Patrick Oconnell
There are many different types of cheese that can be used in pasta dishes. From ricotta to Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella to feta, there's a lot of choice. Some cheeses are better suited to certain pasta dishes than others. For example, mozzarella is a good choice for a topping as it has a delicious gooey, stringy texture. Meanwhile, pecorino romano is a hard Italian cheese that is best suited for grating and sprinkling over pasta dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta, Pecorino Romano, Cheddar, Feta, Gorgonzola |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy, gooey and stringy, nutty and salty, grated, soft, tangy |
| Flavour | Strong, salty, nutty, fresh, healthy |
| Preparation | Grated, sprinkled, cubed, melted |
| Origin | Italian, English, American |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella
When choosing mozzarella for your pasta, look for high-quality fresh mozzarella, which will have the best flavour and texture. You can find fresh mozzarella at many grocery stores, usually packed in brine to keep it moist. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, shredded or block mozzarella from the dairy aisle will also work. Just be aware that the texture and flavour may not be quite as good as fresh mozzarella.
Bun and Cheese: Choosing the Perfect Cheese
You may want to see also
Parmesan
The strong flavour of Parmesan means that a little goes a long way, so it is a good option if you are looking to cut down on your cheese consumption. It is also a very versatile cheese, and can be used in a variety of pasta dishes, from a simple spaghetti alla carbonara to a more complex ragu or bolognese.
If you are looking for a more indulgent option, Parmesan can also be used to make a creamy sauce for pasta. For example, it is a key ingredient in the classic Italian dish fettuccine Alfredo. The cheese is melted down with butter and cream to create a rich, decadent sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
When choosing Parmesan to use in pasta dishes, it is important to select a good-quality cheese. Look for a cheese that is firm to the touch and has a slightly oily texture. The colour should be a light straw yellow, and the flavour should be strong and pungent.
Fuzzy's Tacos: What Cheesy Toppings Make the Cut?
You may want to see also
Ricotta
When choosing ricotta for pasta, look for a high-quality, whole-milk variety. This will have the best flavour and texture. You can also find part-skim ricotta, which has a slightly drier texture and less fat, but it is still a good option for pasta.
If you want to add a bit of texture to your ricotta pasta, you can also bake it. Simply mix the ricotta with your chosen pasta and other ingredients, then bake in the oven until golden and bubbling. This will give you a delicious, comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day.
Finally, ricotta is a great choice for making stuffed pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini. It can be mixed with herbs, spices, and other ingredients to make a delicious filling.
Cheese Steak Hoagies: What's the Cheesy Secret?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pecorino Romano
There are many types of cheese that can be added to pasta, depending on the desired flavour and texture. One option is Pecorino Romano, a hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is best suited for grating and then sprinkling over pasta dishes, and has a strong, salty taste. This cheese is one of Italy's oldest varieties, dating back to the Roman era. It is a key ingredient in the simple, three-ingredient cheese pasta dish Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper), but also works well as a garnish for dishes such as ragu or bolognese.
The cheese can also be used to make a creamy sauce, such as in fettuccine alfredo. In this dish, the Pecorino Romano is combined with other ingredients to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta. The strong flavour of the cheese adds depth and complexity to the sauce, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy robust flavours.
While Pecorino Romano is a versatile cheese that can enhance a variety of pasta dishes, it may not be to everyone's taste due to its strong and salty flavour. However, for those who enjoy bold flavours, it can be a delicious addition to pasta, adding a unique twist to traditional dishes.
When choosing Pecorino Romano for pasta, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. As it has a strong flavour, it pairs well with simple, classic pasta dishes that allow its flavour to shine. It can also be balanced with other ingredients, such as pepper or herbs, to create a more complex and nuanced dish.
The Perfect Cheese for Summer Sausage
You may want to see also
Feta
When choosing feta cheese for pasta, it is important to select a good quality cheese. Look for a feta that is made with traditional methods and ingredients. The best feta cheese will be creamy, tangy, and slightly salty, with a firm texture.
Overall, feta cheese is a great option for those who want to add a savoury, nutritious twist to their pasta dishes. Its unique flavour and texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. So, if you're looking for something a little different to add to your pasta, why not give feta a try?
Discovering the Cheese Behind Bergeron Classique
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, ricotta, pecorino romano, feta, and cheddar are all popular choices.
Mozzarella is great for traditional Italian pasta dishes, like a bake, where you want a gooey, stringy texture. Ricotta is good for adding to pasta sauce to create a smooth, creamy texture. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a good nutty, salty flavour to sprinkle on top of pasta. Feta is best for light pasta sauces, like tomato and basil, pesto, or lemon and spinach. Cheddar is good for adding a tangy flavour to baked pasta recipes. Pecorino romano is best for grating and sprinkling over pasta dishes, and is a key ingredient in the classic Italian dish cacio e pepe.
Gorgonzola is a strong blue cheese that can be used on pasta if you like strong flavours.
Cheddar is originally from England but is now one of the most popular cheeses in America. It's good for adding a tangy flavour to baked pasta dishes.
