Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti (Printable)

A rich pasta dish featuring mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar in a smooth, creamy sauce.

# What You 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
07 - 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
08 - 2/3 cup grated cheddar

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. 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 but not browned.
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 cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
05 - Add black pepper, nutmeg if using, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
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 -
  • Quick and simple to prepare
  • Budget-friendly with versatile cheese options
02 -
  • This recipe contains both wheat and dairy allergens
  • Cheese selection can affect lactose content and flavor profile
03 -
  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for maximum creaminess
  • Try substituting cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for a twist
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