๐Ÿฅ„ Homestyle recipes, tested & loved
๐Ÿฅ˜Recipes by Nani
Dinner

Creamy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti

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

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท 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.

๐Ÿงบ 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

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  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.

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

You might also like