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Million Dollar Spaghetti

A comforting layered pasta dish featuring spaghetti, ricotta, marinara, and multiple cheeses, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauces
  • 1 pound spaghetti Cooked until al dente
  • 4 cups marinara sauce Use quality marinara sauce for best flavor
Meat and Cheeses
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Browned and drained
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese For the creamy filling
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For layering on top
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Sprinkled on top before baking
Other Ingredients
  • 2 units eggs Mixed into the ricotta
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Add flavor to the cheese mixture
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning to your preference
  • Fresh parsley for garnish Chopped for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain excess grease and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended for your creamy filling.
Layering and Baking
  1. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  2. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, half of the Italian sausage, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  3. Repeat these layers, finishing with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat or serving with a drizzle of olive oil. This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.