Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make? Meet Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti—a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that tastes like pure comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring the family running to the table.

The playful name comes from the fact that this dish tastes like a million bucks—but you can whip it up with simple pantry ingredients in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or even potlucks, this baked spaghetti is the kind of meal that leaves everyone full and happy.

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, you’ll also want to try our Classic Macaroni and Cheese—another comfort food favorite! But first, let’s dig into this irresistible spaghetti bake.

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Think of Million Dollar Spaghetti as a cross between lasagna and baked ziti—only easier! It features layers of spaghetti, ricotta, marinara, and plenty of gooey mozzarella, all baked into a golden, bubbly casserole.

It’s budget-friendly, easy to prep, and delivers that homemade comfort food magic that makes everyone go back for seconds. No wonder so many families keep this recipe on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Cheesy & creamy – Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
✔ Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✔ Budget-friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples to feed a crowd.
✔ Family-approved – A guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.

👉 Love pasta? Try our Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for a lighter, garlicky twist!

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook Pasta
   Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare Sauce
   In the same pot, heat olive oil. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Mix Cheese Layer
   In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan.

5. Assemble the Dish

   • Spread half the spaghetti in the baking dish.

   • Layer with ricotta mixture.

   • Add remaining spaghetti, then pour marinara sauce on top.

6. Cheesy Topping
   Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the spaghetti.

7. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

8. Serve
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garlic bread – Perfect for dipping into the cheesy layers.

• Crisp green salad – Adds freshness and crunch.

• Red wine or sparkling water – Complements the richness beautifully.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook pasta – It will finish cooking in the oven.

• Cheese swaps – Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.

• Add veggies – Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peppers work wonderfully.

• Golden topping – Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to get a perfect bubbly crust.

Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that combines comfort food with a delightful twist, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season it with salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Assembly and Baking

• Layer half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture, then add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the marinara sauce.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days, or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Million Dollar Spaghetti