Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti (View Print Version)

A comforting pasta dish with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses in a silky sauce.

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

→ 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. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding 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 while stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
05 - Incorporate black pepper, optional nutmeg, and salt to taste, blending flavors evenly.
06 - Add drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed to maintain creaminess.
07 - Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich, creamy flavor with three cheeses
  • Budget-friendly and quick to prepare
02 -
  • Contains milk and wheat allergens, so double-check cheese and pasta labels.
  • You can substitute cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda for a twist on flavor.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • For extra richness, stir in cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
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