A Duet of Pasta and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dish with "A Duet of Pasta and Cheese," a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that combines the velvety richness of parmesan and mozzarella with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe features a homemade garlic-infused cheese sauce, whisked to silky perfection with a classic roux base and whole milk, creating a luscious coating for the al dente pasta. Finished with a touch of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Whether you're craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing pasta dish, this quick and easy recipe, ready in just 40 minutes, is guaranteed to satisfy. Perfect for lovers of Italian-inspired cuisine, "A Duet of Pasta and Cheese" will become your go-to for a creamy pasta fix.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 100 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 liters water
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and stir. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, to create a smooth, creamy base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently mix to combine. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5426.5 grams (5426.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2360

Total Fat 135.60g	174%
Saturated Fat 74.20g	371%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 384mg	128%
Sodium 11977mg	521%
Total Carbohydrate 171.70g	62%
Dietary Fiber 8.20g	29%
Total Sugars 36.00g
Protein 117.90g	236%

Vitamin D 268IU	1342%
Calcium 3252mg	250%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 1336mg	28%

*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: 51.3%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 28.9%