This Four Cheese Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines four different types of cheese for a rich flavor. Perfect for cheese lovers, it’s simply irresistible!
You won’t believe how quick it is to make—just cook the pasta, toss it with the cheesy goodness, and you’re ready to enjoy! It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce well. If you’re out of penne, feel free to use fusilli or rigatoni—both work nicely in this dish!
Cheeses: The four cheeses are key to the creamy texture. If ricotta isn’t your favorite, cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative. For mozzarella, try provolone or fontina. Crumbled gorgonzola brings a fantastic tang if you swap it for feta!
Heavy Cream: This is what gives your sauce its luscious creaminess. If you’re looking to make it lighter, half-and-half can be a good substitute, but it won’t be quite as rich.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a lovely sweetness and texture. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers can add a similar flavor and color.
How Do You Make Sure the Cheese Sauce is Creamy and Smooth?
Getting that perfect cheese sauce can be tricky but following a few key steps will help!
- First, melt the butter and sauté the garlic—this adds a great base flavor.
- When you add the cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Stir constantly while melting the cheeses for a smooth sauce!
- Don’t rush! Let the cheese melt completely before adding the pasta. This will ensure everything combines well and is creamy.
Remember, the mix of cheeses contributes greatly to the overall creaminess, so make sure to blend them in gradually.
How to Make Four Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or substitute with gorgonzola/blue cheese for more tang)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Four Cheese Pasta can be prepared in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend 10-15 minutes boiling and draining the pasta, while the cheese sauce comes together in about 15 minutes of stirring and simmering. A quick and comforting meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Now, in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Make the Creamy Base:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally. This creamy base is what binds all the cheese together!
4. Add the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat to low and gradually mix in the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta cheeses. Stir constantly until all the cheeses are melted, and you’ve got a deliciously creamy sauce. It should be smooth and comforting!
5. Mix in the Extras:
Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of heat). Stir everything together so the tomatoes are well distributed in the sauce.
6. Season the Sauce:
Season your cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it one last stir to combine everything perfectly.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Gently add the cooked penne pasta into the cheese sauce, tossing it to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy goodness. Lovely!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Dish the pasta into plates or bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves over the top, along with an extra pinch of Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch!
9. Enjoy:
Now, dig in while it’s hot and creamy! This pasta is the ultimate comfort food, bursting with cheesy flavor and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Enjoy every bite!
This Four Cheese Pasta is easy to make and sure to impress! Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for this dish, you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
Is There a Lower-Fat Option for the Cheese?
Yes! You can use low-fat ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories. The flavor will still be delicious, though the sauce may not be quite as creamy. You can also consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute for some of the ricotta for a tangy twist!
How Can I Make This Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them with the garlic for added flavor and nutrients!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to help restore the creamy texture if needed!
