Cheesy Italian Spaghetti

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this rich and indulgent Cheesy Italian Spaghetti recipe, a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth textures. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is coated in a luscious tomato and cream cheese sauce, infused with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil for an irresistible depth of flavor. Topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Quick and easy to make in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality taste. Serve it piping hot with fresh basil and extra cheese for a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love. This cheesy pasta recipe combines classic Italian ingredients with a creamy twist, making it a must-try for pasta lovers everywhere!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 800 grams crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 120 grams cream cheese, softened
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 liters water, for boiling

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy base.

Step 5

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for 3-5 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil leaves on top for added flavor.

Step 8

Serve the Cheesy Italian Spaghetti hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5813.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2453.7

Total Fat 134.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 340.0mg	0%
Sodium 4954.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 44.1g
Protein 106.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2362.3mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 2706.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 34.0%