Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring a creamy, melty blend of four cheeses, baked together to perfection for an irresistibly cheesy meal.
I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and we all loved how the cheeses melted perfectly together with the burst of cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne or rigatoni
- Cheeses: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese shredded, 100 g (3.5 oz) fontina cheese shredded, 50 g (1.75 oz) parmesan cheese grated
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 300 g (10.5 oz) cherry tomatoes halved, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Place the cherry tomatoes in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Step 3:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish nestling it among the tomatoes. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and fontina evenly around the feta.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting and the cheeses are melted and golden.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the cooked pasta reserved pasta water parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Gently stir until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with extra basil and serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over a cheesy warm dish.
Notes
Substitute fontina with gouda or provolone for a different flavor profile. Consider adding roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach to boost nutrition and color.
Required Tools
Large baking dish Medium pot Colander Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk&dairy (feta mozzarella fontina parmesan) wheat&gluten (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian status if needed.
Save This dish is perfect for making ahead and baking just before serving for maximum cheesiness and comfort.
Recipe Guide
- → What types of cheese are used in this dish?
It includes feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheeses for a rich, creamy flavor.
- → Can I substitute the fontina cheese?
Yes, gouda or provolone are good alternatives that melt well.
- → How is the pasta cooked before combining with the bake?
Pasta is cooked al dente in salted boiling water, then drained reserving some pasta water.
- → What role do cherry tomatoes play in this dish?
They roast alongside the cheese, bursting to release sweetness and enhance the sauce.
- → How is the dish seasoned?
Garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper add aroma and balanced heat.