Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy families. It’s comforting, indulgent, and all comes together in just one pot. This means far less cleanup, which is always a plus after a long day. With a creamy sauce and flavors that everyone loves, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a simple way to get dinner on the table without fussing over multiple pans.

How to Make One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey or lean beef (or substitute with a plant-based ground meat)
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles (or gluten-free pasta)
8 ounces cream cheese (or a dairy-free alternative)
1 cup cottage cheese (or dairy-free cottage cheese)
1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt or a vegan yogurt alternative)

Directions:

In a large skillet with deep sides, brown and crumble the ground turkey or beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s nice and crumbly.
Once the meat is browned, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant.
Now, add in the broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked spaghetti noodles. Stir everything together while bringing it to a boil. Don’t forget to keep stirring!
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. If the mixture seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency with a little extra broth or water.
Serve warm and enjoy the smiles from your family!

How to Serve One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti

This creamy spaghetti dish is excellent on its own, but you can elevate it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. My kids love having a side of steamed broccoli, too!

How to Store One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti

If you’re short on time, you can pre-chop the onions and garlic ahead of time. It makes the cooking process quicker and smoother!
For an extra veggie boost, try adding in spinach or diced bell peppers along with the spaghetti and sauce. They cook down nicely and blend into the dish.
If you want a bit of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

Variation

Feel free to experiment! Swap the ground turkey or beef for ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute. You can also try using whole wheat pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap in ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor or use a vegan cheese option if needed.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Just use a plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. It will still be delicious and satisfying!

What if I don’t have spaghetti?
You can use any type of pasta you have on hand! Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.