Name: Cheesy Alfredo Three-Cheese Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 12 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, etc.); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce is pure comfort in every bite. It’s a smooth blend of three flavorful cheeses combined with butter, garlic, and cream to create a luxurious Alfredo-style sauce with a deep cheesy finish. It’s easy to make in one pan, ready in under 30 minutes, and totally customizable. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta or using it as a base for a casserole, this sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt
Black pepper
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, etc.)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Stir in the cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thick.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and add directly to the sauce.
Toss the pasta in the sauce until fully coated. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use sharp cheddar as one of the cheeses for a tangy twist.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or broccoli for a complete meal.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it as needed.
Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the cheese to separate—use 50% power in short intervals for best results.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives better flavor and texture.

Is this sauce the same as Alfredo?

It’s similar to Alfredo but richer, thanks to the blend of three cheeses instead of just Parmesan.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become grainy once thawed.

What cheeses can I substitute?

Try gouda, fontina, asiago, or Monterey jack for different flavor profiles.

How do I thin the sauce if it gets too thick?

Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water while stirring to reach desired consistency.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

Long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal, but it also works great with penne or shells.

Can I make it without cream cheese?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less thick and tangy. Add extra Parmesan or a little cornstarch to compensate.

Is it gluten-free?

The sauce itself is gluten-free; just use gluten-free pasta to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider thickening with a bit of flour or extra cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy Alfredo Three-Cheese Spaghetti Sauce is a dreamy, decadent pasta sauce that brings rich flavor and creamy texture to your dinner table. With three luscious cheeses and a velvety base, it turns any ordinary pasta night into something special. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, this sauce is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.