Rich & Creamy: Just 5 ingredients. Cream cheese and spaghetti sauce make this pasta bake taste like a million bucks.

Million dollar pasta is a playful name for a very American comfort dish that borrows a few ideas from baked ziti and classic Midwestern casseroles: creamy cheeses, a tomato-based sauce, and plenty of tender pasta. Traditionally, versions of this dish can involve multiple cheeses, a meat sauce, and baking in the oven. This slow cooker, five-ingredient version keeps the spirit of the original—rich, tangy, and ultra-creamy—while stripping the process down to something you can toss together on a weekday morning and come home to at night. The cream cheese is the quiet star here; it melts into the sauce and gives you that velvety, “restaurant Alfredo meets red sauce” texture without any fussy technique. It’s a good choice when you want something cozy and indulgent with minimal effort and minimal dishes.

This slow cooker million dollar pasta is rich enough to be the centerpiece of the meal, so I like to pair it with lighter, fresher sides. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess—think mixed greens, shaved red onion, and a lemony dressing. Garlicky roasted broccoli or green beans are also a good match, bringing a bit of texture and color to the plate. If you want to lean into the comfort-food mood, serve it with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for scooping up the extra sauce. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red such as Chianti works nicely alongside, but even a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon will balance the richness.

1 pound dried pasta (ziti, penne, or rotini work well)
24 ounces jarred marinara or other tomato-based pasta sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef, browned and drained