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Million Dollar Spaghetti A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Favorite - Featured Image

Million Dollar Spaghetti A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Learn how to make delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Substitution suggestion: Use gluten-free pasta if needed, or swap crushed tomatoes for fresh diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The kitchen will start smelling like a cozy Italian trattoria—trust me, this is the moment that makes me smile every time.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This part is crucial—don’t be shy with seasoning! I’ve learned over the years that a sauce this simple needs just the right amount of salt to sing.
  5. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding a bit more reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce and adds that creamy, savory finish that turns this into “million dollar” territory.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if you have it. My kids love a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, and honestly, so do I.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, recipe, cooking, food