Randy Chandler
There are many ways to add cheese to pasta, and it is a simple, nutritious meal that can be made in just a few minutes. The type of cheese you use will depend on the style of pasta dish you are making. For example, tomato-based pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognese are made more authentic with parmesan, while mozzarella is used in pasta bakes that require a creamy base, like lasagna. To make a simple cheese sauce for pasta, you can melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and milk to make a paste, then add cheese in several separate lots. The cheese options are endless, but some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pasta | Any type of pasta can be used, but short pasta shapes are recommended for creamy sauces. |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, Smoked Cheeses, Havarti, Provolone, Taleggio, Swiss, Blue Cheese, Feta, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta, Ricotta Salata, Gorgonzola, Monterey, Colby Jack |
| Adding Cheese | Add cheese to hot pasta and stir until melted and smooth. |
| Quantity of Cheese | No specific quantity mentioned, but adjust to taste and consistency preferences. |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, garlic, herbs, spices, salt, pepper, olive oil, vegetables (diced tomatoes, cooked broccoli florets, spinach), meat (bacon, sausage, chicken), basil flakes |
| Cooking Method | Boil water, add salt, stir, then add pasta and cook until al dente. Heat butter/oil in a separate pan, add garlic, stir, then add flour and whisk. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Add spices and herbs, then combine with cooked pasta. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a classic choice for pasta. This hard Italian cheese is extremely versatile and can be grated or melted. It is the perfect topping for a tomato-based pasta, like spaghetti bolognese, and is also used in traditional recipes like alfredo, carbonara, and lasagna.
Mozzarella is another popular Italian cheese that is used in pasta dishes. It melts remarkably well, making it ideal for pasta sauces and oven-baked dishes. It is one of the cheeses used in the standard four-cheese sauce, along with ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and gorgonzola or pecorino romano. Mozzarella is prepared using buffalo milk and stored in brine, keeping it fresh.
Ricotta is a creamy and thick whey cheese made from leftover whey, usually from cow or goat's milk. It is perfect for thickening sauces and is a common ingredient in lasagna and pasta bakes. It also pairs well with spinach and other green vegetables, giving pasta a creamy finish. Ricotta Salata is a less common but similar option that is aged longer, resulting in a crumblier texture and stronger flavor.
Feta, a soft Greek cheese made from goat's milk or a mixture of goat and sheep milk, is commonly associated with salads but can also be added to pasta. It is not a melting cheese but is cut into small cubes and added to light pasta sauces like tomato and basil, pesto, or lemon and spinach for a fresh, healthy option.
Pecorino Romano, a hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, is best suited for grating and sprinkling over pasta dishes. It has a strong, salty taste, so it may not be for everyone, but it is a key ingredient in the simple, three-ingredient dish Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper).
Other cheeses that can be used in pasta dishes include cheddar, gouda, smoked cheeses, havarti, provolone, taleggio, and Swiss cheese.
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Making a cheese sauce
There are many ways to make a cheese sauce for pasta. The type of cheese you use will depend on your personal preference, but some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, Parmesan, and gorgonzola. You can also add other ingredients such as bacon, thyme, and garlic to enhance the flavour of your sauce.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh thyme (optional)
- Bacon (optional)
Method:
- Melt butter in a medium or large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add flour and whisk until a paste forms.
- Turn down to medium heat (or lower) and gradually add milk, whisking continuously.
- Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, add the cheese in small amounts, whisking continuously.
- Add a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- (Optional) Fry bacon in a separate pan over medium-high heat until crispy, then roughly chop.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well.
- (Optional) Add the cooked bacon and fresh thyme, and stir.
- Allow the sauce to gently bubble for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins to create your own unique cheese sauce!
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Adding cheese to pasta
A basic cheese sauce can be made by first frying bacon and then melting butter in a saucepan. Flour is then added and whisked into a paste, and milk is gradually added, continuing to whisk to ensure the butter and flour are well incorporated. Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, the cheese can be added in small amounts. The heat should be kept low when adding the cheese, and a splash of milk can be added if the sauce becomes too thick.
