This Blue Cheese Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight that brings a wonderful flavor to your dinner table. It blends rich blue cheese with pasta for a comforting meal!
Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top to make it even more special. I love how quickly it comes together—just perfect for those busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or tagliatelle works best for this dish because they hold the creamy sauce really well. If you don’t have them, you can use spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you have on hand.
Blue Cheese: The star of this recipe! If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, you can substitute with gorgonzola for a milder flavor or even feta cheese for a different twist. Just keep the creaminess in mind!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream. It’ll change the thickness a bit, but it’s a great alternative.
Bacon/Pancetta: For a vegetarian option, feel free to skip the meat or use mushrooms, which can add a nice umami flavor. Alternatively, smoked tofu works too!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re out, chives or basil could be nice substitutes, each bringing their own flavor.
How Can You Achieve the Creamiest Sauce?
The key to a creamy sauce lies in your cooking technique. Make sure to cook the garlic and cream over gentle heat, so the cream doesn’t boil and curdle. Here are some tips for best results:
- Always whisk the blue cheese into the cream sauce gradually to ensure it melts smoothly.
- If your sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water. This helps achieve your desired creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.
- Keep the heat low when mixing the pasta into the sauce; this prevents the cheese from separating.
How to Make Blue Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 1 cup (100 g) crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped (for added flavor and texture)
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Blue Cheese Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping the sauce, plus around 20 minutes to cook everything together. It’s a fairly quick dish for how delicious it is!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). When it’s done, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use.
2. Sauté the Bacon (Optional):
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon or pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy—about 5 to 7 minutes. When crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside. You can either discard excess fat or leave a bit in the skillet for flavor.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells nice and fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Now add the crumbled blue cheese and stir until it melts into the cream, forming a smooth sauce.
5. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce according to your taste preferences. Remember, the bacon might add some saltiness, so taste first before adding more salt.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up a bit.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle half of the chopped fresh parsley into the pasta, giving it a little mix. Plate your Blue Cheese Pasta and top it with the remaining parsley for a burst of color. Enjoy it warm!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese is too strong for your palate, you can opt for gorgonzola for a milder flavor or use feta for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though they won’t be as creamy. For a dairy-free choice, you might try coconut cream or cashew cream, but flavors may differ.
How Should I Store Leftover Blue Cheese Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or pancetta, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture. You can still enjoy the rich sauce without the meat!