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–+ servings
A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese, a delicious and easy dinner recipe, sprinkled with black pepper.

Easy Orecchiette with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

This recipe offers a quick and simple way to prepare a satisfying pasta dish. It's designed for busy home cooks who want to make delicious dinners without a lot of fuss.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooking and Thickening 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 694
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, combine the orecchiette, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Boil uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens to a sauce-like consistency and the pasta is tender. This will take about 14 to 16 minutes. The pasta cooks longer in milk than in water.
  3. Stir in the butter, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. The sauce will become creamier as you stir. Spoon into bowls and serve immediately.

Nutrition

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

Notes

This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious and comforting meal. It's perfect for weeknights when you need a fast dinner solution.

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