Description
This Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot meal combining Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is perfect for an easy family dinner with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably Johnsonville mild)
- 48 oz marinara sauce (such as Rao’s for richer taste)
- 1.75 cups water
- 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half to fit the crockpot
- 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1 cup sour cream (preferably Daisy for creamier texture)
- 2.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the marinara sauce and water into the crockpot with the sausage. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder until combined.
- Add Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half for even cooking and place it into the crockpot, pressing it down gently to submerge it as much as possible into the sauce mixture.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the top, then dollop the sour cream evenly across the surface without stirring.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and to incorporate the cheeses evenly.
- Add Mozzarella and Final Stir: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, re-cover, and allow it to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the spaghetti is tender, stir gently to combine everything. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half ensures even cooking in the crockpot and fits better in the pot.
- Using Rao’s marinara sauce adds a richer, more authentic flavor to the dish.
- Softening cream cheese before adding prevents clumps and helps it incorporate smoothly.
- Stirring halfway through cooking avoids pasta sticking to the bottom and ensures even cheese distribution.
- This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
