Save to Pinterest A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring a trio of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal thats easy on the budget.
When I first made this creamy three-cheese spaghetti, my family was amazed by how decadent it tasted with just a few simple ingredients. It's now our go-to pasta whenever we want something special but effortless.
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 Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce:
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Add Cheeses:
- Gradually add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Season Sauce:
- Season the sauce with black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest My kids always ask for seconds, and even picky eaters gobble this spaghetti up without a fuss. It makes for wonderful leftovers the next day.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, colander, wooden spoon or spatula, grater
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten). May contain: Lactose, depending on cheese selection. Double-check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 535. Total Fat: 24 g. Carbohydrates: 60 g. Protein: 21 g per serving.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this creamy spaghetti with a crisp green salad for the perfect meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully for a delicious lunch the next day.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses are used in this creamy spaghetti?
It combines mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar for a rich and balanced flavor.
- → How is the sauce thickened to a creamy texture?
Butter, milk, and cream form the base, while reserved pasta water is added gradually to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- → Can garlic be added without overpowering the dish?
Yes, minced garlic is lightly sautéed to lend aromatic depth without dominating the creamy sauce.
- → Are there optional seasonings to enhance flavor?
Black pepper and nutmeg add warmth, and optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice can boost brightness.
- → What are good accompaniments for this dish?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the rich, creamy pasta beautifully.