Creamy 4-Cheese Penne (Pasta ai 4 Formaggi)
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
This indulgent and rich Creamy 4-Cheese Penne (Pasta ai 4 Formaggi) is a perfect blend of four luscious cheeses that melt into a silky sauce, enveloping each pasta bite in cheesy goodness. The combination of Taleggio, Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola, and Gruyère creates a harmonious balance of flavors, while a touch of pepper and salt adds just the right amount of seasoning. The creamy sauce, made with whole milk, adds extra smoothness to the dish, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in, this pasta dish is guaranteed to delight cheese lovers of all kinds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne Rigate | 320g |
| Taleggio Cheese | 80g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 80g |
| Gorgonzola Cheese | 100g |
| Gruyère Cheese | 80g |
| Whole Milk | 180g |
| White Pepper | A pinch |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Calcium | 400mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pasta:
Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the penne rigate. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, depending on the brand of pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water for later. Set the pasta aside. -
Grate the Cheese:
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheeses. Using a fine grater, shred the Parmigiano Reggiano. Next, cut the Gruyère into small pieces, then grate it with a coarse grater. For the Taleggio, cut it into small cubes, ensuring you remove the rind. Lastly, remove the rind from the Gorgonzola and cut it into small chunks. Set all the cheeses aside, ready to be incorporated into the sauce. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, pour the whole milk and add the cubed Taleggio. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir gently until the Taleggio begins to melt. Once the Taleggio has melted into the milk, add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and Gruyère. Continue to stir to help the cheeses melt smoothly into the milk. After about 3-5 minutes, the sauce should begin to thicken and become creamy. -
Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, it’s time to combine the two. Using a slotted spoon or pasta server, transfer the cooked pasta into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Be sure to add a little of the pasta cooking water if the sauce needs thinning, but aim for a thick, velvety consistency. -
Season the Dish:
Season the creamy pasta with a pinch of white pepper and fine salt to taste. Stir the pasta and sauce together gently, ensuring that the cheese sauce evenly coats each piece of pasta. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well combined, serve the Penne ai 4 Formaggi immediately, while it’s still warm and creamy. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional Parmigiano Reggiano on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Substitutions: If you’re unable to find certain cheeses, you can substitute Taleggio with another creamy cheese like Fontina or Brie. You can also use Mozzarella for a milder option instead of Gorgonzola.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use a reduced-fat milk or a combination of milk and cream. However, this may affect the texture and creaminess of the sauce.
- Add Protein: To make the dish heartier, consider adding grilled chicken, pancetta, or bacon bits to the sauce.
This Creamy 4-Cheese Penne is a luxurious pasta dish that combines the richness of four different cheeses with the comforting texture of the pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will surely satisfy all your cravings for a rich, cheesy, and decadent meal.
