Ultimate Cheesy Spaghetti

Cheesy Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This creamy, rich pasta dish is a guaranteed family favorite, combining the beloved flavors of classic spaghetti with the irresistible goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s so simple to prepare, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for a jarred sauce!

The Ultimate Cheesy Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe

As a busy home cook, I’m always on the lookout for meals that satisfy everyone at the table without requiring hours in the kitchen. My own children, like many others, have an undeniable obsession with pasta. If they had their way, spaghetti would be on the menu every single night. And don’t even get me started on their love for a gooey, comforting bowl of mac and cheese!

Inspired by their dual passions, I decided to merge these two culinary titans into one magnificent, unbelievably simple, and utterly delicious cheesy spaghetti dish. The result? A vibrant, creamy pasta that’s packed with flavor, and as an added bonus, a pop of color and extra nutrition from a handful of frozen peas. The kids devoured it, and I loved how effortlessly it all came together. Seriously, this recipe is barely more time-consuming than heating up a store-bought spaghetti sauce, yet the flavor is miles beyond!

This cheesy spaghetti recipe isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need a hearty meal on the table fast, but still want to feel good about what you’re serving. It’s comfort food redefined for the modern family, proving that delicious and nutritious can also be incredibly convenient.

Why This Cheesy Spaghetti Recipe Is a Must-Try

Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, this cheesy spaghetti stands out for several reasons:

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe minimizes fuss and maximizes flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. You won’t be spending hours chopping or simmering.
• Kid-Friendly Perfection: Combining the familiar comfort of spaghetti with the gooey goodness of cheese sauce makes this a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Creamy & Rich Texture: The secret lies in a perfectly balanced homemade cheese sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti, offering a truly indulgent experience.
• Customizable for Any Palate: Easily adjust the seasonings, add your favorite vegetables, or incorporate protein to tailor this dish to your family’s preferences.
• Better Than Store-Bought: Skip the artificial flavors and preservatives. This homemade version offers a fresh, wholesome taste that a jarred sauce simply can’t match.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheesy Spaghetti

Creating this delightfully creamy cheesy spaghetti requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and smooth texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

• Spaghetti: While most standard boxes of spaghetti are 16 ounces, this recipe calls for 14 ounces. To achieve this, simply remove about 50 pasta strands if you don’t have a kitchen scale. For precise measurements, use a food scale: place a cup on the scale, zero it out, and add spaghetti until it reaches 14 ounces. Using the right amount ensures your pasta-to-sauce ratio is perfect, preventing a dry or overly saucy dish.
• Pasta Water: This often-overlooked ingredient is your secret weapon for creating an exceptionally creamy sauce. Before draining your cooked pasta, make sure to scoop out about 1 cup of this starchy, flavorful water. It helps emulsify the cheese sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully to the spaghetti strands and adding an extra layer of savory depth.
• Frozen Peas: Not just for a vibrant pop of color, frozen peas add a subtle sweetness and a boost of nutrition. The best part? They cook in the last minute of the pasta’s boiling time, making their inclusion incredibly convenient.
• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our roux and cheese sauce, unsalted butter gives you control over the overall sodium content of your dish. It provides a rich base without making the spaghetti overly salty.
• All-Purpose Flour: When sprinkled over melted butter, flour creates a roux – the thickening agent for our creamy sauce. Whisking it properly prevents clumps and ensures a silky-smooth consistency.
• Whole Milk: For the quickest and creamiest results, whole milk is recommended as it thickens faster than lower-fat alternatives due to its higher fat content. Bringing the milk to room temperature before adding it to the roux can also help prevent lumps and achieve a smoother sauce.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors without the need for chopping fresh garlic or onions. They offer a mellow, consistent flavor profile that is ideal for a family-friendly dish.
• Mustard Powder: A touch of mustard powder is a game-changer for any cheese sauce. It doesn’t make the sauce taste like mustard; instead, it enhances the savory notes of the cheddar cheese, adding a subtle depth and complexity that elevates the entire dish.
• Medium Cheddar Cheese: The star of our cheesy spaghetti! For the smoothest, meltiest sauce possible, always opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly, leading to a gritty or clumpy sauce. A medium cheddar offers a perfect balance of sharp flavor and excellent melting properties.

How to Make The Best Cheesy Spaghetti: A Simple Guide

Bringing this incredible cheesy spaghetti to life is a straightforward process that’s designed for efficiency and maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.

