Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal to satisfy your cravings for cheesy goodness? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Four Cheese Pasta Bake. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy nights in with family or friends. The combination of four different cheeses creates a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the al dente pasta. Let’s get started on creating this crowd-pleasing favorite!
Four Cheese Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pasta of your choice (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, ricotta, and shredded cheddar cheeses. Mix well to combine.
4. In a separate saucepan, heat the crushed tomatoes over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Once the tomato sauce is ready, stir in the heavy cream until well combined. Remove the sauce from the heat.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheeses.
7. Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Spread the pasta and cheese mixture on top of the sauce in an even layer.
9. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the pasta and spread it out to cover the pasta completely.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top.
12. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy your delicious Four Cheese Pasta Bake!
This Four Cheese Pasta Bake is sure to become a family favorite with its melty, gooey cheese and flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients like cooked veggies or seasoned meats. Serve it alongside a fresh salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is a surefire way to bring everyone together around the dinner table. Enjoy!
