One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight

 

One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (any type you like, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup milk (if needed for adjusting creaminess)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat the oil or butter:
   • In a large, deep skillet or a pan with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion:
   • Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta

1. Pour in the broth and cream:
   • Add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine, and bring the liquid to a simmer.
2. Add the pasta:
   • Once the liquid is simmering, add your 8 oz of pasta (uncooked) into the pan. Stir it to ensure that the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.

   Tip: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings

1. Add the cheeses:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to the pan. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Season the pasta:
   • Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat), 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Add the Parmesan:
   • Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, and stir again. The Parmesan will add an extra layer of cheesy goodness and enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Adjust the Creaminess

1. Check the sauce consistency:
   • If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add 1/4 cup of milk at this point and stir to reach your preferred consistency.
2. Let it simmer:
   • Let the dish simmer for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, so everything melds together, and the sauce thickens to perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish:
   • Once everything is creamy and delicious, remove from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the creamy, cheesy pasta straight from the pan! You can enjoy this as a main dish or as a side to grilled chicken, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies.

Additional Tips:

• Add-ins: For extra flavor and variety, you can add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta while it’s simmering.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, like gouda, fontina, or a sharp cheddar, to make the sauce even more flavorful.
• Make it lighter: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mix of half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture may be less rich.

This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—all made in one pan! Enjoy!Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies