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Cheese Sauce For Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cheese Sauce Pasta Recipe is an easy white sauce with a blend of four cheeses packed with a depth of flavors that complement each other beautifully. It is ready in 20 minutes! Add the panko crunch topping if you want an elevated meal.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 - 6 servings
Calories: 978 kcal
Course: Main Course , Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Creamy Pasta Sauce:
  • 1 package of your favorite DeLallo pasta (we love DeLallo Spaghetti, Shellbows, or Rigatoni for this sauce, but any shape will work). 454 gr
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ¼ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded provolone cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano cheese
  • reserved pasta cooking water
  • Salt and pepper to tast
Optional Topping (so good!):
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the Optional Topping: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce. 
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic (or garlic powder) and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Make the Creamy Base: Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to heat through, but do not let it come to a boil.
  5. Add the Cheeses. Turn the heat to a low simmer. Gradually add the grated parmigiano, shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated Romano cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook another 2 minutes at a very low heat while continuously stirring the pasta into the sauce. Add a bit of the starchy pasta water (until desired consistency) and stir to combine. The sauce will thicken and coat the pasta. 
  8. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with the toasted panko mixture (if desired). Mangia!

Notes

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grating your cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties ensures a smoother sauce, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's texture.
  • Low and Slow Heating: When making the cheese sauce, heat it gently over medium-low heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy. Patience is key for a smooth, creamy result.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Don't forget to reserve some pasta cooking water. The starchy water helps thin the sauce if it becomes too thick and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
  • Salt the Pasta Water: Generously salt the water when cooking your pasta. This is your chance to season the pasta itself and will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the cheeses and dairy ingredients come to room temperature before adding them to the sauce. This helps them melt more evenly and smoothly.
  • Stir Constantly: When adding the cheeses to the sauce, stir constantly to ensure they melt evenly and don't clump or burn.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a bit to thicken.
  • Serve Immediately: Cheese sauce pasta is best enjoyed fresh. The sauce can thicken and become less creamy if it sits too long.

Nutrition Information

Calories 978kcal (49%) Carbohydrates 90g (30%) Protein 42g (84%) Fat 50g (77%) Saturated Fat 30g (150%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 140mg (47%) Sodium 1022mg (43%) Potassium 450mg (13%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 1485IU (30%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 815mg (82%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4- 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 978

% Daily Value*

Calories 978kcal 49%
Carbohydrates 90g 30%
Protein 42g 84%
Fat 50g 77%
Saturated Fat 30g 150%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 140mg 47%
Sodium 1022mg 43%
Potassium 450mg 10%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 1485IU 30%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 815mg 82%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.