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Four Cheese Baked Pasta

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This dish brings together a creamy block of feta cheese surrounded by melted mozzarella and fontina, baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes. Tossed with al dente penne and dressed with parmesan and fresh basil, it offers a rich and comforting meal. Olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a touch of crushed red pepper add depth, while baking melds the cheeses and tomatoes into a luscious, golden combination.

Simple to prepare and satisfying, this Italian-American creation suits vegetarians and pairs well with crisp white wine. Customize by swapping cheeses or adding roasted vegetables for extra texture and nutrition.

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Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:12:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta with melted cheese and bursting roasted tomatoes, ready to serve. Save
Golden, bubbly Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta with melted cheese and bursting roasted tomatoes, ready to serve. | butterhearth.com

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring a creamy, melty blend of four cheeses, baked together to perfection for an irresistibly cheesy meal.

I enjoy making this baked pasta when I want a cozy meal that brings the family together.

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.
A close-up of a cheesy, creamy Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta, a perfect vegetarian Italian-American comfort food. Save
A close-up of a cheesy, creamy Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta, a perfect vegetarian Italian-American comfort food. | butterhearth.com

This recipe is a favorite at family dinners and always brings smiles all around the table.

Notes

Substitute fontina with gouda or provolone if unavailable. Add roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

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.

Fragrant and flavorful Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta, topped with fresh basil and served with crusty bread. Save
Fragrant and flavorful Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta, topped with fresh basil and served with crusty bread. | butterhearth.com

This comforting baked pasta is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a cheesy twist.

Recipe Questions

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

Feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan are combined to create a creamy, melty texture with rich flavor.

→ Can I substitute fontina cheese?

Yes, gouda or provolone can be used in place of fontina without compromising the dish’s creaminess.

→ How do I ensure the pasta remains al dente?

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water following package instructions, then drain promptly to keep it firm yet tender.

→ What role does the reserved pasta water play?

Adding reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce by loosening the cheese and basil mixture for better coating.

→ Can this meal be customized with additional vegetables?

Yes, roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach can be added to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Four Cheese Baked Pasta

A creamy blend of four cheeses baked with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a comforting Italian-American dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Pasta

01 14 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Cheeses

01 7 oz block feta cheese
02 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
03 3.5 oz shredded fontina cheese
04 1.75 oz grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 10.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

Stage 02

Prepare tomatoes and aromatics: Place halved cherry tomatoes in a large baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, then season with minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Stage 03

Arrange cheeses: Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes, then evenly scatter shredded mozzarella and fontina cheeses around it.

Stage 04

Bake cheese and tomatoes: Bake the dish for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and cheeses melt with a golden top.

Stage 05

Cook pasta: While baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente following package guidelines. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Stage 06

Combine pasta with cheese mixture: Remove the baking dish from oven, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, grated parmesan, and chopped basil. Stir gently to create a creamy, well-combined mixture.

Stage 07

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the blend and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional basil leaves before serving immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large baking dish
  • Medium pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains milk/dairy from various cheeses and wheat/gluten from pasta.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 650
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Protein Content: 29 g