If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare, this One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight will be your new go-to comfort dish. Imagine perfectly al dente pasta coated in a luxurious blend of white cheddar and mozzarella, all made in a single pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a low-effort crowd-pleaser, this pasta delivers flavor and convenience in every bite.
The best part? You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients—just a few staples and a bit of love. Choosing the right pasta is key for texture and sauce absorption. If you’re unsure which to pick, this guide to pasta shapes can help you find the perfect match.
Pairing the right cheese combination is equally important. If you want to better understand how flavors complement each other, take a peek at this excellent cheese flavor pairing guide.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Pasta Delight
This dish is more than just pasta and cheese—it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:
- One-pan convenience – Say goodbye to dish pileups!
- Creamy, cheesy flavor – A dream for cheese lovers.
- Quick cooking time – Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Customizable – Add veggies or protein to make it your own.
- Kid- and guest-approved – Great for families and dinner parties alike.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfectly creamy, cheesy pasta, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
- Serves 4–6
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional Add-Ins :
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced cooked chicken
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
These simple pantry staples come together beautifully for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal.
👨🍳 How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for a no-fuss, full-flavor experience:
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, combine the pasta, broth, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 8–10 minutes , or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Step 2: Add the Cream and Garlic
- Stir in the heavy cream and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes , allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
- Gradually add the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If adding optional mix-ins like vegetables or protein, stir them in at this stage.
- Step 4: Serve
- Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Make your meal complete with one of these sides:
- 🥗 Fresh green salad with vinaigrette for balance
- 🥖 Crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce
- 🥦 Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots
- 🍷 A glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast
Or, serve it all on its own—it’s hearty enough to stand solo!
🔄 Variations and Pro Tips
Want to make it your own? Here are some tried-and-true tweaks:
- Protein boost – Add grilled chicken, sausage, or even shrimp
- Veggie lovers’ twist – Stir in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms
- Spice it up – Red pepper flakes, paprika, or even jalapeños
- Lighter version – Use low-fat milk or plant-based cream and cheese
- Reheat like a pro – Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- 🧊 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- 🔥 Reheat on stove with a splash of milk or cream for best texture
- 🧺 Make-ahead option – Cook pasta and sauce separately, then combine when ready
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly – Cool fully and freeze in a sealed container
For long-term food storage, this USDA food safety guide is worth bookmarking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute the cream?
A: Yes! Use milk, half-and-half, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk. Just note the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with extra milk to maintain creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, but cool it completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Roasted tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You bet. Just use a large enough pan and extend the cooking time slightly.
Q: How do I make it healthier?
A: Try whole wheat pasta, light cream, and reduced cheese quantities.
Q: What’s the best pan to use?
A: A deep, non-stick skillet or sauté pan with a lid for even cooking and easy cleanup.
📊 Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugar: 8g
🎉 Final Thoughts
This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight checks all the boxes—easy, cheesy, quick, and comforting. Whether you’re hosting guests, feeding picky eaters, or simply need something warm and delicious after a long day, this dish delivers on every front.
So grab that skillet, melt that butter, and let the aroma of melty mozzarella and sharp white cheddar take over your kitchen. You’ll come back to this recipe again and again—promise.
