Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) Penne or Rigatoni
  • 4 quarts (3.8L) Water
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Salt
  • 4 tbsp (56g) Unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves (9g) Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) Heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) Whole milk
  • 1 cup (115g) Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (55g) Shredded Fontina cheese
  • ½ cup (125g) Ricotta cheese
  • ½ tsp (1.5g) Ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp (3g) Salt
  • ½ tsp (1g) Black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tbsp salt to a rolling boil in a large stockpot.
  2. Add 1 lb pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
  3. Scoop out 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta water and set aside; drain the pasta.
  4. Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  5. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and ½ cup whole milk; bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, ensuring it does not reach a hard boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1 cup Parmesan, 1 cup Mozzarella, and ½ cup Fontina one handful at a time, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
  8. Fold in ½ cup Ricotta cheese, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper, stirring until the sauce is a uniform, velvety consistency.
  9. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
  10. Toss gently over low heat for 2 minutes; if the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is glossy and fluid.
  11. Remove from heat immediately once the pasta is perfectly coated.