This Creamy Cheese Spaghetti with Sweet Red Pepper and Parmesan is a decadent and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. The combination of sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan, and a velvety cream sauce creates an irresistible flavor that clings perfectly to the al dente spaghetti. The addition of sweet red pepper and garlic provides a hint of sweetness and depth, while the chicken broth adds richness to the sauce.
This dish is quick and easy to make, and its cheesy, creamy goodness is sure to satisfy. It’s great for a casual family meal or when you want to treat yourself to something rich and flavorful. Garnished with fresh parsley, this pasta is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti – 300 g
- Sweet Red Pepper – 1, finely chopped
- Onion – 1, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Flour – 1 heaping tablespoon
- Chicken broth – 250 ml
- Cream – 125 ml
- Butter – 40 g
- Parmesan cheese – 100 g, grated
- Cheddar cheese – 100 g, grated
- Fresh parsley – chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 300 g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- While the spaghetti is cooking, melt 40 g of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sweet red pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Sprinkle 1 heaping tablespoon of flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the 250 ml of chicken broth, whisking constantly to combine the flour and liquid smoothly.
- Once the mixture begins to thicken, stir in the 125 ml of cream. Lower the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency.
4. Add the Cheese:
- With the sauce still simmering, stir in the 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese and the 100 g of grated cheddar cheese.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt level, as both cheeses are salty, so taste before adding extra.
5. Combine the Spaghetti with the Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Use tongs or a pasta spoon to toss the spaghetti in the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen it up.
6. Serve:
- Once the spaghetti is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve immediately, either as individual portions or family-style in a large serving bowl.
Cooking Tips
- Cooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, so you don’t want it to become too soft.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta better without losing its creamy texture.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses if you prefer. Gouda, fontina, or gruyere can add even more richness and flavor to the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Adding Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to the dish. This will turn it into a more substantial entrée.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing as the cream sauce may separate when thawed, but if you do freeze it, be sure to reheat slowly on the stovetop while stirring in extra cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with any type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent, such as cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy cheese spaghetti pairs well with a light side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s a rich dish, so balancing it with something lighter, like a salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, works wonderfully.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even peas to the sauce. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and peppers, or stir in the spinach towards the end to wilt it into the sauce.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
While cream provides a richer sauce, you can substitute milk for a lighter version of the dish. Just note that the sauce may be slightly thinner and less decadent.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cheese Spaghetti with Sweet Red Pepper and Parmesan is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti, while the sweet red pepper and garlic add layers of flavor. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this pasta dish is not only satisfying but also full of vibrant flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner for the family or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is a winner. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal, and enjoy the cheesy goodness with every bite!