The 5 Best Types of Pasta for Cheese Sauce

Do you love cheese sauce?

If so, you know that the right type of pasta makes all the difference.

From penne to fettuccine, there are a variety of pastas that pair perfectly with cheese sauces.

But which ones are best?

The best pasta for cheese sauce is one that has ridges or grooves, such as rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi. The ridges help the cheese to stick to the noodles better and create a delicious texture. Fusilli and orecchiette are also good choices for cheese sauces.

In this article, I’ll be discussing the five best types of pasta for cheese sauce – from classic macaroni and cheese to lasagna and beyond.

So if you’re looking for a delicious cheesy dish, read on to find out which type of pasta is perfect for your taste buds!

Why Even Pair Cheese Sauce with Pasta?

Cheese sauce and pasta is a classic combination that has been enjoyed for centuries.

The reason why cheese sauce pairs so well with pasta is because of the way it complements the texture and flavor of the noodles.

Cheese sauce adds creaminess to the dish, which helps to balance out the starchiness of the pasta.

It also provides a rich, savory flavor that enhances all of the other ingredients in a dish.

The type of cheese used in a cheese sauce can also make a big difference in how it pairs with pasta.

Harder cheeses like Parmesan or Romano are often grated over top of dishes as an accent, while softer cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar are melted into sauces for added richness and creaminess.

Additionally, some recipes call for adding spices such as garlic powder or nutmeg to enhance both the flavor and aroma of your cheese sauce-pasta combo even further!

The 5 Best Types of Pasta for Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce is a delicious way to dress up your pasta dishes.

However, not all types of pasta work well with cheese sauces.

Here are five types of pastas that pair best with this creamy topping:

1. Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a type of pasta that originated in Italy.

It is tubular-shaped and has ridges along the sides, which help to hold sauces and seasonings.

The name comes from the Italian word “rigato,” meaning “ridged.”

• Varieties: There are many varieties of rigatoni available, including whole wheat, gluten-free, and even colored versions. You can also find different sizes ranging from small to large.
• Preparation: Rigatoni is best cooked al dente—which means it should be slightly firm when you bite into it—in salted boiling water for about 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and add your favorite cheese sauce or other topping before serving. If you’re using a pre-made cheese sauce, simply heat it up in a pan on the stovetop before adding it to the rigatoni. For an extra flavor boost, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

2. Fusilli

Fusilli is a type of pasta that is shaped like a corkscrew or spiral.

It’s made from durum wheat flour and water, and it can be found in both short and long varieties.

The shape of the pasta helps to hold sauces, making it an ideal choice for dishes with cheese sauce.

• Varieties: There are many different types of fusilli available on the market today, including whole-wheat, gluten-free, spinach-infused, and even tricolor versions. You can also find flavored varieties such as garlic or tomato fusilli which will add extra flavor to your dish.
• Preparation: To prepare fusilli for use in a cheese sauce dish, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain the cooked pasta and set aside while you prepare your cheese sauce. Once the cheese sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked fusilli in a large bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot!

3. Penne

Penne is a type of pasta that is shaped like a tube with ridges on the outside.

It is usually cut into short, diagonal pieces and can be made from either white or whole wheat flour.

Penne is one of the most popular types of pasta in Italy and around the world, as it pairs well with many different sauces and ingredients.

• Varieties: There are several varieties of penne available, including regular penne, whole wheat penne, gluten-free penne, spinach-flavored penne, and even colored varieties such as red pepper or tomato-flavored penne. All these variations make it easy to find something to suit your taste buds!
• Preparation: To prepare penne for cheese sauce you will need to cook it according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Once cooked drain off any excess water before adding your favorite cheese sauce. For an extra cheesy flavor try using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. If desired you can also add other ingredients such as diced tomatoes or cooked vegetables for added flavor and texture. Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

4. Orecchiette

Orecchiette is a type of pasta that originated in the Puglia region of Italy.

The name comes from the Italian word for “small ear”, and it is shaped like a small disc with a hollow center.

It is usually made with durum wheat semolina flour, water, and salt.

• Varieties: Orecchiette can be found in many different shapes and sizes depending on where you buy them. Some are round while others are more oval-shaped; some have ridges while others are smooth; some are large while others are small. You can also find orecchiette made with whole wheat or other grains such as spelt or kamut.
• Preparation: To prepare orecchiette, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente (about 8 minutes) then drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Serve your orecchiette with cheese sauce for an easy weeknight dinner!

5. Cavatappi

Cavatappi is a type of pasta that is shaped like a corkscrew.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, which makes it perfect for holding sauces and other ingredients.

The name comes from the Italian word cavatappi, which means “corkscrew.”

• Varieties: Cavatappi can be found in many different colors and flavors. Traditional varieties are made with durum wheat semolina flour, but there are also whole-wheat versions available as well as gluten-free options made with rice or quinoa flours. You can also find flavored varieties such as spinach, tomato, garlic, and even truffle cavatappi.
• Preparation: To prepare cavatappi for use in cheese sauce recipes, first cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain the cooked pasta and set aside while you make your cheese sauce. Once your cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked cavatappi to it and stir until everything is evenly combined. Serve immediately while hot!

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to pairing cheese sauce with pasta, you have plenty of options to choose from.

The five best types of pasta for cheese sauce are rigatoni, fusilli, penne, orecchiette, and cavatappi.

Each of these pasta shapes has a unique texture and shape that helps the cheese sauce cling to the noodles better. This ensures that you get the perfect balance of cheese and pasta in every bite.

So, the next time you’re looking for a cheesy pasta dish, try one of these five types of pasta.

You’ll be sure to get the perfect combination of cheese and pasta in every bite!