Easy Cheese Pasta
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Easy Cheese Pasta to make any meal feel cozy and indulgent. This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy and cheesy, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in a matter of minutes, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, this is a meal that promises satisfaction and smiles all around.
Perfectly versatile, Easy Cheese Pasta can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with your favorite proteins or veggies. It’s a dish that invites creativity, allowing you to make it your own while still being incredibly simple to prepare. With its gooey cheese and satisfying pasta, you’ll soon see why this recipe will become a staple in your home.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (any type)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or diced vegetables
Here’s a glimpse of the creamy cheese sauce and fresh ingredients ready to be combined.
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or vegetables you desire.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the heavy cream for milk for a lighter version or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option.
- Optional Variations: Add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it appears dry.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
A delicious array of pasta and cheese waiting to be transformed into a mouthwatering dish.
Easy Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (any type)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with milk or plant-based alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or diced vegetables
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or vegetables you desire.
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Dish out the pasta warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!