If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this Cheesy One Pot Penne Pasta is just the ticket! I remember one evening when my son, Jake, declared he was too tired to eat anything but cheese. Well, this recipe saved the day and filled our bellies with cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s an easy pasta dinner that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- It’s ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about cheesy pasta that just wraps you in warmth. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
What You Need
- 1 1 lb penne pasta – You can substitute with any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- 4 4 cups vegetable broth – Chicken broth works well too for extra flavor.
- 1 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 8 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded – Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
- 1 1 cup frozen peas – Fresh peas can also be used if available.
- 1 1 tsp garlic powder – You can substitute with 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the ingredients a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by bringing the vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. The broth should be bubbling nicely, which means you’re ready for the next step.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling broth. Stir it occasionally, and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The mixture should start to thicken slightly, creating a creamy texture that looks irresistible.
- Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and gooey. The cheese should be fully incorporated, giving the pasta a beautiful, cheesy coating.
- Toss in the frozen peas and garlic powder, stirring until the peas are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. They should be bright green, adding a pop of color to your dish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir, and if you want, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for good measure.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge.
Make It Perfect
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding some cooked chicken or sausage.
- If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for a few minutes before serving.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
Mix It Up
- Add sautéed spinach or broccoli for some greens.
- Swap out the cheese for a vegan alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Mix in some diced tomatoes for a fresh twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this cheesy pasta.
- A glass of white wine complements the flavors nicely.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, but it may alter the creaminess.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
You can use any short pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle.
Conclusion
This Cheesy One Pot Penne Pasta is not just an easy pasta dinner; it's a warm hug in a bowl. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it's sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients and get cooking; you won’t regret it!
Cheesy One Pot Penne Pasta for Easy Dinners
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Stove
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb penne pasta You can substitute with any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- 4 cups vegetable broth Chicken broth works well too for extra flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
- 1 cup frozen peas Fresh peas can also be used if available.
- 1 tsp garlic powder You can substitute with 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to your preference.
Instructions
- Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling broth and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until mixture thickens slightly.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Toss in frozen peas and garlic powder, stirring until peas are heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir well, and optionally sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy pasta.