Can I use different pasta types for this dish?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work best for holding the sauce, but rigatoni, ziti, or other tubular pastas can also be used effectively.

What cheeses create the melty texture?

A blend of feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan provides a creamy and flavorful melt when baked together.

Roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach can be stirred in after baking for extra nutrition and texture.

Fresh basil brings a bright herbal note that balances the richness, but dried herbs can work if fresh isn't available.

A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy and tangy cheese blend beautifully.

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

I first served this dish to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became our comfort food favorite.

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)

Preheat Oven:: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
Prepare Tomatoes:: 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
Add Cheeses:: 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
Bake:: Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting and the cheeses are melted and golden
Cook Pasta:: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain
Combine:: 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
Season:: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Serve:: Garnish with extra basil and serve immediately

This recipe always brings our family together around the table with smiles and happy appetites.

Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio for a refreshing complement.

Large baking dish Medium pot Colander Wooden spoon

Contains milk/dairy (feta mozzarella fontina parmesan) wheat/gluten (pasta) Check cheese labels for vegetarian status if needed

This baked block pasta offers the perfect balance of melty cheeses and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal every time

→ Can I use different pasta types for this dish?: Yes, penne or rigatoni work best for holding the sauce, but rigatoni, ziti, or other tubular pastas can also be used effectively.
→ What cheeses create the melty texture?: A blend of feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan provides a creamy and flavorful melt when baked together.
→ How can I add more vegetables to this dish?: Roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach can be stirred in after baking for extra nutrition and texture.
→ Is fresh basil essential?: Fresh basil brings a bright herbal note that balances the richness, but dried herbs can work if fresh isn't available.
→ What wine pairs well with this meal?: A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy and tangy cheese blend beautifully.