Creamy Blue Cheese Penne Delight
Indulge in a rich and decadent Creamy Blue Cheese Penne Delight that comes together effortlessly while your pasta cooks. The sumptuous blend of half-and-half, aromatic garlic, and sweet onion creates a silky base, perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of blue cheese and the nutty richness of parmesan. This versatile dish can be elevated further with the addition of protein such as salmon, chicken, crumbled bacon, or even fresh tomatoes for a pop of color and taste. Whether served as a comforting family meal or a fancy dinner, this sauce pairs beautifully with steak as well, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
half-and-half
2 cups (none)
butter
4 tablespoons (none)
garlic
1 head (chopped)
onion
1 small (chopped)
blue cheese
1/3-1/2 cup (crumbled)
parmesan cheese
1/3-1/2 cup (grated)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
pasta (penne)
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
3
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
4
Pour the half-and-half into the saucepan, allowing it to heat through without bringing it to a boil.
5
Whisk in the crumbled blue cheese and grated parmesan until they are fully incorporated and the sauce becomes smooth.
6
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
7
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
8
Toss the drained pasta with the creamy blue cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if necessary to reach your desired sauce consistency.
9
Serve immediately, garnished with additional crumbled blue cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Blue Cheese Penne Delight?
It is a rich and decadent pasta dish featuring a silky sauce made from blue cheese, parmesan, and half-and-half.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for one pound of penne pasta.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while penne is recommended, you can use other shapes; just ensure they are cooked al dente.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses one whole head of garlic, chopped.
What kind of onion should I use?
You should use one small onion, chopped.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce base consists of butter, half-and-half, and aromatics like garlic and onion.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While the recipe calls for 2 cups of half-and-half, heavy cream can often be used for a richer result.
What amount of blue cheese is needed?
You will need between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
Is there another cheese in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe also includes 1/3 to 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Should I boil the sauce?
No, you should heat the half-and-half through without bringing it to a boil.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them in melted butter for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the crumbled blue cheese and grated parmesan into the warm liquid until they are fully incorporated.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce when tossing it with the pasta.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can elevate the dish with salmon, chicken, or crumbled bacon.
Are there vegetable additions suggested?
Fresh tomatoes are recommended for a pop of color and taste.
Does this dish pair well with meat?
Yes, the blue cheese sauce pairs beautifully with steak.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in the time it takes for the pasta to boil.
What is the best way to garnish this pasta?
Garnish with additional crumbled blue cheese or fresh herbs.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of butter.
How do I season the sauce?
Season with salt and pepper to taste after the cheeses have melted.
Is this recipe suitable for a fancy dinner?
Yes, its rich flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for an elegant dinner.
What heat setting should I use for the sauce?
Use medium-low heat to melt the butter and heat the dairy.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its creamy and cheesy nature.
Can I make this vegetarian?
The base recipe is vegetarian-friendly, provided the cheeses used do not contain animal rennet.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should be silky and smooth once the cheeses are whisked in.
What is the origin style of this dish?
It is categorized under Italian cuisine.
How much pasta do I need?
You need 1 lb of penne pasta.
When should I serve the dish?
It is best served immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce.