Quick Cheesy Spaghetti Recipe | Easy Spaghetti Noodle Dinner for Busy Nights - Comforting, Fast, and Family-Friendly
If you need a cozy dinner that comes together fast, this cheesy spaghetti is a lifesaver. It’s creamy, saucy, and loaded with melty cheese—everything you want after a long day. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps, just simple pantry staples you probably already have.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti (regular or thin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but flavorful)
- 24 ounces marinara or tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserve from the pot)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente (1 minute less than package directions). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté aromatics. In a wide skillet or large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add sauce and season. Pour in marinara sauce. Stir in oregano, red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to warm through and blend flavors.
- Loosen with pasta water. Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce to help it cling to the noodles. You can add more later if needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss over low heat for 1–2 minutes so the noodles absorb the sauce.
- Make it cheesy. Lower the heat and sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. If using, add cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for a silky finish. Adjust the sauce with a bit more pasta water if it feels too thick.
- Taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste. Finish with chopped basil or parsley if you like.
- Serve hot. Top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread if you want to make it a full meal.