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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Baked Recipe Easy Homemade Rich Cheese Layer

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A comforting baked spaghetti dish featuring a creamy homemade sauce and a rich, golden cheese layer that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 grams) of all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until a smooth paste forms and is slightly bubbly but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) of softened cream cheese in chunks, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1½ cups (150 grams) shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining ½ cup (50 grams) cheddar for topping.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy cheese sauce until well coated.
  7. Pour the cheesy spaghetti into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Whisk continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce. Cook spaghetti al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. For a bubbly top, broil for the last 2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Rest baked pasta for 5 minutes before serving to help sauce settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, creamy spaghetti, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, million dollar spaghetti, baked pasta, rich cheese sauce

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-million-dollar-spaghetti-baked-recipe-easy-homemade-rich-cheese-layer/