followed by half the turkey mixture and half the cream sauce.
- Repeat layering process with remaining spaghetti, turkey mixture, and cream sauce.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- 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