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Creamy Italian Three-Cheese Pasta

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A comforting Italian dish featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping pasta, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, warmed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta cooking water (optional)
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, low-moisture
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) freshly crumbled or grated provolone (or fontina) cheese
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan for topping
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for finishing, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserve some cooking water, drain, and toss with olive oil.
  2. Warm the Dairy: In a saucepan, gently warm the milk and cream until just warm.
  3. Start the Cream Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the butter mixture, stirring until it forms a thick paste.
  5. Add Milk and Cream: Pour in the warm dairy mixture, whisking until smooth and thick.
  6. Season the Cream Base: Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg to taste.
  7. Incorporate the Cheeses: Stir in cheeses slowly until melted and smooth.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  9. Finish with Herbs: Stir in parsley and basil, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  10. Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free options, substitute with gluten-free pasta. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recypez.com/creamy-italian-three-cheese-pasta/

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