Meatless Million Dollar Spaghetti – A vegetarian spin on the pasta casserole with a cream cheese layer that “tastes like a million dollars!”
So you’re probably wondering why this is called “Million Dollar Spaghetti?”
As far as I can tell, the recipe originated from here and named it that because: it tastes like a million dollars!
The reason I’m clarifying “vegetarian” even though every post on this blog will be vegetarian, is because the original recipe has a pound of meat as one of the layers.
It also contains a WHOLE STICK of butter. I decided to halve the amount of butter considered calling this “thousand dollar” spaghetti instead because of those modifications, but I didn’t think it was fair. Half a mil pasta?
Either way it’s good! If you decide to add 8 tablespoons butter instead of 4, it’s probably even better. But I like to cut corners a little bit where I can.
To compensate for whatever flavor might be lost from the butter and meat layer, I added some seasoning to the cream cheese and I also used the Thick & Hearty Mushroom sauce from Ragu’s new Homestyle line.
Any flavored pasta sauce will add some more flavor, which I recommend (unless you don’t like veggies).
You can also play around with the type of cheese – I this with cheddar cheese and another batch mozzarella cheese. This is called Trial and Eater after all, so I have to live up to my name.
There was no clear winner here, as the verdict was split at my dinner party – so just use whichever cheese you tend to like best!
My personal choice is the mozzarella for the simplicity of the dish, but I still enjoyed the cheddar version, which definitely adds another level of flavor.
Either way this recipe will feed a crowd – just like most of my pasta recipes (grandma’s ziti being the favorite).
So you can split it into two 8×8 casserole dishes and freeze one, or just invite everyone you know over.
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti - A meatless spin on the pasta casserole with a cream cheese layer that "tastes like a million dollars!"
Ingredients
- 1 lb box of noodles, spaghetti or angel hair
- 1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning or other dried herbs, (optional)
- 1 (23 oz.) can spaghetti sauce - I used Ragu Homestyle mushroom flavor
- 1 (8 oz.) package shredded mozzarella cheese, (or sharp cheddar depending on preference)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream and melted butter in a bowl and mix until combined. Add the italian seasoning if using.
- Drain spaghetti noodles once cooked. In a large casserole dish or two smaller 8x8 casserole dishes, arrange half the spaghetti noodles at the bottom of the dishes.
- Add cream cheese mixture to the noodles, spreading out to make an even layer.
- Cover with remaining spaghetti noodles, sauce, then the shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.
Notes
Inspired by the Million Dollar Spaghetti found here: http://ashleykaitlin.blogspot.com/2011/01/million-dollar-spaghetti.html
Option to add meatless ground meat as a layer to be more similar to the "million dollar" concept for more flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 276Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 411mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 11g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically by an online tool at Nutritionix. It is not always accurate. Please use your own tools to check if you rely on this information.
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Janice Jeames
Monday 29th of August 2022
This looks really good. I want to try it but I’m wondering will it work without the cottage cheese?
Jody
Tuesday 11th of August 2020
This is good! Didn't change a thing. Used all Aldi's products. Reggano's pasta sauce with onion, tomato, and garlic is flavorful and chunky. May add fresh garlic next time. Very similar to lasagna, but easier!
Kelly
Wednesday 12th of August 2020
Love adding flavor with the sauce, Jody! Glad you enjoyed!
Thalia @ butter and brioche
Friday 10th of June 2016
i've never tried a spaghetti casserole before! Looks so so good. Definitely a recipe I need for this winter.
Erlene A
Thursday 9th of June 2016
I've never made pasta with cottage cheese and cream cheese. Will have to give this a try for our veggie meal nights.