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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Comfort Bake

creamy million dollar spaghetti comfort bake - featured image

A rich, cheesy, and creamy spaghetti bake that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for family meals and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream (full-fat or light)
  • 1 cup (225g) small-curd cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 (15-ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) crushed buttery crackers or panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Blend the small-curd cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth. Add a tablespoon of milk if mixture is too thick.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  6. Add cooked spaghetti noodles to the creamy base mixture, then pour in the tomato sauce mixture. Fold gently until noodles are evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, then scatter crushed crackers or panko bread crumbs.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  10. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles; blend cottage cheese for smooth sauce; use full-fat dairy for best flavor; cover with foil if topping browns too quickly; add extra blended cottage cheese if sauce is watery; can prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti bake, creamy spaghetti, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, family meal, easy dinner