Print

Million Dollar Three-Cheese Spaghetti Bake

million dollar three-cheese spaghetti bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked pasta dish featuring a creamy blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan layered with spaghetti and marinara sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella (part-skim is fine)
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or 2% milk)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a roux. It should look bubbly but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk while whisking to keep lumps away. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar, and ½ cup Parmesan. Season with 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. In a large bowl, gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the cheese sauce until evenly coated, being careful not to break the noodles.
  7. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Add a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup), then top with the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce on top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness. Whisk milk slowly into roux to avoid lumps. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Rest bake 5-10 minutes before serving to set. Tent with foil if top browns too fast. Can add cooked Italian sausage or mushrooms for protein. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheeses and coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, three-cheese pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, cottage cheese, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/million-dollar-three-cheese-spaghetti-bake-easy-recipe-for-comfort-food-lovers/