When you need something hearty, simple and satisfying for dinner, cheesy pasta dinners are an easy choice. Cheese is a household favorite in America, with total cheese consumption reaching a record high of 32.7 lb. per capita in 2007 (California Milk Advisory Board). Pairing cheese with pasta is a good way of getting the daily-recommended amounts of calcium and protein. These pasta dinners come together in a short amount of time, use simple ingredients and can flexibly accommodate your family's needs.
Macaroni and Cheese
A mixture of sharp cheddar cheese with elbow pasta baked together in a hot, steaming dish with a crackling crust is a classic dish. While many turn to boxed macaroni and cheese, the real thing tastes much better. Simply boil the elbow pasta, taking care to not overcook it. Make a roux, or white sauce, by melting butter, then adding flour and whisking together. Slowly add in whole milk, season with salt and pepper and whisk until thickened. Next, add your choice of mild or sharp cheddar cheese and stir to form a thick cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the elbow pasta in a dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden. For a more decadent version of this classic, try Martha Stewart's fan favorite cheesy recipe (see Resources).
Lasagna
A retro classic, lasagna became popular in the 1970s. This dish mainly consists of egg noodle sheets of pasta with layers of marinara sauce and ricotta cheese topped with Parmesan cheese. Feel free to add roasted, seasonal vegetables like artichokes or mushrooms and play around with other sauces like pesto or a béchamel in place of the marinara sauce. Prepare and lay out all your ingredients while you are boiling your lasagna sheets. For meat and vegetable variations, visit Epicurious.com, an online recipe database, which has a special section dedicated solely to lasagna.
Risotto
A creamy dish of Arborio rice and Parmesan cheese, risotto is a hearty dinner that's ideal during the cold season. Most home cooks stay away from risotto because of its intricate and complicated steps. Don't be intimidated by this dish. A common myth is that in order to make the perfect risotto, one must stir constantly. New York Times writer Mark Bittman debunks this rumor, saying, "You need to stir no more than occasionally. For example, after each addition of liquid and then once or twice more before that liquid evaporates." Make this a vegetarian dish by adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or go the seafood route by adding in shrimp or scallops.
Fettuccine Alfredo
They key to a great fettuccine alfredo lies in quality ingredients. Use only heavy cream and freshly-grated Reggiano Parmesan to maintain the dish's rich texture and flavor. If you are feeling adventurous, try making your own fresh fettuccine noodles. Gourmet food magazine has a video on their website, breaking down the steps so you can follow along (see Resources).
Tags: elbow pasta, cheddar cheese, cheese sauce, cheese with, dish with, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese
