This Blue Cheese Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! The rich blue cheese blends perfectly with pasta, making each bite a delightful treat.
Whenever I make this, the cheesy aroma fills the kitchen, and I can’t resist sneaking a taste! Pair it with a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto the sauce nicely. If you don’t have rotini, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Blue Cheese: The star ingredient here! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can use gorgonzola or a milder cheese like feta for a different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: It gives a luscious texture. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting. However, if you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work too.
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy Without Curdling?
To achieve that perfect creamy sauce, it’s important to use low heat after adding the heavy cream. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, ruining the smooth texture you want. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by sautéing the garlic in olive oil or butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- When you add the cream, turn the heat down low. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to blend without boiling.
- Keep stirring as you add the blue cheese to prevent sticking and encourage melting.
Remember, patience is key! Enjoy the cooking process, and you’ll end up with a delicious dish.
Delicious Blue Cheese Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) rotini pasta
For The Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz (about 115 g) blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and satisfying meal ready in just around 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Don’t let it burn!
3. Make it Creamy:
Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently and let it come to a simmer, which will be the base of your rich sauce.
4. Add Blue Cheese:
Add the crumbled blue cheese to the cream mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a deliciously smooth sauce.
5. Incorporate Parmesan:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce evenly. This adds even more creaminess and flavor!
6. Seasoning:
Give the sauce a taste and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. It’s all about how you like it!
7. Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat all the noodles in that luscious blue cheese sauce.
8. Add Freshness:
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and, if you’re using them, the toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Blue Cheese Pasta warm, garnished with extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy this creamy, rich pasta with a side salad or on its own!
This Blue Cheese Pasta is rich in flavor and textures. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness with loved ones!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works well for holding the sauce, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based cream substitute, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace the blue cheese and Parmesan with vegan cheese options or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on low heat and add freshly cooked pasta. This way, you save some time during meal prep!
