Indulge in the rich, creamy flavor of this Gorgonzola Pasta, a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Penne noodles are coated in a luscious gorgonzola cream sauce, offering a good source of protein and healthy fats.
This fiber-rich, comforting meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for effortless, everyday cooking.
Easy Gorgonzola Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large stock pot
- 1 12-inch non-stick skillet
- 1 silicone spatula
- 1 spider (hand-held strainer) or slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 8 ounces gorgonzola cheese
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt for pasta water
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta Perfectly: Fill a large stock pot with water, leaving enough room for the pasta to move freely. Place over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, season generously with kosher salt until it tastes like the sea. Add 1 pound of penne pasta, stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until just shy of al dente—firm yet tender. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the sauce.
- Melt Butter and Warm Cream: While the pasta cooks, place a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Pour in 1 ¼ cups of heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Stir gently, letting the cream warm gradually to form a smooth, velvety base. Avoid high heat, as scorching the cream can create a bitter taste and grainy texture.
- Incorporate Gorgonzola Cheese: Crumble 6 ounces of gorgonzola into the warm cream mixture. Stir gently and continuously until fully melted into a smooth, cohesive sauce. Keep the heat low to maintain a silky texture. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a luxurious, tangy aroma filling the kitchen.
- Transfer Pasta to Sauce: When the penne is nearly al dente, use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to transfer it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Avoid draining the pasta fully in a colander, as retaining some cooking water allows the sauce to cling perfectly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet to loosen the sauce slightly and help it coat the noodles evenly. Stir gently and cook together for 2–3 minutes. The starch in the pasta water combines with the cream, creating a smooth, slightly thickened sauce. Adjust with more water if needed for a silkier consistency.
- Finish with Extra Gorgonzola: Remove the skillet from heat and crumble the remaining 2 ounces of gorgonzola over the pasta. Let it soften slightly from the residual warmth. The sauce will continue to thicken gently as it cools, giving a creamy, luxurious finish.
- Plate and Serve Elegantly: Carefully transfer the pasta to individual plates or a serving platter using a silicone spatula. Ensure each portion is coated in the creamy sauce and topped with the extra gorgonzola. Optional garnishes like freshly cracked black pepper or chopped fresh herbs enhance aroma and presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest and most flavorful.
Notes
- Use low to medium heat when melting the gorgonzola into the cream. High heat can scorch the sauce, giving it a bitter flavor.
- Avoid fully draining the pasta in a colander. Transferring noodles directly to the sauce with a slotted spoon preserves starchy water, which naturally thickens the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water based on your cheese’s creaminess. Start with ¼ cup and add more gradually for a silky consistency.
- No need to add extra salt to the sauce, as the gorgonzola is already flavorful, and the pasta water seasons the noodles perfectly.
- For a slightly stronger flavor, crumble a bit more gorgonzola on top before serving.
Chef’s Secrets: Mastering Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce
The magic behind this pasta is balancing heat and timing.
Low and slow melting of the gorgonzola prevents separation, creating a luxuriously smooth sauce.
The secret to creamy perfection is incorporating pasta water—its natural starch binds the sauce to every noodle.
Always serve immediately after combining the pasta with the sauce, as prolonged standing can thicken it too much.
For added richness, finish with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil just before plating.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairing Ideas
This Gorgonzola Pasta pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the cheese, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add texture and balance.
For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to scoop up every bit of the creamy sauce.
A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhances the tangy flavor of the gorgonzola without overpowering it.
Storage Tips: Keep Pasta Fresh Longer
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
The sauce may thicken as it cools; gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore its original silkiness.
Avoid reheating in the microwave on high, as it can cause separation.
While freezing is possible, cream-based sauces can lose their smooth texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! While penne holds the sauce beautifully, fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni also work well.
Choose shapes with grooves or twists to catch the creamy sauce.
2. Can I substitute gorgonzola with another cheese?
Blue cheese or Roquefort can replace gorgonzola, but the flavor will be slightly stronger.
For a milder alternative, consider creamy goat cheese blended with a touch of Parmesan.
3. Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt.
Keep in mind the texture may be slightly less rich, but it will remain creamy and satisfying.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Always melt cheese slowly over low heat and avoid boiling the cream.
Adding pasta water gradually also stabilizes the sauce and ensures it clings to the noodles.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time for meal prep?
Partially! Cook the pasta al dente and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat gently, combining them just before serving.
This preserves the creamy texture and prevents the pasta from overcooking.
