When it comes to eating out, comfort food reigns supreme.
That is especially true for any dish that features a variety of cheeses, like the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe.
Some people enjoy this dish as a light lunch or dinner while others will enjoy it as a family meal.
The good thing about this recipe is that it is quite versatile and can be modified to suit the tastes and preferences of everyone dining at the table.
What types of cheese are used in the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
Covered in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish features four different types of cheeses.
The first is Parmesan cheese.
This cheese is known for its intense flavor and is the most common type of cheese used in dishes like salads and main entrees.
Parmesan is also the most expensive variety of cheese available today.
The second is Romano cheese.
This type of cheese is known for its strong flavor and often takes on the flavor of the other ingredients it is paired with.
It is milder than Parmesan, but still packs plenty of flavor.
Ricotta cheese is a more mild cheese than either Parmesan or Romano.
It is commonly used in baked goods, desserts, and other recipes because of its soft texture and low moisture content.
The final type of cheese used in the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe is Mozzarella.
This cheese has a mild flavor and a high moisture content.
How long does it take to prepare the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
The Four Cheese Pasta recipe from The Cheesecake Factory takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
You will need a few key ingredients for this recipe and you will also have to let the pasta fully cook before you add the cheesecakes.
You can make this dish as an appetizer, a family meal, or an evening dessert.
It is best though when eaten with a side salad.
If you want to make sure that no one misses an item, it is best to ask your guests what they would like to eat.
Are there any substitutions that can be made in the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
With such a large variety of cheeses, any number of substitutions can be made in the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe.
For example, this recipe includes Parmesan, Romano, Ricotta, and Mozzarella, which can be swapped out for other cheeses.
If you are allergic to one or more of these cheeses, it is possible to substitute them with a different cheese.
If you do not like cheeses in general or if you prefer a milder flavor, it may be helpful to try some of the other ingredients listed in the recipe.
This will allow you to customize your dish to suit your preferences.
Below is a list of ingredients that can be substituted in the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe.
What kind of pasta is used in the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
If you want a Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe that is as unique and flavorful as the dish at the Cheesecake Factory, then you’ll want to use whole-wheat pasta.
Whole wheat pasta has a nutty taste that compliments the cheesy flavors in this dish.
Whole wheat pasta can be found in most grocery stores.
To ensure that your Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe turns out as well as it should, make sure to buy a package of whole wheat pasta that is packed in a box with an airtight seal.
What other ingredients are necessary to make the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
Some of the other ingredients in this recipe include:
- Parmesan cheese
- Romano cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
Does the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe require any special equipment?
Not really.
While some recipes would require expensive special equipment, this one does not.
In fact, you can make it on your own at home with a simple set of utensils.
You will need a frying pan and a separate saucepan for the pasta sauce.
You can also use a skillet for cooking the chicken but I prefer using a frying pan.
A small saucepan for the cheeses is all you need to whip up this Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe.
Preparing the pasta
To prepare the pasta, you will want to boil 6 ounces of penne pasta according to the package directions, until just cooked through but still firm.
You should drain the pasta in a colander or strainer.
For best results, make sure that the pasta is cooled before proceeding with the next step.
When you are ready to assemble the dish, add the drained penne back into the saucepan and toss with 1 cup of marinara sauce (or any other store-bought marinara sauce that suits your tastes) and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Add the cheese mixture next and stir well until everything is evenly combined.
The Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe is now ready to be served.
Making the chicken topping
The chicken topping is probably the most time-consuming part of this Four Cheese Pasta recipe.
To make it, you will need boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sizes pieces.
You may also use pre-cooked chicken breast but make sure that it is fully cooked.
When preparing the chicken, make sure that you season it with salt and pepper generously and then pat it dry with paper towels.
Once you have done this, place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and flatten it out into a thin rectangle shape.
If you are using a meat tenderizer or mallet, use it on one side of the chicken breast so that it will have an even thinner shape.
Once you have flattened out the chicken, place it in a large frying pan and fry over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
The chicken should be cooked through when done but not too rare.
Cook each piece separately as they will tend to stick together as they cook if they are not separated.
Frying the cheese topping
The cheese topping is just as easy to make as the chicken topping.
It consists of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded Romano cheese separated in two bowls.
You can freeze both cheeses at this point if you wish.
If you are making this dish at home, use a large flat spoon to scoop out both cheeses into separate bowls.
If you are making this dish at your favorite restaurant, ask for a bowl from which each cheese will be scooped.
Use both bowls to mix up the cheeses and then pour them onto a sheet of parchment paper placed inside another cooking sheet.
Place both cheeses in a heated frying pan over medium heat until melted and evenly combined but do not allow them to become too browned at this point (they are meant to be golden brown).
This process may take about 10 minutes depending on how warm your kitchen is.
What is the nutritional information for the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
All of the measurements for the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe are on a per serving basis and are based upon an 8-ounce cooked portion.
For example, to calculate the nutritional information for this recipe, you will need to determine the number of servings you wish to create.
For your convenience, the nutritional information for this recipe was calculated using the MyFitnessPal app.
To calculate your own nutrition facts, you can use one of the calorie calculators on the Internet.
Is the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This dish consists of four different kinds of cheese, three of which are significant allergens.
To make this recipe suitable for vegetarians, you can use soy-based cheeses such as tofu cheese and soy cream cheese in place of any of the cheeses listed.
The other alternative is to replace one of the cheeses with an eggless version.
The Cheesecake Factory offers its own vegan version of the recipe, which uses Daiya cheese instead of Parmesan, Ricotta instead of Romano, and mozzarella instead of the other two cheeses.
While these substitutions may make this recipe vegetarian friendly, they will not make it vegan.
While most restaurants offer dishes that are 100% vegan and lactose free, some may not always be able to deliver this option.
How many servings does the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe yield?
The Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe yields six servings.
This may seem like a fairly small amount but it can be easily doubled or tripled if needed.
What is the best way to store leftovers from the Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory recipe?
Pasta dishes such as this one are typically enjoyed by a single family member since the portions are quite large.
The good news is that it does not take up much food storage space, so you are likely to have plenty of leftovers for another meal!
If you’re feeling particularly hungry, save some pasta sauce and add it to your next stir fry dish or soup.
Canned spaghetti sauce can be used to make pasta sauce, if you prefer.
If you need help storing leftovers, here are some great tips on how to store them.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 Egg beaten
- 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground to taste
- 1/4 cup Basil Leaves sliced fresh
- 8 ounces Rigatoni or other Pasta Noodles of choice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1/2 jar Classico Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic Sauce or other store bought or homemade Pasta Sauce of choice, warmed
- 4 Fresh Mozzarella Ovoline Balls cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons Ricotta Cheese to top
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded to top
- Basil finely chopped to top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, an egg, black pepper, and 1/4 cup basil leaves in a mixing bowl. Combine thoroughly. Place aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine still-hot noodles.
- Stir in the warmed sauce and ricotta mixture. Combine thoroughly.
- Fill an 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish halfway with the mixture.
- Dot with quartered mozzarella ovoline balls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Place in a preheated oven, covered. Cook for 25 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Take the pan out of the oven.
- If desired, transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the glass baking dish.
- Place 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese in the center of the dish.
- 1 – 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese’
- Garnish with chopped basil.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.