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:
- Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tbsp salt to a rolling boil in a large stockpot.
- Add 1 lb pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
- Scoop out 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta water and set aside; drain the pasta.
- Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- 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.
- Remove from heat immediately once the pasta is perfectly coated.