The pasta in a cheese bowl, often called “pasta alla Ruota,” consists of freshly cooked pasta mixed in a large wheel of Parmesan with the center hollowed out. The cheese wheel surface is scraped to loosen the cheese and then flamed to get a generous cheese coating, which melts when the hot pasta is mixed in by hand.
The pasta in a cheese bowl, aka cheese wheel pasta, has become a significant food craze, and everyone’s buzzing about it. If you’re hearing it for the first time, prepare for that food trend to come around and leave a lasting impression on you. If you’re wondering what makes cheese wheel pasta unique, stay with us and explore this luxury dish and how to practice it.
Pasta In A Cheese Bowl: What’s that?
Pasta in a cheese bowl is a unique and flavorful dish made tableside by mixing freshly cooked pasta in a hollowed parmesan cheese wheel. However, the hot pasta is not just put in the cheese wheel and move it around. First, some cheese layers are scraped off the inside of the wheel, and a little pile is made at the bottom of the cheese wheel bowl. Then, the cheese is flambéed by pouring in a splash of flaming alcohol to create cheese sauce. Meanwhile, the hot pasta is moved and mixed in with hands fast around the wheel so the alcohol evaporates quickly and the pasta is evenly coated. This version, made with a flaming wheel of cheese, is called “flaming cheese wheel pasta.”
Experience Cheese Bowl Pasta Tableside:
My foodie friend and I go out often to explore new food trends and culinary experiences. This time, our focus is cheese bowl pasta. The pasta in a cheese bowl at the tableside is a mouth-watering and magical moment. At your chosen restaurant, you can experience the chef in action. You can watch the chef bring a giant cheese wheel to your table and prepare the cheesy dish. Moreover, you can hear the wheel’s history, how the cheese was made, and its origin.
Find a restaurant in your city or nearby and try it—it's absolutely delicious! Each restaurant serves its unique style, so you can experience a fantastic treat.
Make Your Own Cheese Bowl Pasta
Yeah, pasta cheese wheels are costly, but it can be a memory-making dinner if you have foodie mates and family like mine. The good thing is, to make it affordable, have everyone chip in to buy the cheese wheel. Cheese wheels come in different sizes, so shop for the right one. You can also ask for recommendations from nearby local Italian restaurants to get the right direction.
DIY Pasta In A Cheese Bowl
Here’s your shopping list for this Italian parade:
- A cheese bowl/wheel
- Pecorino Romano cheese
- Ground black pepper
- Any long pasta
I am sharing the video link on how to open a cheese wheel. Check out this- it’s way easier than you think! It’s pretty simple to recreate the pasta in a cheese bowl. Here’s how to do it:
- Watch the video to help you open the wheel of cheese and set aside.
- Cook the pasta until al dente.
- Transfer the hot pasta to the cheese scrapings inside the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel and mix the pasta into the cheese until the cheese is melted and creamy and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with black pepper, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Cut the cheese wheel closer to the top to keep a larger area at the bottom when making pasta in the cheese wheel.
- You can store the remaining cheese rind in a sealed bag in the freezer.
- You could add protein and vegetables like bacon, ham, fresh spinach, or mushrooms to this dish for recipe variation.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese could be replaced for the Pecorino Romano.
Side Servings:
I’ve found some great side servings that pair perfectly with cheese wheel pasta.
Let’s break off these.
- Marinated Steak Skewers: Tender chunks of marinated steak in olive oil and herb spices are later roasted on skewers. These aromatic steaks undoubtedly make a perfect contrast to the pasta.
- Garlic Sautéed Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms in butter and garlic are full of flavors and balance the pasta’s cheesy richness.
- Sweet Pea & Mint Salad: This refreshing salad features sweet peas and freshmint. The color, texture, and flavor combo are delicious.
- Stuffed Tomatoes: are delicious and can be served with cheesy pasta. Fresh stuffed baked tomatoes bring a burst of flavor.
Bar offerings:
Pairing wine with different pasta dishes can immensely enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some choices to try with pasta in a cheese bowl.
- Golden Ale
- Pinot Grigio
- Martini
- Syrah
- Virgin Sangria
- Pilsner
Suppose, you’re still wondering which wine pairs best. In that case, I’m sharing my blog on what wine goes with Italian cuisine, from where you will get to know through my personal experiences and a deep appreciation for culinary traditions.
The Showstopper: Pasta in A Cheese Bowl
Nothing is more showstopping than celebrating pasta in a cheese bowl as a home meal. It is a perfect dish to wow your friends and family. It starts by finding a seller that offers whole cheese rounds. Choose one large enough to hold one serving of pasta noodles in the center. Then, cut it in half and wrap the other half, preserving it for later. Carve out a concave center of the round—generally, a metal spoon works. Make the hot pasta and amaze your guests! Follow Pastasphere for more exciting Italian recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a cheese bowl pasta called?
Cheese wheel pasta, also known as “pasta alla Ruota,” is a dish in which freshly hot cooked pasta is mixed with a hollowed cheese wheel.
Which cheese is best for pasta?
It depends on the pasta dish. The contrasting flavors of Parmesan and Pecorino open up different culinary paths. Parmesan’s nutty, delicious taste pairs well with creamy pasta dishes, while Pecorino’s bold, tangy flavor matches tomato-based sauces.
Why are cheese wheels so expensive?
Parmesan cheese is typically relatively expensive, costing over $1,000. A single cheese wheel requires at least a year to age and 131 gallons of milk to make, and it is only crafted in the Emilia Romagna, the restricted region of northern Italy.
How long does a cheese wheel last?
It depends if it’s vacuum-packed. It can last for decades in the fridge without going bad. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses like cottage, feta, and cream cheese can last 1–2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last 3–4 weeks.
Can I wrap cheese in foil?
Wrapping cheese in cheese paper or aluminum foil can prevent it from drying out, helping it stay fresh longer. After wrapping, place your cheese in an airtight container to ensure it maintains the right amount of moisture.
