Did You Know 78% of People Crave Comfort Food More in Winter—But Hate the Cleanup?

There’s something magical about curling up with a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta when the temperature drops. But let’s be honest—the mountain of dishes afterward? Not so magical. That’s why this Best Comfort Food One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta is about to become your winter weeknight hero. Imagine tender pasta swirled with a luxuriously creamy sauce, pockets of melted mozzarella, and the sharp tang of white cheddar—all made in a single pan. No sacrifices, no stress, just pure, unapologetic comfort.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “I can’t even” evenings. The kind where you’re torn between ordering greasy takeout (again) or mustering the energy to cook. Then it hit me: what if comfort food didn’t have to be complicated? What if it could be as easy as tossing everything into one pan and letting the magic happen? Spoiler: it can. And this pasta? It’s the golden ticket.

What makes this dish truly special isn’t just its simplicity—it’s the way the white cheddar adds depth while the mozzarella stretches into those dreamy, Instagram-worthy cheese pulls. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug, the one you’ll scribble onto a stained recipe card because it’s just that reliable. So grab your coziest sweater and let’s dive into the first half of this foolproof, one-pan wonder. (P.S. Yes, it reheats like a dream for lunch tomorrow—you’re welcome.)

Print

The Coziest One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta

There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in one pan—less cleanup, more time to savor every cheesy, comforting bite. This white cheddar mozzarella pasta is my go-to when I need a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent, with a golden crust of melted cheese that’ll make your heart sing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz pasta (cavatappi or penne work beautifully) – The twists and tubes hold onto that luscious cheese sauce so well.
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Homemade if you have it, but store-bought works in a pinch!
• 1 cup heavy cr
  eam – The secret to that velvety texture. For a lighter version, half-and-half will do.
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar – The sharper, the better—it adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella – For that irresistible stretchy, gooey goodness.
• 2 cloves garli
  c, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – A tiny touch for a subtle tang that balances the richness.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Just a whisper of smokiness to elevate the flavors.
• Salt and fresh
  ly cracked black pepper – To taste, of course.
• 2 tbsp butter – For sautéing and adding that golden, buttery finish.
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional) – A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color.

Let’s Mak

e It Together

1. Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown!
2. Add the pasta, broth, and cream all at once. Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts—the pasta will cook right in the creamy liquid, soaking up all that flavor.
3. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth or cream.
4. Reduce the hea
   t to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste as you go—this is your moment to adjust the seasoning!
5. Time for the cheese! Sprinkle in the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts into the sauce. The sauce will thicken beautifully as the cheeses melt.

At this point, your kitchen should smell like a cozy Italian trattoria, and your spoon should be coated in the creamiest, dreamiest sauce. But we’re not done yet—stay tuned for the finishing touches that take this dish from great to unforgettable!

rc="https://receipster.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/comfort-food-white-cheddar-pasta-ingrediants.webp" />

Pro Tips for the Perfect One-Pan White Cheddar Mozzarella Pasta

Making this comforting dish is easy, but a few expert tricks will take it to the next level:

• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy
• Reserve pasta
  water – The starchy liquid helps create a silky, emulsified sauce
• Cook pasta al dente – It will continue cooking in the sauce, so slightly undercook it initially
• Low and slow for the sauce – Gentle heat prevents the cheese from separating

Delicious Variat

ions to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs:

• Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon
• Vegetable lovers: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes
• Spice it up:
  strong> Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta and cornstarch instead of flour
• Lighter version: Substitute half the cheese with Greek yogurt

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up every last bit of sauce
• Roasted vegetables lik
  e Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Why This Dish is Special

Beyond being absolutely delicious, this one-pan wonder offers several benefits:

• Minimal c
  leanup – Only one pan means less time washing dishes
• Comfort in every bite – The creamy, cheesy sauce is pure nostalgia
• Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike adore this dish
• Budget-friendl
  y – Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Quick to make – Ready in about 30 minutes for busy weeknights

Real-Life Tips from My Kitchen

After making this dish countless times, here are my personal recommendations:

• If your sauce see
  ms too thick, add pasta water a tablespoon at a time
• Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking – it helps the sauce cling better
• Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture
• For extra flavor, toas
  t the garlic lightly before adding other ingredients
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and freshness

Conclusion

The

re you have it—a creamy, dreamy, and utterly comforting one-pan white cheddar mozzarella pasta that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its rich, cheesy sauce, perfectly al dente pasta, and minimal cleanup, this dish is a weeknight hero. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for yourself or looking to impress family and friends, this recipe delivers every time.

Now, it’s your turn to give it a try! Whip up a batch, savor every bite, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any personal twists? We’d love to hear about them! And if you’re hungry for more comforting recipes, be sure to check out our other one-pan wonders.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! While white cheddar and mozzarella create the perfect creamy, stretchy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.

Can I make this pasta

ahead of time?

Yes, but keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it sits. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or pasta water and stir gently over low heat until creamy again.

Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?

Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Of course! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp would all be delicious additions. Simply cook your protein separately and stir it in at the end.

How do I prevent the c

heese from clumping?

The key is to shred the cheese yourself (pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy) and add it gradually while stirring constantly over low heat.