Imagine a dish so decadently creamy and irresistibly cheesy that it transforms an ordinary pasta night into a gourmet experience. Our Creamy Three Cheese Pasta Filling is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, velvety textures of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into one mind-blowing comfort food masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare a large mixing bowl. Drain the cooked pasta and allow it to cool slightly for 5 minutes to prevent the egg from scrambling when mixed.
- In the mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the egg separately and then incorporate it into the cheese mixture.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Gently fold the slightly cooled pasta into the cheese mixture, making sure each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy cheese filling.
- For best results, let the mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and the cheese to slightly soften the pasta.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or use as a filling for pasta shells, lasagna, or as a base for a baked pasta casserole.
Tips
- Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor integration. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Let your pasta cool slightly before mixing with the cheese to prevent scrambling the egg and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
- For extra flavor depth, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture.
- If you want a more golden, baked finish, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly golden and crispy.
- This filling is incredibly versatile—use it in stuffed shells, as a lasagna layer, or even as a decadent dip for crusty bread.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim cheeses without significantly compromising flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
