Total Time: 25 minutes | Yield: 4 servings
Craving something creamy, cheesy, and comforting that won’t leave your sink overflowing with dishes? This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is everything you want in a cozy dinner: minimal effort, maximum flavor. Tender pasta simmers in a blend of milk and broth, then melts together with a dreamy mix of white cheddar and mozzarella. Perfect for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you need a little cheesy joy in a bowl.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 oz rotini (or any short pasta)
1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Dijon mustard or dry mustard powder
Instructions
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add chicken broth and milk to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the pasta. Lower heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in the white cheddar and mozzarella a little at a time, until fully melted and creamy. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Stir frequently during cooking to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end. This dish thickens as it cools—add a little warm milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess. White cheddar gives this dish sharpness, while mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy texture. You can use all cheddar if you prefer a stronger flavor.
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One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Craving something creamy, cheesy, and comforting that won’t leave your sink overflowing with dishes? This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is everything you want in a cozy dinner: minimal effort, maximum flavor. Tender pasta simmers in a blend of milk and broth, then melts together with a dreamy mix of white cheddar and mozzarella. Perfect for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you need a little cheesy joy in a bowl.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 oz rotini (or any short pasta)
1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Dijon mustard or dry mustard powder
Instructions
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add chicken broth and milk to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the pasta. Lower heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in the white cheddar and mozzarella a little at a time, until fully melted and creamy. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Stir frequently during cooking to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end. This dish thickens as it cools—add a little warm milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess. White cheddar gives this dish sharpness, while mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy texture. You can use all cheddar if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Penne, shells, or fusilli all work well. Just be sure to adjust the cook time based on the pasta you choose.
Is there a vegetarian version? Absolutely—just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Can I add protein to this? Definitely! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed shrimp pair beautifully with this cheesy pasta.
How can I make it gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and cheese are gluten-free too.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it reheats well. Just undercook the pasta slightly if you plan to reheat it later, so it doesn’t get too soft.