One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish, look no further than this One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from rich white cheddar and mozzarella, all made in just one pan—yes, ONE pan. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds, and the best part? Minimal cleanup! Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a go-to weeknight favorite. Plus, the gooey mozzarella and sharp white cheddar combo? Absolute heaven.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight

This pasta dish is the epitome of cheesy comfort food. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love:

Effortless and One-Pan

You’re going to love how easy this recipe is to make. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your delicious meal.

Cheesy Goodness

With both white cheddar and mozzarella, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream. It’s creamy, gooey, and indulgent, but not overly rich—just the right balance of flavors.

Perfectly Creamy Sauce

The sauce here is so creamy, it coats every piece of pasta in cheesy goodness. It’s thickened with a little bit of pasta cooking water, so it clings to the noodles just right.

Quick and Convenient

From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes! This is the ultimate dish for when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Versatile

You can add in your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or crispy bacon, or toss in some veggies like spinach or peas for extra flavor and color.

Ingredients

Ready to make this cheesy pasta magic? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta:

• Your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic (freshly minced)

For the Sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Whole milk or heavy cream
• White cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and make this creamy, cheesy pasta goodness!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions, until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set both the pasta and water aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Pour in the whole milk (or cream) and bring it to a simmer. Stir often and let it cook for a couple of minutes, just to heat it through.

Now, gradually stir in the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt into the milk and create a creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with freshly cracked black pepper and Italian seasoning (if using). Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so that the pasta is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. If you need the sauce to be a bit creamier, you can add a little more pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and hot, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 540mg
Total Carbohydrates: 43g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight

This cheesy pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be customized for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

With a Fresh Salad

Pair this rich, cheesy pasta with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. A side of garlic bread would also complement the flavors beautifully.

Topped with Protein

If you’d like to add a little extra protein, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp would be fantastic choices to toss in. They add a savory crunch and even more flavor.

Roasted Veggies

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus would make a great accompaniment to this cheesy pasta, adding texture and nutrition to the meal.

As a Comforting Meal

Sometimes, this dish is perfect on its own! Serve it as-is for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s full of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

Keep It Creamy

If you notice the sauce thickening too much as it sits, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir. This will help keep everything silky smooth.

Add More Veggies

For some added freshness and nutrition, consider adding spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers to the pasta. You can toss them in when the sauce is almost done cooking.

Make It Spicy

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce and heat gently over low heat.

Customize Your Cheeses

Feel free to swap the mozzarella or white cheddar for other types of cheese you love—think gouda, fontina, or even a touch of brie for extra creaminess!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! Penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you love will work perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I use half-and-half or skim milk instead of whole milk?

A2: Yes, you can! However, using whole milk or cream will give you the richest, creamiest sauce. Half-and-half or skim milk will still work but may result in a slightly lighter sauce.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop before mixing it with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

A4: This recipe is already vegetarian! Just make sure the cheeses you use are vegetarian-friendly if that’s important to you.

Q5: Can I use a non-dairy milk for this recipe?

A5: Yes! You can use a non-dairy milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Q6: Can I add meat to this recipe?

A6: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp would be amazing additions to this dish.

Q7: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A7: Yes, you can freeze the pasta and sauce. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container, and it will last for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Q8: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

A8: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, fresh-shredded cheese melts better and gives you a smoother sauce. If you do use pre-shredded cheese, it may have anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?

A9: Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce to bring a little heat to the dish.

Q10: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A10: Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!

Now that you know how to make this cheesy, comforting One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish, and share it with the ones you love.

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