Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Featured in: Lazy Day Comforts

This comforting dish features al dente spaghetti coated in a luscious, creamy sauce made from mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. Butter and garlic add a fragrant base, while milk and cream create the perfect silky texture. The sauce is seasoned with black pepper and a hint of nutmeg, then tossed with pasta water to reach ideal consistency. Garnished with fresh parsley, it makes an easy, satisfying meal with options to add protein or spice.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:57:00 GMT
Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti, a rich and comforting pasta dish, steaming and ready to serve. Pin It
Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti, a rich and comforting pasta dish, steaming and ready to serve. | dudesnack.com

A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring a trio of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal thats easy on the budget.

I first made this creamy three-cheese spaghetti for a cozy night in with friends, and it quickly became a favorite for its gooey, cheesy sauce and comforting texture.

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

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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.
Prepare Sauce Base:
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.
Add Cheeses:
Gradually add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Season & Combine:
Season the sauce with black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Garnish & Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
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A close-up shot of the Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti, perfectly coated in a smooth cheese sauce. Pin It
A close-up shot of the Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti, perfectly coated in a smooth cheese sauce. | dudesnack.com
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Sharing this creamy spaghetti at our family table always sparks happy chatter and requests for seconds, especially from the kids who love all things cheesy.

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. Double-check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 535, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 21 g

Garnish your Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti with parsley for a fresh, vibrant, flavorful pasta meal. Pin It
Garnish your Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti with parsley for a fresh, vibrant, flavorful pasta meal. | dudesnack.com
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This three-cheese spaghetti makes even ordinary nights special: a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper brings the meal together beautifully.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cheeses are used in this dish?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses combine to create a rich, creamy sauce.

How do I achieve a creamy sauce consistency?

Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps thin the sauce and coat the spaghetti smoothly.

Can I substitute other cheeses here?

Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda are excellent alternatives for different flavor profiles.

How long does the cooking process take?

Total preparation and cooking time is about 25 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

What seasoning enhances the flavor best?

Freshly ground black pepper and a touch of nutmeg balance the richness, while garlic provides aroma.

Are there options to add protein to this dish?

Cooked chicken, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms can be stirred in for added protein and texture.

Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

A luscious blend of three cheeses melting over tender spaghetti for a comforting, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Jake Anderson

Recipe Category Lazy Day Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Output 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 12 ounces dried spaghetti
02 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Dairy

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk
03 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
04 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
05 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 2/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

Seasonings

01 1 clove garlic, finely minced
02 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
04 Salt, to taste

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente following package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 02

Prepare the cheese sauce base: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.

Step 03

Simmer milk and cream: Pour in whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Step 04

Incorporate cheeses: Gradually add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar while stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth.

Step 05

Season the sauce: Season with freshly ground black pepper, optional nutmeg, and salt to taste.

Step 06

Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained spaghetti into the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater

Allergy Details

Always review all ingredients for allergens before starting. Check with a health specialist if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten).
  • May contain lactose depending on cheese selection.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance and isn't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 535
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 21 g