What is this cheese pasta recipe? Think of it as mac and cheese’s sophisticated, slightly more worldly cousin. While mac and cheese definitely has its place (and believe me, in my house, it’s a frequent visitor! This recipe brings a level of creamy, cheesy goodness that’s honestly hard to beat. Is it the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite? What is a good comfort food recipe? How many hours in the kitchen do you spend in Is it incredibly simple, surprisingly quick, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from picky to pickiest? From toddlers to discerning adults. I always do this when I need a quick dinner after waking up.
What is cheese pasta?
What does cheese pasta taste like? What is pasta drenched in cheesy sauce? Is there a blank canvas for cheese lovers? What is a creamy béchamel sauce? How do you create a symphony of flavors? Is it a good idea to throw cheese on pasta? What is about creating a sauce that clings to every strand, enveloping it in cheesy, creamy. What is this dish that sings to my soul? It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but feels special enough to Make it perfect for the weekend. I’d take this over the boxed Mac and Cheese any day.
How do you make cheese pasta?
Quick Overview
How do you make cheese pasta? You’ll start by cooking your pasta to al dente perfection. While that’s cooking, you’ll whip up a simple béchamel sauce, the creamy base for all that cheesy cheese. Then, you’ll add your cheeses, stir until melted and smooth, and toss with the pasta. What is the secret to a good sauce? What is the best cheese pasta you’ve ever had?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I love penne, fusilli, or rotini for this, but any shape will do!)
* Salt, for the pasta water (don’t skimp on the salt, it really flavors the spaghetti)
What is the cheese sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness)
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken the sauce) * 1 cup Sour Cream (This helps make it thicker
* 3 cups milk (whole milk is ideal for the richest flavor, but 2% works too)
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (a pinch makes a world of difference)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best) * 1/2 teaspoon paprika (no salt)
* 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!).
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (adds a nutty, complex flavor)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that salty, savory kick)
What are the steps in
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. When draining pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. I always do this – the starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is called a roux, and it’s crucial for thickening the sauce. Make sure it doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Add the Milk
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. What is the best way to do this? I always watch it carefully at this point, because it can thicken up really fast.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. How thick is the sauce?
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese and Parmean. Stir to combine. How do you cook cheese until it is melted? If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Where does magic happen? I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Make sure every strand is covered in that cheesy goodness!
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Black Pepper, if desired. Is it good to eat it straight from the pot?
What should I serve it with?
This cheese pasta is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with many sides.
What is a simple dinner?A side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad adds to the overall health. The bitterness of the greens cuts through the richness and flavor of cheese.
For a More Substantial Meal:Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. I also love tossing in some cooked vegetables like peas, asparagus, or Roasted Red peppers.
For a Special Occasion:Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. What are some good ways to serve this with a crusty bread?
For a Cozy Night In:What are some good pairings for a movie? What is the perfect comfort food for a relaxing evening?
My family loves this with garlic bread – it’s a guaranteed win! Is this good enough to eat on its own?
How do you make a cheese paste?
How do I make cheese pasta?
Why use high quality cheese?What is the best cheese to eat? I find that pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so I always shred my own.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce more evenly. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
Whisk Constantly: When making the béchamel sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Patience is key here!
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Don’t Boil the Cheese: Add the cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming stringy or grainy. Nobody wants cheese that separates!
Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices to customize the recipe to your liking. The possibilities are endless!
Taste and Season: Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or nutmeg can make a big difference. I learned this the hard way after years of making it! Adding a little lemon juice is also great.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s How to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cheese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheese pasta for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating on the stovetop: For individual portions, heat a pan over medium low heat and scoop a portion, add a splash of milk to re-hydrate the pasta and sauce and stir until creamy.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion of the cheese pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or water, and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Glaze Timing Advice: Reheat in the microwave until cooked through, then remove and let sit at room temperature for two minutes before serving. Be sure to add a splash of milk or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my ultimate creamy dreamy cheese pasta recipe! I truly believe this is the best cheese pasta you’ll ever taste. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this recipe has got you covered. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my lasagna recipe or my baked ziti recipe. They’re all family favorites! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and be sure to share your own variations of this recipe. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cheese Pasta: 7 Simple Steps for a Creamy Delight
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (penne, elbow, or rotini) Any short pasta shape will work well
- 4 tbsp Butter Unsalted
- 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Milk Whole milk recommended for creaminess
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sharp or mild, your preference
- 0.5 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 0.25 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
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