1. Prepare the Pasta & Peas: Begin by boiling your spaghetti in well-salted water. Salt the water generously, as this is your main opportunity to season the pasta itself. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, but shave off about one minute from the recommended cooking time; the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. During the final minute of cooking, add the frozen peas directly to the boiling pasta water. Before draining, remember to scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – it’s essential for achieving that perfect sauce consistency.
2. Craft the Creamy Sauce: In a large, deep skillet (one that can comfortably hold all the pasta later), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over it. Whisk continuously for about one minute to create a roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps in thickening. Gradually pour in the room-temperature whole milk, whisking briskly and constantly to prevent any lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce base is smooth and begins to thicken.
3. Season to Perfection: Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Add a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, the mustard powder enhances the cheese flavor without making the sauce taste like mustard.
4. Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheddar cheese. This prevents the cheese from overheating and becoming grainy or oily. Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition. Continue stirring until the cheese is mostly melted and incorporated into the sauce. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will melt as you combine everything.
5. Combine & Serve: Transfer the drained spaghetti and peas directly into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta strands are beautifully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or needs a little loosening, gradually stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Taste one last time and adjust the salt if necessary – cheese loves salt to truly bring out its best flavor!
6. Garnish & Enjoy: Serve your cheesy spaghetti immediately, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is best enjoyed hot off the stovetop!

What To Serve With Cheesy Spaghetti

While cheesy spaghetti is a wonderfully satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience and create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent accompaniments:

• Crispy French Bread: A timeless classic! French bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy cheese sauce on your plate. Its crusty exterior and soft interior provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Fresh Side Salad: To balance the richness of the pasta, a crisp and refreshing side salad is ideal. A simple Caesar salad with its tangy dressing, or a vibrant everyday green salad with a light vinaigrette, will add freshness and a touch of acidity.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables and adds a lovely caramelized flavor. Try serving with roasted broccoli, sweet roasted carrots, or tender oven-roasted Parmesan asparagus for an easy and nutritious addition.
• Grilled Chicken or Protein: If you’re looking to add more protein for a heartier meal, a simply seasoned grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or even some lean ground turkey can be easily incorporated or served alongside.
• Seasonal Fruit Salad: For a light and refreshing dessert or a vibrant side, a bowl of fresh fruit is always a good choice. Anything in season will work beautifully, or try a delicious blackberry lime fruit salad with orange zest for a zesty finish.

More Easy Pasta Dishes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of simple, comforting, and delicious pasta recipes, you’re in the right place! Here are a few more easy pasta dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become family favorites:

• Butternut Squash Pasta with crispy bacon for a savory-sweet twist.
• Zucchini Pasta Sauce with lemon and summer squash, a fresh and light option.
• Pasta Salad with corn, zucchini, and avocado, featuring the easiest homemade dressing.
• Chicken Penne Pasta with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, a hearty and flavorful dish.
• Sausage Pasta with an incredibly easy and robust sauce.

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5 from 2 votes

Cheesy Spaghetti

By

Chelsea Lords

This Cheesy Spaghetti is quick, easy, and sure to please everyone at the table!

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Cook Time:

10
minutes

Total Time:

25
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Video

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
  big enough to hold the sauce and pasta!

Ingredients

• 14
  ounces
  spaghetti
  (see note 1)
• 1
  cup
  pasta water
  (reserve before draining)
• 1
  (10-ounce) package
  frozen peas
• Salt and pepper
• 4
  tablespoons
  unsalted butter
• 1/4
  cup
  flour
• 1
  cup
  whole milk
• 1
  teaspoon
  garlic powder
• 1
  teaspoon
  onion powder
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  ground mustard
• 1
  (8-ounce) package
  freshly shredded medium Cheddar cheese
  (see note 2)
• Parmesan cheese
  (for topping, see note 3)

Instructions

• Bring 12 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and then the 14 ounces of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute (al dente). In the final minute of cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling water with the pasta. Crucially, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti and peas. Drain the pasta well, shaking off any excess water.
• In a large skillet (one that’s spacious enough to later hold all the pasta), melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour evenly over the butter and whisk continuously until smooth. Continue whisking constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the 1 cup of whole milk, whisking briskly and constantly to ensure a smooth mixture that begins to thicken. Whisk in the 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition until the cheese is mostly melted and incorporated into the sauce. (It’s okay if there are still a few small lumps; they will melt as the dish comes together.)
• Add the drained spaghetti and peas directly to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together until the sauce evenly coats every strand of pasta. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, adding just enough to achieve your desired creamy consistency. Taste the pasta and adjust the salt as needed – remember, cheese loves salt to truly bring out its flavor!
• Serve immediately, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Pasta Measurement Most standard boxes of pasta are 16 ounces. For this recipe, aim for 14 ounces. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can estimate by removing about 50 strands of spaghetti. For precise measurement, use a food scale: place a cup on the scale, zero it out, and add spaghetti until it reaches exactly 14 ounces.

Note 2: Freshly Shredded Cheese For the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce, it is highly recommended to shred your own medium Cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting properly, resulting in a grainy or clumpy sauce.

Note 3: Parmesan Topping I love using a microplane grater to grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly onto individual plates just before serving. The sharp, salty flavor of Parmesan perfectly complements the creamy cheddar sauce. If you choose to skip the Parmesan, you might find that you need to add a touch more salt to the overall dish to bring out its full flavor.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
808
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
95.2
g

|

Protein:
32.9
g

|

Fat:
32.5
g

|

Cholesterol:
87.9
mg

|

Sodium:
480.7
mg

|

Fiber:
6.7
g

|

Sugar:
9.7
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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