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Cremini and Spinach Cheesy Ditalini Skillet
Cremini and Spinach Cheesy Ditalini Skillet
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Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Creamy skillet mac and cheese with spinach, caramelized mushrooms, and ditalini pasta.
Ingredients:
  • 3 cups ditalini pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium shallots, diced
  • sea salt and ground white pepper to taste
  • 1 (8 ounce) package sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.66666668653488 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 tablespoon grated Grana Padano cheese, plus more for serving
  • 0.25 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
  • sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, or more to taste
Instructions:
  • Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil. Cook ditalini until almost al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • While you wait, melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in pepper flakes and garlic powder; allow them to sizzle for about 1 minute. Toss in onion, shallots, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper; sauté until onion turns translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce mushrooms, fresh thyme, and another generous pinch of salt and pepper; cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Add in the vibrant spinach and an extra pinch of salt. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Introduce the flour and mustard powder to the mix, stirring until fully absorbed. Continue to cook and stir for 1 more minute to blend the flavors.
  • Gently pour in the milk while scraping the bottom for flavorful bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the bubbling subsides.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for a perfect bake.
  • Take the sauce off the heat, remove and discard the thyme sprigs, then stir in the Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Gently fold in the cooked ditalini until everything is well combined.
  • Combine bread crumbs, garlic, 1 tablespoon Grana Padano cheese, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of olive oil at a time, mixing until the crumbs are moist and crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over the skillet.
  • Bake until bubbly and golden, about 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven. Then, place on a wire rack.

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