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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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A comforting and creamy spaghetti casserole with a golden cheese crust, perfect for easy weeknight dinners. This recipe combines a velvety cheese sauce with al dente spaghetti and a crispy cheddar topping for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (57 grams) of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 grams) of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly but not browned.
  3. Gradually pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 4 ounces (115 grams) of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream until fully melted and smooth. Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Save a handful of cheddar for topping.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Slightly undercook spaghetti to keep it firm after baking. Use full-fat dairy for best creaminess. Reserve some cheddar cheese for a golden crust topping. Watch broiler carefully if using for crispiness. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick before baking. Toss pasta gently with sauce to avoid breaking noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, creamy casserole, cheesy pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked spaghetti, million dollar casserole

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/creamy-million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/