There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a creamy, cheesy pasta dish to brighten up any day. This Italian Cheese Pasta recipe is a simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.

I first discovered this recipe while traveling through Italy, where simplicity in the kitchen reigns supreme. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that transports you straight to the heart of Tuscany. Ready to create your own Italian masterpiece? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Italian Cheese Pasta
Get ready to add a new go-to dinner to your rotation. Italian Cheese Pasta is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.
First, this dish is incredibly easy to make. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast. No complicated steps, no fuss – just simple, satisfying flavors.
Next, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward. You’ll likely already have most of them in your kitchen – pasta, cheese, butter, and a few seasonings. It’s proof that the best meals don’t need to be overcomplicated.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is pure comfort food. The rich combination of Italian cheeses melts into the pasta, creating a luxurious, velvety texture with every bite. It’s indulgent yet light enough to keep you coming back for more.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Pair it with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a glass of your favorite wine. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Italian Cheese Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to the dish's incredible flavor and texture.
Pasta is the star of the show here. While any type of pasta will work, long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine are traditional choices. Their shape ensures the sauce clings to every bite.
Cheese is the heart of this recipe. A blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano provides a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. For an extra indulgent touch, you can add a bit of Fontina or Mozzarella.
Butter acts as the base of the sauce, adding richness and helping the cheese melt seamlessly. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors. Opt for freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle heat and aromatic depth.
Reserve some pasta water – it’s the secret to achieving a silky sauce. The starches in the water help bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it that irresistible texture.
How To Make This Italian Cheese Pasta

Making Italian Cheese Pasta is a breeze, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious dish.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should taste like the sea to ensure the pasta is properly seasoned. Cook your pasta according to package instructions, but keep it al dente for the best texture.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your sauce. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper, allowing it to toast slightly in the butter. This step enhances the pepper’s flavor, creating a fragrant base.
Once the pasta is ready, reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining it. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the butter and pepper mixture. Toss it gently to coat.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the grated cheeses, a handful at a time. Toss the pasta as you go, adding small amounts of reserved pasta water to help the cheese melt and create a creamy sauce. Continue this process until the cheese is fully incorporated, and the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your homemade Italian Cheese Pasta while it’s hot and gooey.
Storage Options
While Italian Cheese Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later.
Transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
If you’d like to prepare the dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and prepare the sauce separately. Store them in the refrigerator, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the cheese sauce may become grainy upon thawing. Stick to refrigerating for the best results.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Swap out the cheese: Try Asiago, Gorgonzola, or Grana Padano for unique flavor profiles. Experimenting with different cheeses is a great way to customize the dish.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta can turn this pasta into a heartier meal. Fold them into the dish just before serving.
- Mix in vegetables: Roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli add freshness and color to the pasta. It’s an excellent way to boost the nutritional value.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil gives the dish a zesty kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta for a dish that accommodates dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
This Italian Cheese Pasta is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, it’s bound to be a hit at your table. Enjoy!
PrintItalian Cheese Pasta Recipe
This Italian cheese pasta recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight made with simple ingredients. Perfect for Italian cuisine lovers, it's quick and easy to prepare for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust cream quantity for desired creaminess.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
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