Four Cheese Alfredo with Sundried Tomatoes is the epitome of creamy indulgence. It combines the robust flavors of four distinct cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, Romano, and cream cheese—creating a rich and velvety sauce that envelops the pasta in cheesy perfection. The addition of sundried tomatoes offers a tangy burst of flavor that cuts through the richness, providing a delicious contrast. This is a must-try for cheese lovers, offering layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can create this decadent Four Cheese Alfredo with Sundried Tomatoes at home.

Ingredients:

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is recommended)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Romano cheese
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Four Cheese Alfredo Sauce

• In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Stir in the softened cream cheese, whisking continuously until smooth and fully incorporated with the butter.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly as it simmers.
• Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses, whisking constantly to prevent clumping and to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional dried basil or Italian seasoning.
• Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta with the Alfredo Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency, adding a little at a time until the sauce is perfect.

Step 4: Serve the Pasta

• Once the pasta is well-coated in the four-cheese Alfredo sauce and sundried tomatoes, remove the skillet from heat.
• Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.

COOKING Note:

• Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that gives this sauce its ultra-creamy texture. Be sure to use softened cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Sundried tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. Make sure to drain the oil-packed tomatoes well before adding them to the sauce.
• You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a more garlicky flavor, feel free to add extra minced garlic or garlic powder to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve this rich and cheesy pasta with a light green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a Caesar salad to balance the dish’s richness.
• Bread: Garlic bread or homemade focaccia pairs beautifully with this pasta, providing a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make an excellent side, adding freshness and texture to the meal.

Tips:

1. Choose High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers a smoother texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
2. Customize with Protein: This dish is perfect on its own, but you can easily add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
3. Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The Alfredo sauce itself is gluten-free!
4. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will be combined with the hot sauce, be sure to cook it until just al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
5. Add Extra Flavor: If you want to deepen the flavor of the sauce, you can add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard when you add the cream. This will create a more complex and slightly tangy sauce.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20 minutes

Total Time:

• 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 780
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 950mg

Conclusion:

Four Cheese Alfredo with Sundried Tomatoes is a cheese lover’s dream. The richness of four different cheeses creates a velvety, luscious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. The sundried tomatoes add a perfect balance with their tangy flavor, cutting through the richness and adding a gourmet touch. This pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests at your next gathering. The simple steps, quality ingredients, and quick cooking time make it an easy yet indulgent meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab your favorite pasta, melt those cheeses, and get ready to indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight!

Four Cheese Alfredo with Sundried Tomatoes

---

• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is recommended)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Romano cheese
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan (optional)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Four Cheese Alfredo Sauce

• In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Stir in the softened cream cheese, whisking continuously until smooth and fully incorporated with the butter.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly as it simmers.
• Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses, whisking constantly to prevent clumping and to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional dried basil or Italian seasoning.
• Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta with the Alfredo Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency, adding a little at a time until the sauce is perfect.

Step 4: Serve the Pasta

• Once the pasta is well-coated in the four-cheese Alfredo sauce and sundried tomatoes, remove the skillet from heat.
• Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 780
• Sodium: 950mg
• Protein: 24g