Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti (Printable)

A rich, creamy trio of melted cheeses combined with tender spaghetti for a satisfying 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)

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
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 the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
05 - Season the cheese sauce with black pepper, nutmeg if using, and salt to taste.
06 - Add drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy texture.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich, creamy texture without complicated steps
  • Budget-friendly with easily available ingredients
02 -
  • This dish contains wheat and dairy: check labels if allergies are a concern
  • Leftovers stay creamy if reheated with a splash of milk
03 -
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce for perfect creaminess
  • Try switching in Gruyère or Fontina for a new twist
Return