Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you’re a fan of Cheesecake Factory’s delicious dishes, you’re likely familiar with their popular Four Cheese Pasta.

A delicious blend of four types of cheese and pasta, this dish is a clear favorite among many.

But did you know you can recreate this amazing Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory dish in your kitchen?

Well, you can now and I show you how below!

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta

Ingredients List

To make this delicious four-cheese pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh mozzarella cheese balls (Ovoline or Mozzarella Pearls)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Pasta sauce of your choice

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Prep the pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the instructions.

Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the cheese mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1½ cups ricotta cheese, 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves and mix well.

Step 3: Cook garlic

Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet, add the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix pasta and cheese

Add the hot pasta to the cheese mixture, the cooked garlic, and some pasta sauce.

Mix well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.

Reserve a few tablespoons of ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for topping.

Step 5: Assemble in a baking dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Grease a large baking dish with olive oil and spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom.

Dot the pasta with the reserved tablespoons of ricotta cheese and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese.

Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with more grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Add mozzarella cheese balls

Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese balls (Ovoline or Mozzarella Pearls) in half and place them randomly on the pasta.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Serve your Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or your favorite vegetables, and enjoy your homemade, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish.

Side Dishes for Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta

When enjoying a delicious Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta at home, you might wonder what side dishes can accompany this rich, cheesy dish to create the perfect meal.

Here, we present you with a list of side dishes that complement the flavors of the Four Cheese Pasta recipe while adding variety and balance to your meal.

Olive Garden’s Garlic Breadsticks

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous garlic breadsticks, they make an excellent addition to your four-cheese pasta experience.

The warm, buttery, and garlicky tones of these breadsticks contrast nicely with the richness of the pasta, providing a satisfying textural element.

Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in any leftover sauce.

Mixed Green Salad

A fresh and simple mixed green salad can be the perfect counterpoint to Cheesecake Factory’s Four Cheese Pasta indulgence.

Toss your favorite greens, such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce, and top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.

Add a light, tangy vinaigrette dressing to cleanse your palate between bites of the creamy pasta.

Grilled or Steamed Vegetables

Grilled or steamed vegetables make for a nutritious addition to your pasta meal.

Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli are all great options that complement the pasta while providing a welcome burst of color and texture to your plate.

Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, or, for a more robust flavor, toss them with a bit of minced garlic before cooking.

Enjoy your dinner to the fullest with these delicious and easy-to-prepare side options.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta, you might need to substitute some ingredients based on your dietary needs or preferences.

Here are some suggestions for alternative ingredients that can work well in this recipe.

Ricotta Cheese Substitute

You can use cottage cheese if you don’t have ricotta cheese or want a different option.

Cottage cheese has a similar texture and creaminess to ricotta cheese, making it a good alternative in this dish.

However, cottage cheese has a milder flavor, making the dish slightly less tangy.

Mozzarella Cheese Substitute

If you don’t have mozzarella cheese or prefer another type, provolone cheese could be a suitable alternative.

Provolone cheese melts well and has a similar texture to mozzarella, adding a slightly nuttier and more complex flavor.

You can also consider using fontina cheese, which has a mild, creamy taste and melts easily.

Parmesan Cheese Substitute

Asiago cheese can be a good choice if you’re looking for an alternative to Parmesan cheese.

Asiago has a sharp, nutty taste that complements the other cheeses in the dish.

You can also try Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano, both of which have distinct flavors and would work well in place of Parmesan.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the right combination that suits your taste buds.

How to Store Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta

Properly storing your homemade Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta is crucial for maintaining its taste and texture.

This section will provide various methods to store the dish, emphasizing using an airtight container.

Method 1: Refrigerate

To store your Four Cheese Pasta in the refrigerator, follow these steps:

1. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature.
2. Transfer the pasta into an airtight container to prevent drying out and the absorption of other refrigerator odors.
3. Place the container in the refrigerator; your dish will remain fresh for up to 3 to 5 days.

Method 2: Freeze

Freezing your Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta is an excellent longer-term storage option.

1. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
2. Divide the pasta into portion-sized pieces and place them in individual airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
3. Seal the containers or bags tightly, ensuring any excess air is removed.
4. Label the containers with the date and type of pasta and place them in the freezer; the pasta will remain fresh for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it using the methods mentioned earlier.

Using these storage methods, you can efficiently preserve your delicious Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta for future enjoyment.

Remember always to use an airtight container to maintain the best quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta.

Incorrect Pasta Cooking

One common mistake is overcooking or undercooking the pasta.

Ensure that your pasta is cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite.

Overcooked pasta will become mushy once combined with the sauce and cheese, while undercooked pasta will detract from the dish’s overall texture and flavor.

Inadequate Sauce Seasoning

Another mistake to avoid is not seasoning your sauce properly.

Finding the right balance of salt, pepper, and herbs like basil and oregano is crucial.

Taste your sauce as you prepare it and adjust the seasonings accordingly.