Million Dollar Spaghetti (595)

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 1 ½ pounds Italian sausage (casing removed, or ground beef or turkey)
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 48 ounces marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce, 2 jars, divided)
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
• 8 ounces cottage cheese ( or ricotta cheese)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• chopped fresh parsley ( and parmesan cheese for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain well and return the pasta to the original pot. Add 24 oz of prepared spaghetti sauce and toss to combine. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Stir in the remaining 24 oz of spaghetti sauce and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Set aside.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, blend cottage cheese (or ricotta), cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning using a hand mixer. Set aside.
5. Spread half of the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish, then top with the cottage cheese mixture. Spread the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
6. Bake uncovered 35-45 minutes, until the casserole is heated through, adding the mozzarella on top for the last 20 minutes of cook time.
7. Rest 15 minutes before serving.