Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet: A Comforting One-Pan Meal

Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and relatively easy to prepare? Look no further than this Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet! This dish combines earthy cremini mushrooms, vibrant spinach, perfectly cooked ditalini pasta, and a generous amount of melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying one-pan wonder. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a potluck contribution. The best part? Minimal cleanup!

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adapt it to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or cheeses. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet, making it a convenient and efficient meal.
* **Comfort Food:** The combination of pasta, cheese, and earthy mushrooms is pure comfort food bliss.
* **Flavorful and Nutritious:** Cremini mushrooms provide a rich, umami flavor, while spinach adds a boost of vitamins and nutrients. The cheese… well, it adds cheesy goodness!
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by swapping out vegetables, cheeses, or adding protein.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cheesy pasta dish.
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to table, this meal can be ready in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet:

* **Ditalini Pasta:** 1 pound. Ditalini is a small, tube-shaped pasta that works perfectly in this skillet dish. You can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo.
* **Cremini Mushrooms:** 1 pound. Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, have a richer, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms. You can use white button mushrooms if you prefer.
* **Fresh Spinach:** 10 ounces. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and nutritional boost to the dish. You can use baby spinach or mature spinach. Make sure to wash it thoroughly.
* **Yellow Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a base of flavor for the dish.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Vegetable Broth:** 4 cups. Vegetable broth is used to cook the pasta and create a flavorful sauce. You can use chicken broth if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
* **Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups. Mozzarella cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor and melts beautifully. You can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Gruyere.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Thyme adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous note.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid is essential for cooking the pasta and vegetables in one pan. Make sure it’s oven-safe if you plan to broil the cheese at the end.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Garlic Press or Minced:** For mincing the garlic.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this delicious Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and slice the cremini mushrooms. Remove any dirt with a damp paper towel if necessary.
* Chop the yellow onion into small pieces.
* Mince the garlic cloves.
* Wash the spinach thoroughly and roughly chop it if the leaves are large.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

**Step 3: Add the Pasta and Broth**

* Stir in the ditalini pasta, vegetable broth, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 4: Add the Spinach and Cheese**

* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream.
* Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.

**Step 5: Melt the Cheese**

* There are two ways to melt the cheese:
* **Option 1 (Oven Broil):** If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Option 2 (Stovetop):** Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. You can also place the skillet over very low heat to help melt the cheese more quickly.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the skillet from the oven (if broiling) or stovetop.
* Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
* Serve the Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, ground beef, or shrimp to the skillet. Brown the protein before adding the vegetables.
* **Substitute Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or kale.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, Gruyere, or fontina. A combination of cheeses can add even more flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano can add a bright and flavorful touch.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can ensure it’s vegan by using plant-based cheese and vegetable broth.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free ditalini pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the skillet up to the point of adding the cheese ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and add the cheese and bake or broil when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
* **Soup:** Pair it with a light soup like tomato soup or vegetable soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the skillet in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cremini Spinach Ditalini Skillet is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying one-pan wonder!