5-Cheese Pasta

This deliciously creamy 5-Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, melty cheeses and crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, it comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have. The golden, bubbling mozzarella topping adds an irresistible touch—pure indulgence in every bite! Customize it with your favorite cheeses for extra flavor.

Recipe Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• 1 pound fusilli
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
• 1/2 cup grated white Cheddar
• 1/2 cup grated Romano
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• 2 scallion greens, sliced thin

How To Make 5-Cheese Pasta?

1.  Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook for 1 to 2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the bacon: In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tbsp of the bacon grease in the pan.
3.  Sauté the aromatics: Add thyme, diced onion, and grated garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
5. Make the cheese sauce: Add the heavy cream and heat until bubbly (about 30 seconds). Gradually add fontina, white cheddar, Romano, and Gruyère, stirring continuously to ensure smooth melting.
6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Divide the pasta into individual gratin dishes (or use one large flameproof casserole dish) and place on a baking sheet. Scatter the mozzarella pearls evenly over the top.
8.  Broil until bubbly: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to broil. Broil the pasta for 3-4 minutes until the mozzarella pearls are golden and bubbling.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crispy bacon and sliced scallion greens. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the fusilli 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. It will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all the cheesy goodness without turning mushy.
• Melt the Cheese Slowly: Add the cheeses one handful at a time, stirring well before adding more. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Grate your own cheese for the best melt and texture.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it. This helps coat the pasta evenly.
• Broil with Care: Keep an eye on the pasta while broiling—it only takes 3-4 minutes for the mozzarella to turn golden and bubbly. Too long, and it can burn quickly!

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover 5-Cheese Pasta cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Heat a skillet over low heat and add the pasta with a splash of milk or cream. Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes until creamy and warmed through.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 660
• Total Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 56g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 23g

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• 3-Sauce Baked Spaghetti
• 3-Ingredient Sausage Casserole
• 4 Cheese Pepperoni Pizzadilla
• Spaghetti And Meat Balls With Tomato Sauce