Name: One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne, shells, or rotini); 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, splash of cream

This One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish I love to whip up on busy nights. It brings together tender pasta, sharp white cheddar, and gooey mozzarella in a rich sauce—all cooked in one pan for easy prep and even easier cleanup. It’s comfort food at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this pasta is both simple and luxurious. Cooking everything in one pan means I save time and don’t end up with a sink full of dishes. The combination of white cheddar and mozzarella gives it a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors, and I can throw it together with minimal ingredients I usually already have in the kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (like penne, shells, or rotini)
White cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Milk or half-and-half
Butter
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, or a splash of cream for extra richness

directions

I start by melting butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
I sauté the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Then, I add the dry pasta and enough milk (or a mix of milk and water) to just cover it. I bring it to a simmer.
I cook the pasta uncovered, stirring frequently, until it’s tender and the liquid has reduced into a creamy base—usually about 10–12 minutes.
I stir in the white cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
I season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
Just before serving, I sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This dish serves about 4 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook. I usually have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add cooked chicken or crispy bacon for protein. I’ve also mixed in steamed broccoli or spinach for some green and a little nutritional boost. For a bolder flavor, I swap in smoked mozzarella or a sharp aged white cheddar.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until it’s creamy again. The microwave works too, but I make sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

I prefer shredding my own cheese because it melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded works if I’m in a hurry.

What’s the best pasta shape for this?

I like using short shapes like penne or rotini—they cook evenly and hold onto the cheesy sauce really well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used gluten-free pasta and it works well. I just keep an eye on the liquid level since gluten-free pasta can absorb differently.

How do I make it extra creamy?

I sometimes add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese at the end for an ultra-rich finish.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t usually freeze it because creamy pasta sauces can separate when reheated. It’s best fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta Delight is everything I want in a quick, comforting meal—easy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s become a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation, and I always look forward to that first creamy, melty bite.