Pin It A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring a trio of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal that&s easy on the budget.
I first made this spaghetti for a midweek dinner when I wanted something simple yet luxurious. The blend of three cheeses melted into the sauce adds layers of flavor that always make this dish an instant favorite at our table.
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.
- 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.
- Add Dairy:
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Incorporate 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 Spaghetti 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.
Pin It This pasta always brings everyone together at dinner, with everyone fighting for that last spoonful of sauce. Even picky eaters go in for seconds whenever I make it for family gatherings.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 535, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 21 g
Pin It This three-cheese spaghetti is a comforting dish that&s ready in under half an hour. Treat yourself to a restaurant-style pasta night at home!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use gentle heat when melting the cheeses into the cream mixture and stir continuously to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- → Can I substitute other cheeses?
Yes, Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda work well for similar creamy, melty textures and complementary flavors.
- → Why add pasta water to the sauce?
Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce and pasta, enhancing smoothness and consistency.
- → Is it important to cook spaghetti al dente?
Cooking to al dente ensures the pasta holds its shape and provides the right texture to balance with the creamy sauce.
- → What optional seasonings enrich the flavor?
Adding nutmeg, black pepper, or red pepper flakes can deepen the flavor profile and add subtle warmth to the dish.