Pasta dishes with cheese are some of the most popular and delicious meals you can make. This classic combination of carbohydrates and dairy is a timeless favorite that is easy to prepare. Whether you're looking for something simple and comforting or something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of delicious pasta dishes with cheese that you can make at home.
Penne with Ricotta and Spinach
This rich and creamy pasta dish combines the classic flavors of ricotta cheese and spinach with Penne pasta. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one large chopped onion and two cloves of chopped garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Add one cup of ricotta cheese, two cups of spinach, one teaspoon of oregano, and one teaspoon of basil to the skillet and stir until combined. Add one cup of cooked Penne pasta and stir to combine. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Macaroni and Cheese
This classic comfort food is a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. Boil a pot of salted water and add one pound of macaroni noodles. Cook until al dente and drain. In a medium saucepan, melt four tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add four tablespoons of flour and stir until combined. Slowly add two cups of milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Add two cups of grated cheddar cheese and one cup of grated mozzarella cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the macaroni noodles and stir until combined. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish and top with one cup of grated cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Fettuccine Alfredo
This creamy Italian dish is a staple for any pasta lover. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and adding one pound of fettuccine noodles. Cook until al dente and drain. In a medium saucepan, melt four tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add four tablespoons of flour and stir until combined. Slowly add two cups of milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the fettuccine noodles and stir until combined. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please any crowd. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add one pound of ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and drain any excess fat. Add one jar of your favorite marinara sauce and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the beef and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, combine one pound of ricotta cheese, one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one egg, and one teaspoon of garlic powder. Layer the lasagna by spreading one cup of the beef sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Place 4-5 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce and spread one cup of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with one cup of the beef sauce, followed by 4-5 lasagna noodles and one cup of grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all of the ingredients are used up. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a delicious and easy to make pasta dish. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add one pound of jumbo shells. Cook until al dente and drain. In a large bowl, combine one pound of ricotta cheese, one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one egg, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and one cup of frozen spinach. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place in the baking dish. Top with one jar of your favorite marinara sauce and one cup of grated mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheese for pasta dishes?
The best cheese for pasta dishes is typically a combination of two or more types. Popular choices include Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Ricotta, and Asiago. Each cheese has its own unique flavor and texture that can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
How do you make creamy pasta dishes?
Creamy pasta dishes are usually made by creating a sauce with butter, flour, and milk. The sauce is then combined with cooked pasta and your favorite cheese to create a rich and creamy dish.
How do you make cheese sauce for pasta?
To make cheese sauce for pasta, start by melting four tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add four tablespoons of flour and whisk until combined. Slowly add two cups of milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Add two cups of grated cheddar cheese and one cup of grated mozzarella cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
What vegetables go well with pasta dishes?
Many vegetables go well with pasta dishes. Popular choices include spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, squash, onions, and garlic. These vegetables can be added to the pasta dishes while they are cooking or served as side dishes.
What herbs go well with pasta dishes?
Herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley are all popular choices for adding flavor to pasta dishes. These herbs can be added to the pasta dishes while they are cooking or sprinkled on top as a garnish.
