Spaghetti With Four Cheeses
Creamy and cheesy spaghetti adorned with four cheeses, perfect for comforting dinners and cheese lovers seeking a rich, flavorful pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half and half or lite cream ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti as label directs; drain well in colander and keep hot.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in half and half or lite cream; cook until slightly thickened.
- Add shredded Mozzarella, Fontina, grated Provolone, and Parmesan or Romano cheeses; stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and cracked pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with cooked spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. You can substitute the cheeses based on your preference or availability; Gruyère or Gouda can work well in place of Fontina. If you're looking for a lighter option, feel free to reduce the amount of margarine or use olive oil instead. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh Pesto Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent spaghetti with a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for extra flavor. A light side salad, such as a crisp Caesar or mixed greens, complements the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Italian Torta(A-La-Venito) to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to help restore its creaminess. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Four Cheeses contains roughly 1087 calories, with 61g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (122% of the Daily Value), calcium (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove before combining with freshly cooked spaghetti. However, it's best to cook the pasta right before serving to maintain the best texture.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative will work well in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Spaghetti With Four Cheeses is a vegetarian-friendly dish. The combination of cheeses provides a satisfying meal without any meat, making it perfect for those following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).