Cremini and Spinach Cheesy Ditalini Skillet

Cremini and Spinach Cheesy Ditalini Skillet
  • PREP TIME
    25 mins
  • COOK TIME
    50 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 15 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    10

Dive into a symphony of flavors with this elevated take on mac and cheese. Featuring earthy cremini mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked ditalini pasta, all embraced by a luscious, creamy sauce and a crisp, golden topping. This skillet sensation is comfort food at its finest.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    51 g
  • Cholesterol
    42 mg
  • Fiber
    3 g
  • Protein
    20 g
  • Saturated Fat
    9 g
  • Sodium
    323 mg
  • Sugar
    7 g
  • Fat
    16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

02

Step

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 9 minutes (it will continue to cook in the oven). Strain and set aside.

03

Step

In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add pepper flakes and garlic powder; let bubble for about 1 minute. Add onion, shallots, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, thyme sprigs, and another generous pinch of salt and pepper; cook for 3 more minutes.

04

Step

Add spinach and another pinch of salt; cover and cook until spinach has wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add flour and mustard powder; stir until it has been fully absorbed. Cook and stir for 1 more minute.

05

Step

Slowly pour in milk, making sure to scrape the bottom for any crusty bits; continue until all of the milk has been absorbed. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to stir until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

06

Step

Remove the sauce from the heat. Pluck out and discard the thyme sprigs. Stir in Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Fold in cooked ditalini until everything is nicely combined.

07

Step

In a bowl, whisk together bread crumbs, garlic, 1 tablespoon Grana Padano cheese, thyme leaves, and a good pinch of salt and pepper for the topping. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil at a time, working it into the crumbs until they are moistened and crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the skillet.

08

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool slightly.

09

Step

Garnish with extra Grana Padano and fresh parsley before serving.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the mushroom mixture.
Feel free to substitute other types of pasta, such as penne or cavatappi, if ditalini is unavailable.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for heat.
If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
For a richer flavor, use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.

Cordia Wehner

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 3 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (7)
  • Greta Russel

    The breadcrumb topping adds a wonderful crunch. I'll definitely be making this again!

  • Daryl Nikolaus

    Easy to follow instructions and delicious results!

  • Lupe Hickle

    This recipe is amazing! The caramelized mushrooms and creamy sauce are to die for.

  • Dallas Hamill

    I found that using a bit of nutmeg in the cheese sauce really enhanced the flavor.

  • Una Kerluke

    I added some bacon to the skillet, and it was a huge hit!

  • Katlynn Corwin

    My kids loved this! A great way to sneak in some spinach.

  • Myrtice Labadie

    I didn't have ditalini, so I used elbow macaroni, and it worked perfectly.

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