Not long ago, I was visiting my cousin’s house for a family get-together. The kitchen was a flurry of activity—everyone was trying to pitch in with different dishes, and the laughter of kids running around filled the air. I’d offered to make something simple, but hearty, something everyone could enjoy.
I was drawn to the ingredients on the counter: pasta, cheese, broth, and a few odds and ends. It didn’t take long to put together a one-pan pasta dish that would please even the pickiest eater. As I stirred the creamy sauce together, I was reminded how sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying.
The kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and the adults were savoring every bite, debating whether to add more garlic or a handful of fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
The beauty of this dish is that you can make it your own—add whatever you have on hand, and it still turns out perfect every time. One-pan meals like this are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, saving time without compromising on taste.
Short Description
This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender noodles simmered in broth, blended with melty cheeses, and brightened with optional veggies or protein — all cooked in a single skillet!
Key Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 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
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Knife and cutting board
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large skillet, combine the pasta, chicken or vegetable broth, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be al dente, and most of the broth should be absorbed.
Step 2: Add the Cream and Garlic
Stir in the heavy cream and minced garlic. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the garlic to infuse its flavor.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Gradually sprinkle in the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly. Keep mixing until all the cheese melts and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked chicken, stir them in now to heat through.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pasta sit for 1–2 minutes so the sauce can thicken a bit more. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if you like, and serve immediately while it’s luxuriously creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Only one pan needed for easy cleanup
– Rich, creamy, cheesy comfort food in under 30 minutes
– Flexible to customize with veggies or proteins
– Family-friendly and kid-approved
– Great for quick weeknight dinners
– Easily adaptable to a lighter version using half-and-half
– Bursting with cheesy flavor and a cozy, satisfying texture
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on it and taste-test early. If overcooked, the pasta will become mushy. Solution: Stir often and remove from heat as soon as it’s al dente.
Letting the sauce get too thick: If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Adding cheese all at once: Dumping cheese in too fast can cause clumping. Solution: Add a handful at a time, stirring constantly.
Burning the garlic: Minced garlic can burn quickly. Stir it in with the cream rather than sautéing it first.
Skipping the stirring: Frequent stirring helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the pasta from sticking to the pan.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve as a main dish with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side.
– Pair with a glass of light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling lemonade.
– For heartier appetites, add slices of grilled chicken or salmon on top.
– Serve buffet-style for a casual dinner party, letting guests scoop -their own portions.
– Turn it into a cozy side dish alongside grilled steaks or baked meatballs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Cool leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until creamy again.
Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Fontina can also melt beautifully and add different flavor notes.
2. How can I make this dish lighter?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth ingredients for hidden gluten.
4. What’s the best way to add veggies?
Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach stirred in at the end work wonderfully without needing extra cook time.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This dish is best fresh, but you can make it a few hours early and gently reheat with a splash of milk right before serving.
Tips & Tricks
– Grate your own cheese if possible for the smoothest melting.
– Stir frequently while the pasta simmers to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
– Reserve a little pasta cooking liquid in case you want a looser sauce later.
– Taste before serving and adjust salt levels as needed, depending on the broth used.
– For a crispier topping, sprinkle extra cheese over the finished pasta and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes while stirring in the garlic for a little heat.
Veggie-Packed Version: Double up on steamed broccoli, zucchini slices, or baby spinach for a garden-fresh feel.
Chicken Alfredo Style: Add diced cooked chicken and an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese for a heartier, Alfredo-inspired twist.
Smoky Flavor: Swap half the mozzarella for smoked gouda or provolone to infuse a rich, smoky note.
Pesto Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto just before serving for an herbaceous, vibrant finish.
Final Thoughts
Every time I swirl a forkful of this creamy pasta onto my plate, it feels like I’m treating myself to something a little extraordinary without any of the usual fuss. Watching the cheese stretch with every twirl and tasting that rich, velvety sauce reminds me why simple, well-chosen ingredients can sometimes outshine the most complicated recipes.
One pan, a handful of good things, and a little patience at the stove — that’s all it took to create a meal that feels warm, full, and genuinely satisfying. It’s a dish that doesn’t demand perfection; it just invites you to slow down and enjoy. If you ever find yourself needing a little kitchen victory on a busy night, trust me, this pasta will never let you down.
I’m already looking forward to the next batch, maybe with a few surprise add-ins from whatever the fridge has waiting. Somehow, that just makes it even better.
One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup steamed broccoli sautéed mushrooms, or diced cooked chicken
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine pasta, broth, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. The pasta should be al dente, and most of the broth should be absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the garlic flavors the mixture.
- Gradually add the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add any optional ingredients like broccoli, mushrooms, or chicken and stir to heat through.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes for the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then serve immediately.
