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–+ servings
A bowl of orecchiette pasta coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, seasoned with black pepper. An easy dinner recipe.

Easy Orecchiette with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

This recipe offers a quick and flavorful dinner solution for busy home cooks. It proves that you can create satisfying dishes with simple ingredients and techniques, making you feel like a pro in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Pasta Cooking Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Calories: 694
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound orecchiette
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, bring the orecchiette, milk, salt, and pepper to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Boil, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened to a sauce-like consistency and the pasta is tender, 14 to 16 minutes. The pasta takes longer to cook than the package recommends because you’re starting with cold milk rather than boiling water.
  3. Stir in the butter, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, mixing until they are melted and incorporated. As you stir, the sauce will become creamier. Spoon into bowls and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 29gFat: 35gSugar: 11g

Notes

This recipe is a simple way to create a comforting and delicious meal. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.

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