Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring a trio of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal thats easy on the budget.

I remember making this creamy three-cheese spaghetti on a chilly evening when my pantry was nearly bare. It turned out so delicious, I now keep the cheeses on hand just for nights when I crave easy comfort food.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried spaghetti, 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
• Dairy: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) whole milk, 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream, 80 g (3/4 cup) grated mozzarella, 60 g (2/3 cup) grated Parmesan, 60 g (2/3 cup) grated cheddar
• Seasonings: 1 clove garlic (finely minced), 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional), Salt (to taste)
• Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

Sauté garlic:

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

Make cream base:

Stir in milk and heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Add cheese:

Gradually add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Season:

Season sauce with black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste.

Combine pasta and sauce:

Add drained spaghetti to sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creamy consistency.

Serve:

Serve immediately garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Save

This simple pasta has become a weekend favorite at family dinner time. There are always smiles when someone requests extra parsley on top!

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, colander, wooden spoon or spatula, grater

Allergen Information

Contains milk and wheat. May contain lactose depending on cheese selection. Always check ingredient labels closely.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 535, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 21 g

Save

Enjoy this comforting dish hot for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a creamy sauce consistency?

Gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta in the cheese sauce until smooth and silky.

→ Can I use different cheeses in the sauce?

Yes, varieties like Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda can be substituted to alter the flavor profile.

→ What is the best way to prevent garlic from burning?

Sauté minced garlic on medium heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute, avoiding browning.

→ How do I add extra flavor to the dish?

Try adding red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the creamy sauce.

→ What tools are essential for preparation?

A large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for the sauce, a colander for draining, and a grater for the cheeses.