Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is like preparing for a culinary adventure, each component playing its part in crafting a masterpiece reminiscent of Mama Lou’s kitchen creations. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled Romano cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Feel free to substitute the cheeses based on availability or preference. Mama Lou always said that recipes are more like guidelines, and it’s okay to make a dish your own.
Instructions
Creating this dish is as much an experience as it is a meal. Here are the steps to guide you through:
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add the mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, fontina, and Romano cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. This step always reminds me of the patience Mama Lou taught us in the kitchen, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Remember, as I learned from my grandmother, the joy of cooking is in the small details, like watching the cheese melt into a silky sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
