Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta

Featured in: Family Dinners

This baked pasta brings together a creamy, melty combination of feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheeses nestled among bursting cherry tomatoes. After baking, al dente pasta is stirred in with parmesan and fresh basil, creating a rich, comforting dish full of bold flavors. Olive oil, garlic, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes add aromatic depth, while the blend of cheeses provides smooth texture and a golden finish. Perfect for an easy yet satisfying Italian-American main course.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:36:00 GMT
Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta: a bubbly, molten cheese creation with roasted tomatoes and basil. Save
Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta: a bubbly, molten cheese creation with roasted tomatoes and basil. | griddleglory.com

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring a creamy, melty blend of four cheeses, baked together to perfection for an irresistibly cheesy meal.

A cozy, cheesy dish that's become a favorite for family dinners thanks to its ease and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne or rigatoni
  • Cheeses: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese shredded, 100 g (3.5 oz) fontina cheese shredded, 50 g (1.75 oz) parmesan cheese grated
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 300 g (10.5 oz) cherry tomatoes halved, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Prepare Tomatoes:
Place the cherry tomatoes in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Add Cheeses:
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish nestling it among the tomatoes. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and fontina evenly around the feta.
Bake:
Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting and the cheeses are melted and golden.
Cook Pasta:
Meanwhile cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain.
Combine:
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the cooked pasta reserved pasta water parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Gently stir until everything is creamy and well combined.
Season:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Garnish with extra basil and serve immediately.
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| griddleglory.com

This recipe always brings the family together especially during weekend dinners when everyone enjoys the cheesy goodness and shared memories.

Required Tools

Large baking dish Medium pot Colander Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains milk/dairy (feta mozzarella fontina parmesan) wheat/gluten (pasta) Check cheese labels for vegetarian status if needed

Nutritional Information

Calories 650 Total Fat 32 g Carbohydrates 60 g Protein 29 g per serving

Golden-brown Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta, a comforting vegetarian Italian-American baked meal ready to enjoy! Save
Golden-brown Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta, a comforting vegetarian Italian-American baked meal ready to enjoy! | griddleglory.com

Enjoy the creamy texture and bold flavor of this four-cheese baked pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Questions

What type of cheese is used in the dish?

The dish features feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheeses, combined for a rich, creamy texture.

Can I substitute any of the cheeses?

Yes, fontina can be swapped with gouda or provolone depending on availability and preference.

What pasta works best for this bake?

Penne or rigatoni are recommended as they hold the sauce well and complement the cheeses and tomatoes.

Are there any suggested additions for extra nutrition?

Roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach can be incorporated for added flavor and nutrients.

How do I achieve the best cheese melt and tomato burst?

Baking at 200°C (400°F) for about 30 minutes allows the cheeses to melt golden and tomatoes to soften and burst beautifully.

Four-Cheese Baked Block Pasta

Pasta baked with feta, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan, combined with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Pasta

01 14 oz penne or rigatoni

Cheeses

01 7 oz block feta cheese
02 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
03 3.5 oz shredded fontina cheese
04 1.75 oz grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 10.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
04 1 tsp dried oregano
05 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Phase 02

Prepare Tomatoes and Aromatics: Place cherry tomatoes in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine evenly.

Phase 03

Arrange Cheeses: Nestle block of feta cheese at the center of the dish among tomatoes. Distribute shredded mozzarella and fontina cheese evenly around the feta.

Phase 04

Bake Cheeses and Tomatoes: Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and cheeses melt into a golden blend.

Phase 05

Cook Pasta: While baking, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Phase 06

Combine Pasta and Baked Ingredients: Remove baking dish from oven. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Stir gently until creamy and well integrated.

Phase 07

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed, garnish with additional basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large baking dish
  • Medium pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (feta, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan) and gluten (wheat pasta). Verify cheese vegetarian status if needed.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 650
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 29 g