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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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