Gorgonzola Penne

Gorgonzola Penne

A delicious gorgonzola penne recipe perfect for Canadian home cooks. Ready in 25 minutes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Calories

480

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare Ingredients

    Gather and prep all ingredients. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pasta

    Cook pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    In a large skillet over medium heat, prepare the sauce base with aromatics and main flavouring ingredients.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately, garnish with fresh herbs and grated cheese. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I never add cream to a hot pan that's been on high heat — I always reduce the temperature first to prevent splitting.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

Gorgonzola penne is one of those dishes that feels luxurious but comes together faster than you'd think. The sharp, tangy bite of gorgonzola cuts beautifully through the richness of heavy cream and butter, creating a sauce that clings to every ridged edge of the penne. It's the kind of meal that makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring a trip to a fancy restaurant.

Canadian home cooks have made this a go-to for good reason — it's forgiving, deeply comforting, and uses ingredients you'll find at any Metro or No Frills. The trick is letting the cheese melt gently into the cream rather than boiling it, and finishing with just enough pasta water to turn everything glossy.

Tips for the Best Gorgonzola Penne

Réservez au moins un grand bol d'eau de cuisson avant d'égoutter les pâtes — l'amidon est ce qui émulsionne la sauce et la garde soyeuse plutôt que grasse. Quand vous ajoutez les penne cuites dans la poêle, laissez-les cuisiner dans la sauce une minute ou deux pour que le fromage pénètre dans les pâtes. Retirez la poêle du feu avant d'ajouter le fromage pour éviter qu'il ne devienne huileux.

What to Serve With It

This dish shines alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil — the bitterness cuts through the richness perfectly. A loaf of crusty Italian bread is essential for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lime for something lighter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream — microwaving will make the sauce grainy. The pasta will absorb more liquid overnight, so don't skip the extra liquid when reheating.

Nutrition Facts

480

cal

22g

Protein

22g

Fat

65g

Carbs

5g

Fiber

406mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute blue cheese for gorgonzola?+

Yes, but choose a mild blue like Danish blue or English Stilton. Stronger blues like Roquefort will overpower the dish. Gorgonzola dolce works best since it melts smoothly into the cream.

Why is my sauce breaking and looking oily?+

This usually happens when the pan gets too hot while the cheese is melting. Keep the heat at medium-low and remove the pan from the burner before adding the cheese. Stirring in a splash of pasta water can also rescue a broken sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

You can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, then reheat the sauce gently and toss everything together. The pasta will be much better than if you cook it all at once.

Does this freeze well?+

Unfortunately not — dairy-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed. The texture becomes grainy and the sauce won't come back to its original creaminess. It's best enjoyed fresh.

Should I add the cheese off the heat?+

Absolutely. Removing the pan from the burner before stirring in the cheese prevents it from seizing or becoming oily. The residual heat is enough to melt it smoothly into the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • Reserve pasta water — it's the secret to a silky sauce.
  • Don't rinse pasta after cooking unless making a cold salad.
  • Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to marry flavours.

Reviews (4)

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.