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Dinner

Creamy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti

This comforting bowl of cheesy spaghetti is the ultimate quick dinner for busy weeknights.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 20, 2026
Creamy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti
recipesbynani.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like a big bowl of cheesy noodles to make everyone at the table happy. This recipe is a favorite in my house because it uses simple pantry staples to create something truly creamy and satisfying without any fuss.

My secret to the best texture is to save a little splash of the pasta cooking water before you drain it. That starchy water helps the cheese cling to the noodles and makes the sauce silky smooth every single time.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.

  2. 2

    Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.

  3. 3

    Drain the noodles and return them to the warm pot.

  4. 4

    Add the butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, and both cheeses to the pot with the hot pasta.

  5. 5

    Toss everything together over very low heat until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.

  6. 6

    Season with salt and pepper to your liking and serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

💡 Tips

Serve this with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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