Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti (Print Version)

A rich blend of three cheeses coats tender spaghetti for an easy comforting meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces dried spaghetti
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

→ Dairy

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk
05 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
06 - 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
07 - 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
03 - Pour in whole milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
04 - Gradually add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Add black pepper, nutmeg if using, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
06 - Add drained spaghetti to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy texture.
07 - Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
  • Creamy, cheesy, and budget-friendly comfort food
02 -
  • This recipe contains dairy and gluten, so check labels if sensitive.
  • Substitute cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon juice for extra flavor.
  • For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
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