The cooked pasta can then be added directly to the sauce, along with fresh thyme and black pepper. It should be left to gently bubble for 1-2 minutes. The pasta should be slightly undercooked so that it can finish cooking in the sauce.
There are many types of cheese that can be added to pasta. Mozzarella, a classic Italian cheese, melts remarkably well and can be melted into pasta sauces or used on top of oven-baked dishes. Cheddar is another popular choice, and can be used in combination with mozzarella for a simple, kid-friendly dish. For a more decadent dish, several types of cheese can be mixed together, such as American, cheddar, and mozzarella. A teaspoon of cream cheese can also be added to hot pasta and allowed to melt before adding other cheeses.
Other cheeses that can be used in pasta include Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino romano, feta, gorgonzola, Gruyere, and ricotta. Ricotta is especially good for thickening sauces and can be used in lasagna or pasta bakes. It also goes well with spinach and other green vegetables. Feta is a Greek soft cheese made from goat's milk or a mixture of goat and sheep milk. It is not a melting cheese but can be cut into small cubes and added to light pasta sauces such as tomato and basil, pesto, or lemon and spinach.
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Adding other ingredients
There are many different types of cheese that can be added to pasta, including cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gruyere. For a simple pasta and cheese dish, cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and return to the pot. Stir in the cheese of your choice while the pasta is still hot, and combine until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. For a more decadent dish, mix several different types of cheese, such as American, cheddar, and mozzarella. You can also add a teaspoon of cream cheese to the hot pasta and let it melt before adding other cheeses.
In addition to cheese, there are many other ingredients that can be added to pasta to enhance the flavour and texture. One option is to add vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, cooked broccoli florets, or spinach. This not only adds nutritional value but also gives the dish a pop of colour. Meat lovers may enjoy adding cooked bacon or sausage to their pasta, while vegetarians may prefer to include ingredients like ricotta, feta, or thyme.
When it comes to seasoning, salt, pepper, and basil flakes are popular choices that can enhance the flavour of a cheesy pasta dish. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, red pepper flakes or chilli flakes can be added for a touch of heat. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect combination. Keep in mind that fresh herbs are ideal, but dried herbs can be used as a substitute if needed.
Creating a creamy cheese sauce for pasta is also an option. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, then add flour and whisk to form a paste. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously, until you achieve the desired consistency. Finally, add the cheese in small batches, stirring until melted and smooth. This sauce can be poured over cooked pasta and topped with additional ingredients such as bacon, thyme, or vegetables.
The type of pasta used can also make a difference in the overall dish. Short pasta shapes, such as orecchiette, gnocchi sardi, elbow macaroni, or bow tie pasta, tend to work well with cheese sauces. To prevent the pasta from sticking together during cooking, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. Additionally, reserving some of the pasta water before draining can help adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
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Serving and storing
When serving, always add the cooked pasta to the sauce, not the other way around. This ensures that the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. You can add a little pasta water to the sauce to loosen it up if needed.
Let the pasta sit in the sauce for a minute or two to absorb the flavours. The sauce will also continue to thicken as it cools.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, the pasta will not taste as good when reheated.
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan with a small amount of milk or water and heat gently over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a little butter or oil to help loosen the sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
First, melt butter in a saucepan on medium-high heat, then add flour and whisk into a paste. Turn down the heat and gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, add the cheese in small amounts. Keep the heat low when adding the cheese, and add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
There are many types of cheese that can be used for pasta. Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and ricotta are all popular choices. Other options include feta, pecorino romano, and gorgonzola.
After cooking the pasta, drain it and return it to the pot. Stir in the cheese while the pasta is still hot, and combine until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. You can also add vegetables and seasonings like salt, pepper, or basil flakes.
