Name: Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti From Scratch (Meatless)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: approximately 8 oz. spaghetti noodles; 2 cups canned Marzano tomatoes ((or 1/2 of a 28oz can)); 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup diced yellow or white onion; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup cream cheese ((2oz)); 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil

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If you’ve never had million dollar spaghetti from scratch, you’ve got to try it. It tastes like a million bucks! My recipe takes a wholesome approach to the classic favorite. With a simple homemade pasta sauce blended with cream cheese, each bite is creamy. It’ll quickly become a favorite for weekend lunches or weeknight meals!

wooden spoon scooping baked spaghetti out of a casserole dish and a towel beside it — Source: Plum Branch Home

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In our house, we love this recipe for Saturday lunches or busy weeknights when time is running short. From start to finish it only takes 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love that?

So many people think cooking from scratch takes awhile and is hard to do. Both are false. Cooking from scratch can be quick and simple you just have to have the right recipes. Which is why I love sharing our favorites here on Plum Branch Home.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Inspiration

When I first started learning to cook as a young child, I had an obsession with reading cookbooks. You read that right, not just skimming through but reading every word, haha!

During this time I went with my mom to a garage sale and picked up a Gooseberry Patch cookbook for a few quarters. This cookbook was the very first place I had ever heard of million dollar spaghetti.

Fast forward to a few months ago, as I was creating a meal plan for my husband and I, my brain brought up this recipe. So I decided to do a little research and create my very own version from scratch. This is the recipe we enjoy in our home and hope you will too!

casserole dish full of cheesy pasta with a wooden spoon next to it on a towel ready to be served — Source: Plum Branch Home

What is million dollar spaghetti?

This is a dish that uses spaghetti, marinara sauce, cream cheese, and spices to create a creamy tomatoey goodness. It’s topped with a layer of shredded mozzarella and baked in the oven like a casserole dish.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

30 minute meal from start to finish
Budget-friendly meal
Meatless so Catholics can enjoy on Friday’s during lent
Tastes like a million bucks

can of muir glen organic whole peeled tomatoes san marzano style

hand holding and measuring spaghetti pasta noodles

Ingredients

approximately 8 oz. spaghetti noodles
2 cups canned Marzano tomatoes (or 1/2 of a 28oz can)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup diced yellow or white onion
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (2oz) cream cheese
1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil

Helpful Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

How to Make Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Second, bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil then add spaghetti noodles (either whole or broken in half).

wooden spoon stirring spaghetti noodles in boiling water on the stovetop — Source: Plum Branch Home

Third, cook on medium heat for 6 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.

hand adding salt into a blender full of ingredients — Source: Plum Branch Home

Forth, while pasta is cooking, add tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced onion, Italian seasoning, cream cheese, and olive/avocado oil to a blender. Blend at full speed for 30 seconds until everything is combined.

sauce being poured into a casserole dish full of spaghetti noodles — Source: Plum Branch Home

Fifth, drain spaghetti noodles and place them in a lightly buttered medium-sized casserole dish along with the sauce you just made.

hand adding shredded mozzarella to a casserole dish — Source: Plum Branch Home

Sixth, stir everything together, add shredded mozzarella evenly on top, and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti

Garlic bread (made with sourdough bread and homemade garlic butter)
Homemade Breadsticks
Cesar Salad
Meat balls or sausage

Make Ahead and Freezer Instructions

If you want an easy homemade freezer meal, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. Follow the directions step by step but instead of popping in the oven after topping with cheese, toss in the freezer.

When freezing, wrap it or place a lid on the dish. It’ll last up to 3 months. You’ll want to thaw in the fridge the night before you need it. When you’re ready to eat follow the baking instructions on this recipe.

Recipe Variations

Add cooked ground beef for more protein
Add more cream cheese if you prefer more of a creamy texture
Top the dish with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for an extra pop of flavor
Use whole wheat for more nutrition or rice pasta for gluten allergies.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best flavor.

close up photo of wooden spoon scooping baked pasta out of dish — Source: Plum Branch Home

Recipe FAQ

Is this recipe healthier than others?

This recipe is much healthier than others on the internet. It’s not only made from scratch but the pasta sauce is created with a few simple ingredients eliminating additives, excess sodium, and preservatives.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

You can freeze baked spaghetti before or after cooking it. This is especially helpful if you need homemade meals but have little time to make them at night.

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