This pasta meal was extremely easy & fast to prepare. The pasta was rich & delicious. I served the toppings on the side & let my family top theirs as they choose. Serve this dish with the optional toppings; don't skip them. If you like blue cheese, you will appreciate how it enhances the flavor of the sauce & the added a creaminess to it. I don't know if it would be the same without it. But if you don't like blue cheese, definitely serve this with a soft crumbly cheese. I will be making this again-with the recommended toppings.