Make the Best Cheesy Pasta with Tips from Giada De Laurentiis

There are few things better in life than a pasta dish with a whole lot of cheese. Whether it’s American style macaroni and cheese or ricotta gnocchi, a cheesy dish is always a crowd pleaser. The best part about this food is that it has a wide range of flavors, textures and it’s easy to incorporate in any meal. No one knows Italian cheeses and how to pair them with pasta better than a true Italian chef. Rome-born celebrity chef, Giada De Laurentiis has shared some of her best tips for making the best cheesy pasta dish your cheese-loving heart could desire. 

Pecorino

Giada De Laurentiis says that something as simple as Pecorino cheese is all you need to make a truly divine pasta dish. If you’re making pasta like cacio e pepe, freshly grated pecorino cheese, cracked black pepper, and a splash of pasta water are the ingredients you need to make this simple authentic Roman pasta. Giada always suggests using quality ingredients in your dishes so that you can evoke the perfect flavors every time. When it comes to a cheesy pasta dish, the cheese, and the pasta are all that matters. Since a cheesy pasta dish usually requires few ingredients, she recommends investing in a block of fine cheese or artisanal pasta to enhance your meal.  

Take Your Time

Giada recommends always taking your time and there is no need to rush. "Give yourself plenty of time and space while cooking,” she says. To achieve the perfect cheesy dish, take inventory of what needs to be done. From mastering the perfect starchy pasta water to finely grating your cheese, take the extra time to get everything right. Make sure to leave space on the stove for 2 large saucepans - one where you can melt the cheese and prepare the sauce and the other to combine all of your ingredients.