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Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta Recipe

Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 340 reviews

This Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring penne pasta coated in a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Italian blend, and parmesan cheeses, all enveloped in zesty marinara sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces penne pasta

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (from the divided 15 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg

Sauce & Assembly

  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Remaining ricotta cheese (~7 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded (from the divided amount)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded Italian blend, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into a large saucepan. Add the cheese mixture to the sauce and stir over medium-low heat until the cheeses have fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the cheesy marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Divide the four cheese pasta among six bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the remaining ricotta, sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
  • Use your favorite brand of marinara or homemade sauce for best results.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just add a splash of milk when warming up to keep it creamy.
  • Swap penne with rigatoni or ziti if desired.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 970 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 77 mg