Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of creamy, garlicky spaghetti that's loaded with not one, not two, but THREE incredible cheeses! This Three Cheese Garlic Noodles recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that'll impress your guests, this recipe promises a mouth-watering experience that combines the rich, bold flavors of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella with the aromatic punch of garlic. Get ready to transform a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic cloves finely using a sharp knife or garlic press.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add cream cheese to the pot and stir until it begins to melt, creating a creamy base.
- Return the drained spaghetti to the pot and toss to coat with the cream cheese mixture.
- Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously to create a smooth, even coating.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and melty.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency!
- Use freshly minced garlic for the most intense flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Grate your own Parmesan and mozzarella for better melting and richer flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy noodles.
- Fresh basil is key for that final burst of flavor and beautiful garnish.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and gloriously melty.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
