Imagine a dish so creamy, so decadently cheesy, that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Four Cheese Pasta Florentine is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines the richness of four luxurious cheeses with the vibrant freshness of spinach, creating a meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this irresistible Italian-inspired masterpiece that's easier to make than you might think!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright green.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- In the same skillet used for spinach, reduce heat to low and add cream. Gently warm the cream without boiling.
- Add ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzola cheeses to the warm cream. Stir continuously until cheeses begin to melt and create a smooth sauce.
- Fold the sautéed spinach into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the cheese and spinach sauce over the cooked pasta. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
- Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional grated parmesan or fresh cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just until al dente. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce, so removing it at the right moment ensures a perfect texture.
- Cheese Selection: Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor. Fresh, good-quality ricotta and freshly grated parmesan make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, don't panic! The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon. Add it gradually to achieve that silky, smooth consistency.
- Spinach Tip: Ensure you sauté the spinach quickly to maintain its bright green color and prevent it from becoming soggy or losing its nutrients.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty. If you need to wait a few minutes, cover the pasta to keep it warm.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat gently before combining with pasta for a quick weeknight meal.
- Optional Enhancements: For added depth, consider adding a clove of minced garlic during the spinach sauté or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
