The Easiest One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Ever

Crafting a mouthwatering one-pan white cheddar mozzarella pasta delight feels like culinary magic unleashed in your kitchen.

Cheese lovers will appreciate how seamlessly rich flavors meld together with minimal cleanup.

Simple ingredients dance harmoniously in a single skillet, creating creamy comfort without complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a luxurious blend of melted cheeses coating perfectly cooked pasta.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this ridiculously easy recipe.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a quick, delectable meal.

Prepare to fall in love with this cheesy masterpiece that simplifies cooking and delights taste buds.

One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta

• Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a delightful one-pan pasta that eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Combines rich white cheddar and melty mozzarella for a creamy, indulgent flavor profile that satisfies serious cheese cravings.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy families, quick weeknight dinners, or impromptu gatherings, this pasta adapts to any dining scenario with minimal effort.
• Hands-Off Comfort: Minimal stirring and straightforward baking technique means you can relax while the oven does most of the cooking work, creating a stress-free meal experience.

Ingredients Inside One-Pan White Cheddar Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty pasta that absorbs the creamy cheese sauce and provides the main structure of the dish.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the cheese sauce.

• White Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and tangy flavor to the pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic, stretchy melting quality and mild cheese taste.

• Butter, Garlic: Adds rich, aromatic base notes to enhance the overall dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and elevate the flavors of the pasta and cheese.

Cooking Instructions for One-Pan Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 375F (190C) and let it heat up while you prepare the delicious pasta.

Step 2: Sizzle The Garlic

Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until it releases its aromatic magic, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create The Cheesy Mixture

• Pasta
• Milk
• White cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir everything together until it starts to simmer and create a creamy base.

Step 4: Sprinkle Some Flavor

Enhance the dish with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, giving it a gentle stir halfway through to ensure all pasta gets equally cheesy and delicious. You’re looking for perfectly cooked pasta and a bubbling cheese top.

Step 6: Dish Out The Goodness

Pull the skillet out of the oven and serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistibly cheesy.

Tips to Perfect One-Pan White Cheddar Pasta

• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, even melting without lumps.
• Watch pasta closely during baking to avoid overcooking; check at 15-minute mark for perfect al dente consistency.
• Sprinkle dried herbs like basil or oregano before baking to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Incorporate cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this pasta into a complete meal.
• Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and use plant-based cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.

Flavor Variations for White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta

• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Replace white cheddar with pepper jack cheese and add diced chorizo sausage for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, and swap mozzarella for goat cheese to create a vegetable-packed pasta experience.
• Bacon Blue Cheese Edition: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and crumbled blue cheese for a rich, savory alternative that adds depth and complexity to the original recipe.

Best Pairings With One-Pan Mozzarella Pasta

• Enhance Creamy Pasta with Perfect Pairings
• Pair with Crisp Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta.
• Match with Dry White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the dish's heavy texture.
• Add Herbed Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with fresh parsley and thyme to soak up the extra cheese sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the creamy pasta.
• Finish with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives or fresh basil on top to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Proper Storage Methods for White Cheddar Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of milk to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and pasta reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure they’re similar in size to maintain the cooking time and texture.

• Is it necessary to use both white cheddar and mozzarella?

While both cheeses contribute to the creamy texture and flavor, you can use only one type if preferred. Adjust the quantity to maintain the cheese-to-pasta ratio.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you’re using vegetarian-friendly cheeses if that’s a concern.

• How can I prevent the pasta from becoming too dry?

Stir the pasta halfway through baking and keep an eye on the liquid. If it looks too dry, you can add a splash of milk or pasta water to maintain moisture.

One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pan white cheddar mozzarella pasta delight delivers pure comfort in mere minutes. Cheese lovers will savor this simple, indulgent meal that combines silky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a quick weeknight dinner solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Liquid:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare an oven-safe skillet and warm it to 375F (190C), ensuring even heat distribution for optimal cooking.
2. Gently melt butter over medium heat, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate uncooked pasta, milk, white cheddar, and mozzarella into the skillet, creating a creamy mixture that begins to simmer and intermingle.
4. Enhance the flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Carefully slide the skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the pasta to transform for 20-25 minutes. Midway through the cooking process, gently stir to promote uniform texture and prevent potential sticking.
6. Once the pasta reaches a tender consistency and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape, extract the skillet from the oven with caution.
7. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and luxurious, molten cheese appeal.

Notes

• Choose a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Use freshly grated cheese for maximum melting and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
• Opt for whole milk to create a creamier, richer sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and double-check cheese ingredients for gluten content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg