Looking for mouthwatering and easy pasta recipes that will make your taste buds dance? Here are three cheesy pasta dishes that you can prepare in no time!
Classic Mac and Cheese This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a classic favorite. Start by combining 1 cup each of white cheddar cheese, fontina cheese, and Gruyère cheese, along with 1 cup of Parmesan or Pecorino, for that rich and savory flavor. You’ll also need 1 tsp of salt and 12 oz of elbow macaroni.
Begin by cooking the macaroni for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions to get that perfect al dente texture. Meanwhile, melt 5 tbsp of butter over medium heat and add 4 tbsp of flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and whisk until smooth. Slowly add the remaining milk, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps.
Next, add 1/2 tsp of Dijon powder or mustard, along with onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg for a well-rounded, savory base. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheeses, allowing them to melt slightly.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, stir in 1/2 tbsp of butter and combine it with the sauce. Transfer the pasta back to the skillet and top with 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp of salt, and garlic powder. Add 1 tbsp of butter on top and bake at 180°C (360°F) for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Enjoy!
Cheesy Penne Egg Pasta For something a bit different, this cheesy egg pasta recipe is a hit! Begin by boiling 3 cups of penne pasta with 1 tsp of salt and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk 4 eggs and add 7 oz (200g) of fontina cheese, 2 tbsp of butter, and season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp of oregano.
Combine the cooked pasta with the egg mixture and mix well. Heat a pan over low heat, flatten the pasta mixture with a spoon, and cover. Fry for 10 minutes before flipping with a plate. Add more cheese, cover, and cook until the cheese melts. Serve hot for a cheesy delight!
Caramelized Onion Pasta This pasta dish is loaded with rich, sweet flavors from caramelized onions. Start by cooking 2 onions in 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat for 7 minutes until softened. Add a generous pinch of salt, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. To enhance the sweetness, add 2 tsp of balsamic glaze and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
While the onions cook, bring a pot of water to a boil and add 6 oz (180g) of pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the onions are ready, set them aside and melt 1 tbsp of butter in the same pan. Add 1 tsp of freshly cracked black pepper, a ladle of pasta water, and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan, stir well, and grate a layer of Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Let the cheese melt before stirring in the caramelized onions. The result is a creamy, flavorful pasta with a touch of sweetness.
Enjoy these cheesy pasta recipes that are perfect for any occasion, and don’t forget to share your experience with others!