Description
Indulgent Cheese Blast Pasta combines Italian culinary magic with creamy, rich layers of melted goodness. Comfort meets gourmet in this irresistible dish you’ll crave after just one delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Finishing Touches:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light olive oil coating or non-stick spray.
- Transform pasta into a delectable foundation by submerging in vigorously boiling, salted water until achieving an al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Craft a luxurious cheese amalgamation by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, minced garlic, fragrant herbs, and seasonings into a harmonious blend.
- Marry the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, gently folding the creamy cheese mixture throughout to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Ceremoniously transfer the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape of deliciousness.
- Lavish the surface with remaining mozzarella, optionally scattering red pepper flakes for a subtle heat accent.
- Nestle the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the creation to transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, effervescent landscape.
- Extract from the oven, permitting a brief cooling moment before adorning with freshly chopped basil and presenting this culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Perfectly Cook Pasta: Always cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a delightful texture that holds up during the final baking process.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing cheese to set and create those irresistible stretchy pulls.
- Customize Your Delight: Swap marinara for vodka sauce or add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or roasted vegetables to transform this dish into a personalized comfort meal.
- Diet-Friendly Modifications: Use gluten-free pasta, plant-based cheese alternatives, and dairy-free cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests without compromising rich, creamy flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg