This creamy Four Cheese Pasta is a cheesy delight! Made with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and gorgonzola, it’s bursting with flavor that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, who could say no to a dish full of cheese? I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It makes me feel like a chef at a fancy restaurant! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can swap it for any tubular pasta like rigatoni or ziti if that’s what you have on hand. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich. Coconut cream is a nice alternative for dairy-free diets.
Cheeses: I love this combo for depth of flavor. If you’re missing one, try soft goat cheese instead of ricotta or use a blend of your favorites. Mixing in a little feta can add a nice tang!
Butter: Easily replaceable with olive oil or margarine for a dairy-free alternative. Butter adds a nice richness, so consider this when making your choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1/8 teaspoon powder equals one clove of fresh garlic.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce is Smooth?
Getting a creamy and smooth cheese sauce is key! Follow these steps to avoid clumps:
- Use low heat after adding the cheeses. High heat can cause them to separate and make a gritty texture.
- Grate your cheeses fresh instead of using pre-shredded, as pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent melting.
- Stir continuously as you add the cheese. This helps every bit melt evenly and keeps the sauce silky.
- If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more cream or milk to loosen it up.
Taking your time with these steps will lead to a beautifully creamy Four Cheese Pasta. Enjoy making this dish as much as eating it!
Four Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Four Cheese Pasta will take you about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few extra minutes if you decide to broil it for that golden finish. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, so keep a close eye on it!
3. Make It Creamy:
Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently to prevent it from scorching. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and start adding in your cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season the Sauce:
Now it’s time to season the cheese sauce! Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
With your sauce ready, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so that each piece of pasta is well-coated in that delightful cheese sauce.
6. Bake it Up (Optional):
Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. If you want to create a bubbly and golden top, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top. Optionally, you can place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness of your Four Cheese Pasta!
This creamy Four Cheese Pasta features a rich blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses enveloping perfectly cooked penne, topped with fresh parsley for brightness. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use other shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli. Just make sure the pasta can hold onto that creamy sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve, and you can even broil it for that lovely bubbly finish right before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut cream or any non-dairy cream substitute you enjoy! Just remember the sauce may be less rich with these alternatives.
