This Four Cheese Pasta is a yummy dish packed with flavors from four different cheeses, making it super cheesy and rich! Perfect for cheese lovers or anyone looking for comfort food.
Honestly, who can resist a bowl of cheesy goodness? I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to add a little pop of color. It’s like a cheesy hug on a plate! 🧀💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne works well to catch all the cheesy sauce. You can swap it for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those avoiding gluten.
Cheeses: The blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and gorgonzola gives depth. If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, you could use feta or goat cheese for a creamier texture. For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese used.
Heavy Cream & Milk: They create a luscious sauce. If you want lighter options, try half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream. This can help cut down on calories but still keep things creamy.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce Is Smooth?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is key to this dish. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make sure your heat is medium-low when adding the cheeses. Too high can cause them to clump.
- Stir continuously as you add each cheese for even melting.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it up.
- Remove from heat once the cheese is melted and smooth to prevent it from becoming grainy.
These tips ensure your sauce comes out creamy and delicious every time. Happy cooking!
How to Make Four Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (or blue cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Four Cheese Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. So in just about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious, cheesy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften nicely. This step adds a great flavor to the sauce!
4. Mix in the Cream and Milk:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this will create a rich and creamy base for your cheese sauce.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Now’s the best part! Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and gorgonzola cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Season the Sauce:
Season the cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a taste test to see if it needs more seasoning!
7. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together well so that every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious cheese sauce.
8. Heat Through:
Let the pasta and sauce cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Four Cheese Pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a fresh basil leaf on top for a pop of color.
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and indulgent Four Cheese Pasta! This dish is perfect for sharing or enjoying on a cozy night in—dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is great for catching the cheese sauce, you can use other shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have All the Cheeses?
No problem! You can mix and match based on what you have on hand. For instance, if you’re missing gorgonzola, you can use more Parmesan or mozzarella instead. Aim for a combination of creamy and salty cheeses for balance.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk if needed for creaminess, and then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, sprinkle a little milk or cream to keep the pasta from drying out, and heat gently on the stove.
