Three Cheese and Herb Penne
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Three Cheese and Herb Penne, a pasta dish that combines comfort and elegance with every bite. Featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich sauce made from Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses, this recipe is elevated with the fragrant harmony of fresh parsley and basil. The velvety cheese sauce, thickened with a light roux and enhanced with a touch of garlic, clings to every piece of pasta, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive date-night meal, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes and serves four. Garnish with extra herbs and Parmesan for the ultimate restaurant-quality finish. Whether you’re a fan of cheesy pasta recipes or looking for a herbaceous twist, Three Cheese and Herb Penne is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Stir in the fresh parsley and basil, reserving a small amount for garnish.
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh herbs and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4895 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 281.5 g | 361% | |
| Saturated Fat | 160.6 g | 803% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 865 mg | 288% | |
| Sodium | 7560 mg | 329% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 360.4 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.6 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.3 g | ||
| Protein | 222.9 g | 446% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 5132 mg | 395% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 2272 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
