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.

This creamy three-cheese spaghetti is always a hit in my home. When I first tried it, my family loved the velvety sauce and how simple it was to put together after a long day.

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 the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Make Cheese Sauce:

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

Add Cheese:

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

Season:

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

Combine:

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

Sharing this dish always brings everyone to the table with smiles. Its a simple way to enjoy quality time over a hearty meal together.

Required Tools

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

Substitutions & Additions

Feel free to swap cheeses for Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda. Add cooked chicken, bacon, or mushrooms for extra protein.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad and garlic bread make perfect sides for this creamy pasta.

Save

Indulge in a comforting plate of creamy three-cheese spaghetti thats sure to please everyone at the table!

Recipe FAQ

→ What cheeses are used for the creamy sauce?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses combine to create a rich, smooth sauce with balanced flavors.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses with others?

Yes, alternatives like Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda work well and add unique nuances to the sauce.

→ How do I achieve the creamy texture of the sauce?

Gradually melting the cheeses into warm milk, cream, and butter, while stirring continuously, creates a velvety smooth consistency.

→ What is the purpose of reserved pasta water in this dish?

Adding reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce's thickness and ensures it coats the spaghetti evenly.

→ What garnishes complement this dish well?

Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast, while optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice enhance the flavors.