Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti (Printable)

A rich pasta dish blending mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar with a creamy sauce and garlic notes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti
02 - 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

→ Dairy

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp whole milk
05 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp 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 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
03 - Stir in whole milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
04 - Gradually add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
05 - Season the sauce with black pepper, nutmeg if used, and salt to taste.
06 - Add drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to create a creamy texture.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Rich, creamy texture without being heavy
  • Great way to use up leftover cheese
02 -
  • Check cheese and pasta labels for allergens and hidden ingredients
  • This recipe is vegetarian, but can be made with added protein
03 -
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice
  • Substitute Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda for a different cheese profile
Go Back