Creamy Cheese Pasta
A comforting, rich, and creamy cheese sauce coats tender pasta perfectly for an easy and satisfying meal. This versatile recipe combines multiple cheeses with cream and butter to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or indulgent weekend treats, it can be customized with your favorite add-ins and pasta shapes.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or choice)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in cream or milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and melted.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add drained pasta to sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
- For a lighter dish, substitute half the cream with milk or use low-fat cheeses.
- Experiment with pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as rigatoni or penne.
- Add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a complete meal.
- Avoid overheating cheese to prevent grainy sauce — melt gently on low heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.