Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti with Creamy Alfredo Sauce
A rich, comforting baked pasta that tastes like a million bucks but comes together with everyday ingredients.
There are some meals that instantly feel special the moment they come out of the oven. Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti with Creamy Alfredo Sauce is one of those dishes. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this recipe transforms humble spaghetti into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing comfort food that feels indulgent without being complicated.
The term “million dollar spaghetti” has become a beloved phrase in home kitchens because it represents everything we want from a hearty dinner: layers of flavor, velvety sauces, and plenty of cheese. This version leans into a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, replacing tomato-based layers with silky creaminess that coats every strand of pasta.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, holidays, or meal prep, this baked spaghetti recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve guests. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Works
What makes this recipe truly special is its balance. Instead of being overly heavy or greasy, the Alfredo sauce is carefully built with butter, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan to create depth without overwhelming the pasta. Baking the spaghetti allows the sauce to thicken naturally while the mozzarella melts into irresistible pockets of cheesy goodness.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as-is for a satisfying vegetarian meal, or customize it with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or ground beef. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers and freezer meals.
Ingredients
- 16 oz dry spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth. This creates the creamy base of the Alfredo sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the sauce from heat. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the saucepan and gently toss until every strand is fully coated.
- Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the first layer.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the spaghetti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente spaghetti holds its texture better during baking.
- Low heat is key: Alfredo sauce can break if overheated, so keep the temperature gentle.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit before serving helps the layers set beautifully.
Delicious Variations
Chicken Alfredo Million Dollar Spaghetti:
Add 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken breast to the sauce before baking.
Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Spaghetti:
Sauté shrimp separately with butter and garlic, then fold into the pasta before baking.
Spinach & Mushroom Version:
Add sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach for extra flavor and color.
Extra Cheesy Upgrade:
Mix ricotta cheese into the Alfredo sauce for an even richer, layered texture.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy baked spaghetti pairs perfectly with simple sides that balance its richness:
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Sparkling water or iced tea
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of cream.
A Little Comfort-Food Context
Baked pasta dishes like million dollar spaghetti are rooted in American home cooking, inspired by Italian flavors but adapted for busy families. The creamy Alfredo twist adds a modern, indulgent feel that resonates with today’s love for cozy, satisfying meals that bring everyone back to the table.
This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be made with care.
Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti with Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss spaghetti with Alfredo sauce.
- Layer spaghetti and mozzarella in baking dish.
- Bake until bubbly and golden.
