This Four Cheese Pasta is a creamy delight, filled with gooey goodness from four different cheeses. It’s comforting and perfect for a cozy dinner!
You can’t go wrong with so much cheese! I love how it warms you up from the inside out. Pair it with garlic bread, and you’ll have a meal worth sharing (or keeping to yourself)!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can use rigatoni or fusilli instead. Just make sure they’re similar in size to keep cooking times uniform!
Cheese: The blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar gives this dish its unique flavor. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat versions or substitute ricotta for cream cheese. You can also mix in some goat cheese for a tangy twist!
Heavy cream: If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or whole milk can work as a substitute, but it may alter the creaminess a bit. Alternatively, use a plant-based cream if you want a dairy-free version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor. If you have garlic powder, use about 1/2 teaspoon instead. However, nothing beats the aroma of fresh garlic in this dish!
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
Creating the right cheese sauce is vital for your Four Cheese Pasta. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to melt the butter and sauté the garlic. This ensures the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese together and keep stirring until smooth. Patience is key here!
- Then, slowly mix in the shredded cheeses, ensuring everything melts evenly. Doing this gradually helps achieve that creamy texture.
- Taste the sauce! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before mixing with pasta. You want it just right before combining!
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a creamy, delicious cheese sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly!
Four Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking skillet/pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and an additional 20 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy this cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet lightly with olive oil. This will help the pasta from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta, and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells really good! Then, lower the heat a bit and pour in the heavy cream along with the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add All The Cheeses:
Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and creamy. It’s okay to taste and adjust with some salt and black pepper too!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained penne pasta into your cheese sauce and give it a good stir to coat the pasta evenly. If you want some heat, sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes.
6. Transfer and Bake:
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish or skillet. For an extra delicious top, sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese over it. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the top is beautifully bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully take it out of the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a bit more parsley if you like. Serve it hot, and enjoy it alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread for a wonderful meal!
Enjoy your creamy, luscious Four Cheese Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shell pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
What Cheese Can I Substitute?
If you’re out of one of the cheeses, that’s okay! You can swap the cream cheese with ricotta for a different texture, use any melting cheese in place of mozzarella, or even add gouda or provolone for a flavorful twist. Just make sure to maintain a good mix of flavors!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Four Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the creaminess. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to help it loosen up.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just assemble and bake it right before serving for the freshest taste. If you want to freeze it, be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
