Three Cheese White Sauce Pasta 🧀🧈🥛🔥 Ultra-Creamy, Buttery, and Packed With Layered Cheese Flavor

This is white sauce pasta turned up to eleven — built on a silky roux-based béchamel, then enriched with a blend of Parmesan for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch, and cream cheese for extra body.

It’s gooey, luscious, and indulgent without being heavy — perfect for cheese lovers and weeknight showstoppers alike.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the cheese sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred or 2%)
• 2 oz cream cheese (about ¼ cup)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder (optional)

To finish

• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Chopped parsley or basil
• Optional: drizzle of truffle oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Make the roux
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly golden and nutty (don’t brown). This forms the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in milk
Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

Step 4: Add the cheeses
Lower heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Add Parmesan and mozzarella gradually, whisking to incorporate. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg or garlic powder if using.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce
Toss cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to thin and coat evenly. The sauce should cling luxuriously.

Step 6: Serve hot
Plate with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and an optional drizzle of oil.

Flavor Variations

• Swap in Gruyère, Fontina, or white cheddar for one of the cheeses
• Add crispy pancetta or bacon bits for smoky depth
• Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted garlic for balance
• Add chili flakes or mustard powder for punch
• Bake with breadcrumbs for a bubbly casserole-style version

Pro Tips

• Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded blends don’t melt as well
• Don’t boil the sauce once cheese is added — it can break or turn gritty
• Cream cheese makes the texture extra creamy — don’t skip it
• Save your pasta water! It’s your secret weapon for a silky sauce
• Taste at the end — cheese adds salt, so season carefully

Final Thoughts

Three Cheese White Sauce Pasta is pure, melty decadence. It’s everything you want from comfort food: warm, rich, and packed with cheesy layers that feel indulgent but come together fast. No baking required — just whisk, swirl, and serve.

Whisk it. Melt it. Let the cheese do the talking. 🧀🧈🥛🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
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• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
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🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
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• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.