Description: This incredibly easy and satisfying One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines the simplicity of a one-pan meal with the rich, cheesy goodness of a classic pasta bake, all without the fuss of boiling pasta separately. Creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or similar short-cut pasta)
- 2 cups whole milk (2% milk can be substituted, but whole milk provides the richest flavor)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works best)
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is recommended)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, for a hint of spice
Preparation:
Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Mince the garlic and shred the cheeses if you haven’t purchased them pre-shredded. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process seamless.
Step 2: Choose a large, deep skillet or saucepan with a lid. The skillet needs to be large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow the pasta to cook evenly without overcrowding. A 12-inch skillet with high sides works perfectly.
Step 3: Now, take your skillet and let’s begin cooking your meal:
Step 4: In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch carefully to prevent the butter from browning or burning. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the dish. The aroma of sautéed garlic is a delightful indicator that you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Pour in the milk and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the milk. This ensures that every bite of pasta is perfectly seasoned.
Step 6: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring that it’s submerged in the milk mixture. Gently press the pasta down if necessary to ensure it’s fully immersed. This is crucial for even cooking. The milk should almost cover the pasta; if not, add a splash more milk.
Step 7: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking. Check the pasta for doneness after 15 minutes. It should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente).
Step 8: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking and most of the liquid has been absorbed (a little sauce remaining is fine), reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Continue stirring until all the cheese is completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta. This will create a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the heat. If the sauce is too thick for your preference, add a splash of milk (a tablespoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition of milk to ensure the sauce remains smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Serve the One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight because it embodies the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. Its one-pan nature minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The creamy, cheesy sauce, rich with the flavors of white cheddar and mozzarella, is incredibly satisfying and comforting. Plus, the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to add your favorite vegetables or proteins, tailoring it to your specific taste preferences. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. The fact that you don’t need to pre-boil the pasta simplifies the entire process, making it a convenient and delicious meal option. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and consistently rewarding.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the richness of the pasta.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal. These proteins complement the cheesy sauce and add a satisfying protein boost.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, add sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms. These vegetables add nutritional value and a pleasant texture contrast.
- Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese for added flavor.
Tips:
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it frequently and remove it from the heat when it’s al dente. The pasta will continue to cook from the residual heat.
- Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired sauce consistency. You may need to add more milk if the sauce is too thick.
- For a creamier sauce, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.
- Add vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to rehydrate the sauce.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 405 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 20g
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg (varies depending on cheese and salt content)
Conclusion
This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and minimal effort can yield incredibly delicious results. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to deliver. The combination of creamy cheeses, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic seasonings creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the magic of this one-pan wonder. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? Answer: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white cheddar and mozzarella, you can easily substitute other cheeses such as Gruyere, fontina, or provolone for a different flavor profile. Experiment with your favorite cheese combinations to create a unique twist on this classic dish. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Answer: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this pasta dish. Some excellent choices include broccoli, spinach, peas, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the skillet, or add them during the last few minutes of cooking to retain their crispness.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe? Answer: Yes, you can certainly use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Just be sure to choose a high-quality gluten-free pasta that holds its shape well during cooking. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta may require slightly different cooking times, so check the package instructions and adjust accordingly.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Answer: While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it later. However, the pasta may absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore its creamy consistency. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I add protein to this recipe? Answer: Absolutely! Adding protein is a fantastic way to make this pasta dish a complete and satisfying meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu are all excellent choices. Cook the protein separately and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking, or add cooked, leftover protein for an even quicker meal.
