Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that blends simple ingredients into layers of indulgent flavor and comforting texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers a silky cheese sauce combined with al dente spaghetti for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing meal that families will love and leftovers keep their creamy appeal.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (preferably fresh shredded)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Spaghetti: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add sour cream and milk, whisking constantly to create a silky base.
- Add the Cheeses and Seasonings: Slowly incorporate the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cooked spaghetti into the cheese sauce, gently folding until every strand is coated with rich, creamy goodness.
- Bake (Optional): Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente texture ensures the spaghetti holds up beautifully when mixed with the sauce.
- Stir Constantly: Prevent lumps by whisking the sauce continuously while adding cheese.
- Customize Cheeses: Mixing different cheeses gives more depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to cool a few minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, creamy spaghetti, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, cheesy spaghetti bake