
This creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta transforms a humble vegetable into a decadent, comforting dish that rivals traditional pasta bakes. I created this recipe when looking for ways to satisfy my family's pasta cravings while keeping things lighter and more nutritious.
I first served this at a dinner party where several guests were watching their carbs. The empty dish and requests for the recipe confirmed what I already suspected this dish is truly worth its "million dollar" name.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash: look for one with firm skin free of soft spots this forms the healthy base of our pasta alternative
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: provides hearty protein and rich flavor Italian sausage adds extra herbs and spice
- Marinara sauce: choose a high quality brand with no added sugar or make your own for the best flavor
- Ricotta cheese: adds luxurious creaminess substitute cottage cheese for a higher protein option
- Cream cheese: creates that signature silky texture that makes this dish special
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses: create that irresistible golden brown cheesy top
- Italian seasonings and garlic powder: infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors without extra chopping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the squash lengthwise, which requires a sharp knife and careful pressure. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, drizzle the flesh with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet which helps it steam and cook evenly. Roast for 30 40 minutes until the flesh easily pulls away with a fork into spaghetti like strands.
- Cook the Meat Sauce:
- Brown your ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain the excess fat which prevents a greasy final dish. Add marinara sauce and seasonings, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and half the mozzarella. The cream cheese should be fully room temperature for easy mixing. This trio creates the creamy, decadent layer that gives this dish its name. Make sure to mix thoroughly for even cheese distribution.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased 9x13 baking dish, spread half the spaghetti squash strands as your first layer. Top with the entire cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti squash as the next layer. Pour the meat sauce over everything, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes until the casserole is hot throughout and bubbling around the edges. For a beautiful golden brown top, broil for 2 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers set properly.
My favorite part of this recipe is how the cream cheese mixture creates pockets of rich, molten goodness throughout the dish. My grandmother used to make a similar casserole with traditional pasta, and this healthier version always reminds me of Sunday dinners at her house.
Mastering Spaghetti Squash
Cooking spaghetti squash properly is crucial for this dish. If undercooked, the strands will be crunchy and taste raw. If overcooked, they become mushy and wet. Test for doneness by pressing the outside of the squash it should give slightly under pressure. The perfect spaghetti squash has al dente strands that hold their shape when mixed with other ingredients.
Make It Your Own
This recipe welcomes customization. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. For dairy sensitivities, dairy free cream cheese and mozzarella work surprisingly well. The recipe also accommodates different herbs try fresh thyme or oregano mixed into the cheese layer for an aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. For those not counting carbs, garlic bread makes an excellent companion for soaking up extra sauce. For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions with a small stack of fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of good olive oil. This dish also pairs beautifully with a medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
Storage And Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. For best reheating results, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 20 minutes. To freeze, cool completely then wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. The cheese mixture will still provide plenty of protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meat-free option.
- → How do I know when my spaghetti squash is done cooking?
Your spaghetti squash is done when the flesh is tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. The strands should separate easily when scraped with a fork, resembling spaghetti. Typically this takes 30-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but cooking time may vary depending on the size of your squash.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. You can also fully cook and portion it for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- → Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, with approximately 9g net carbs per serving, this dish fits well within most keto diet plans. Just be sure to use sugar-free marinara sauce as specified in the ingredients list to keep the carb count low.
- → What can I serve with this spaghetti squash casserole?
This dish works well as a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for added freshness. For those not following low-carb diets, garlic bread makes a delicious accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble completely, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For leftovers, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Note that the texture of the squash may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.