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Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe with Perfect Golden Cheese Crust

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A creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti dish with a luscious sauce and a golden cheese crust that is quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dry spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of dry spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 cup milk. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, and optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked spaghetti and pour the creamy sauce over it. Toss gently until every strand is coated evenly.
  6. Fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the pasta mixture in and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar and remaining mozzarella evenly over the top to create the golden cheese crust.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown. If the crust browns too fast, loosely cover with foil for the remaining time.
  10. Let the baked spaghetti sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce. Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking. Tent with foil if cheese crust browns too quickly. Let rest before serving to thicken sauce. Variations include adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, golden cheese crust

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-baked-million-dollar-spaghetti-recipe-with-perfect-golden-cheese-crust/