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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food that is the perfect Cheese Spaghetti. Velvety smooth and undeniably rich, this cheesy spaghetti recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
This simple pasta dish is as delicious as an indulgent meal (hello comfort food!) as it is as a side dish for other favorites like Grilled Steaks or Baked Chicken Breasts.
Table of Contents
Four Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
This Cheesy Spaghetti combines the beloved flavors of pasta and cheese into a creamy, satisfying meal. Always on the hunt for quick and easy dinner ideas? This definitely fits the bill!
Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti strands coated in a luscious cheese sauce, each bite oozing with rich, melty goodness. Whether you prefer classic recipes or creative variations, this spaghetti with cheese sauce offers a world of possibilities to tantalize your taste buds.
I pulled this creamy spaghetti dish together with whatever was in my fridge one day when I was craving something ultra comforting and heavy in the cheese and pasta categories. I had Romano, Parmesan, Mozzarella and cream cheese which ended up being just right for this cheesy spaghetti.
Key Ingredients
- Spaghetti – While you certainly can use other types of pasta, like linguine, fettuccine or rotini, spaghetti is the best for this recipe. The cheese clings to each strand of pasta for creamy cheesiness in each and every bite.
- Butter and Olive Oil – When I saute garlic, I prefer using a combination of the two. Butter adds richness and flavor while olive oil keeps the butter from burning.
- Garlic – I added a decent amount but you could use less or more to your preference.
- Cheese – Don’t skimp here. Use good quality cheese, and grate directly from the block when possible. I used Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano and cream cheese.
- Heavy Cream – The base of the sauce, combined with the cheese. You will also want to save about a cup of pasta water to mix in as well.
How to Make Cheese Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti. Start by boiling some spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Or if you’re my kids, throw it against the wall and if it sticks, it’s done.
- Saute the Garlic. The sauce comes together quickly, so it’s best to start it when the spaghetti is about halfway finished. Melt some butter and olive oil together in a large pot or skillet, then add some minced garlic. You can smash your garlic yourself or you can take the easy route and use jarred minced garlic.
- Make the Sauce. That will take a few minutes and by the time the garlic is smelling awesome, the pasta should be finished and ready to add to the garlic and butter. Add some of starchy pasta water too, and heavy cream and cream cheese. Let it bubble then add the other cheeses.
- Melt the Cheeses. Keep cooking and stirring and stirring and cooking until that sauce is thick and smooth and creamy and coats the pasta.
The whole process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and then you have this delicious pan of yummy, creamy, cheesy pasta goodness.
It makes about 2-3 servings as a meal, or 4-5 if you add a protein like chicken or shrimp or serve it as a side dish.
FAQs
There are several different cheeses that pair well with spaghetti. Parmesan is the first that comes to mind of course, but also Romano, Mozzarella, Fontina or Ricotta are some favorites.
Traditional spaghetti incorporates a red sauce where cheese is merely a garnish. In this creamy spaghetti with cheese recipe, it’s the star!
Cheeses like Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina are commonly used in cheese spaghetti recipes for their melting properties and flavor.
Popular add-ins for cheese spaghetti include cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs for added flavor and texture. You could also top with grilled chicken or
Blackened Shrimp.
Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking the spaghetti a minute or two before the recommended time. It should be cooked until firm but not mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Toppings like fresh basil, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the flavors and presentation of cheese spaghetti.
As a side dish, this cheesy pasta recipe pairs well with these main dishes:
- Baked Lemon Chicken
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken
- Easy Homemade Meatballs
- Best Ever Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders
Helpful Tips and Take-Aways
- Use high-quality cheese: Opt for real cheese and avoid processed cheese products for a richer and more flavorful result.
- Experiment with cheese combinations: Mix different cheeses like Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Gruyere to create a unique and complex flavor profile.
- Grate the cheese yourself: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a superior texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Add cheese gradually: Incorporate the cheese into the spaghetti gradually, allowing it to melt and coat the pasta evenly.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining the cooked spaghetti, save some of the starchy pasta water. It is used to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce if needed.
- Stir constantly: When combining the cheese with the spaghetti, stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth and velvety sauce.
- Season thoughtfully: Taste the cheese sauce before adding additional salt or seasonings since some cheeses can be naturally salty.
- Customize with mix-ins: Enhance your cheesy pasta by adding cooked vegetables, herbs, or protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to add extra flavor and texture.
- Consider breadcrumb toppings: For a crispy and crunchy texture, top your the spaghetti with toasted breadcrumbs and broil for a moment before serving.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking to savor the gooey and melty cheese goodness. Reheating may result in a less desirable texture.
More Pasta Recipes
- Authentic Pasta Carbonara
- Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with Chicken
- One Pot Chicken Alfredo
- One Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- One Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Spicy Lemon, Asparagus & Tomato Pasta
- One Pan Cheesy Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta
- Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Angel Hair Pasta
- Baked Feta Pasta
Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti uncooked
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Romano Cheese
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a 3-quart pot. Add spaghetti and cook for about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a 10-12 inch saute pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and stir, cooking for about a minute.
- Add spaghetti, 1 cup of pasta water, cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a boil and add shredded cheeses. Stir constantly until cheeses are melted and pasta is completely coated; about a minute. Reduce heat and continue to cook and stir until sauce is thickened and reduced; about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve hot, and garnish with more fresh parsley and some fresh grated Parmesan, if desired.
Made this last night for my picky eaters and it was a hit! I love white sauce pastas! This was delicious!
Love the feedback Melissa! Thanks for stopping by.
I wouldn’t recommend making this one. It lacks flavor
Planning to make this tomorrow. But going to add some chicken pieces to it as well!
Would spinach taste good in this?
I think spinach would be delicious!
This recipe tastes amazing! It ranks right up there with the best Italian restaurant we treat ourselves to a couple times a year.
Nice! Thank you so much for the awesome feedback Stephanie.
This tasted amazing, thank you!!
You are so welcome Lisa! Thanks for stopping by.
I just came across your site. Haven’t tried anything yet. Can/t wait to try some of the pasta and chicken meals. Everything looks so good. And speaking of looking good you look so pretty in your wedding photo!
Thanks for the recipes.
Thanks Marlene, and welcome! If you have any questions be sure to reach out.
I could feel the LOVE going in as I was watching you prepare this recipe. I can’t wait to try this in all of its cheesy glory!
Thank you Andrea! Thank you so much for stopping by!
can i used ordinary cooking oil to replace the olive oil?
Yes, you could substitute vegetable oil.
Was great!! Didn’t even need salt or pepper!
Cant wait to try these easy yet amazing recipes bf will think Im Suzy homemaker 😉 thnx!
Enjoy!
Every thing looks so good i just got to have some.