Copycat Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta Recipe

This copycat Cheesecake Factory 4 cheese pasta recipe is a creamy, cheesy meal that I love making for a comforting dinner at home. It combines the richness of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Pecorino Romano with a robust tomato sauce to create what I think is the most satisfying pasta dish. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few simple steps!

The Best 4 Cheese Pasta

Cheesecake Factory's 4 cheese pasta has always been a favorite of mine, so I was thrilled when I figured out how to recreate it at home. The combination of four cheeses melting into a rich homemade tomato sauce sounds simple, yet it has a depth of flavor that is addicting.

Every time I make this recipe, it truly turns out restaurant-quality, even though it’s easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. It's the perfect dish to make if you want to spoil your family with some comforting cheesy pasta. Trust me, everyone - even the pickiest eaters at the table - will love it! My niece always requests that I make this when she comes over and she's one picky eater.

Ingredients

Now, you'll need quite a few ingreidents to make this recipe, but a trip to the grocery store is well worth it if you don't have everything on hand. Here's what you’ll need to make this copycat Cheesecake Factory 4 cheese pasta recipe:

• 12 oz penne
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup + 4 tablespoon whole milk ricotta
• ⅓ cup Pecorino Romano, grated
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup + 4 tablespoon parmesan, grated
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

How to Make Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory Style

Step One: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the cooked pasta aside.

Step Two: Sauté the Garlic and Oregano

Now in a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.

Step Three: Make the Homemade Tomato Sauce

For the sauce, add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.

Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, adjusting the temperature as needed to keep it at a gentle simmer. You don't want it to boil, so make sure you're keeping an eye on the sauce!

Step Four: Add the Four Cheeses

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, stir in ½ cup of ricotta, the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and Pecorino Romano. If you want to add more of each, feel free, the more cheese the better!

Mix everything together until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step Five: Combine and Serve

To finish up, add the cooked penne to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with the reserved pasta water, adding it one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Divide the pasta into 4 bowls or 2 large bowls. Top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta and a tablespoon of grated parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately!

How to Store Leftover Four Cheese Pasta

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

My favorite way to reheat it is to gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat for ten minutes, or for a quicker method, in the microwave for a minute before serving.

FAQs About This Four Cheese Pasta Recipe

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses based on what you have on hand. Fontina or Asiago can be great additions or substitutes for any of the cheeses in this recipe.

What can I serve with this pasta?

I think this pasta pairs really well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, you have to make my breaded chicken recipe. I like to cut the chicken up and serve it on top of the pasta. It's so good, and I believe it is the best pasta recipe with chicken ever!

More Dinner Recipes

If you’re looking for more tasty and easy dinner recipes, I’ve got you covered. Try one of my favorites on the blog next:

• BBQ chicken sliders
• Penne alla vodka with chicken
• Chicken rasta pasta 
• Chicken and chorizo pasta
• Spicy vodka pasta
• Stewed tomatoes
• Carbone's Spicy Rigatoni