Get ready to indulge in a world of comfort food with these 20 creamy pasta recipes! Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple or adventurous and bold, we’ve got you covered. From creamy garlic parmesan pasta to lobster mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone on this list.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Italy, Cajun country, and beyond, sharing our favorite recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. So go ahead, grab your fork, and dig in to these rich and satisfying dishes that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of spinach and artichokes with the comfort of jumbo shells. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-artichoke mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A deliciously simple pasta dish that combines the flavors of Italy with a rich and creamy sauce, all cooked in one pot!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Drain pasta and add it to the pot with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss to combine and serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This spicy twist on classic fettuccine Alfredo combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the richness of a creamy sauce, all wrapped up in tender pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this indulgent lobster macaroni and cheese recipe, featuring succulent chunks of fresh lobster meat mixed into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup lobster meat (cooked and diced)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add lobster meat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tuscan Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce, all on top of al dente pasta. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Add white wine (if using), heavy cream, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with reserved pasta water and toss with garlic butter sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mushroom and Pea Carbonara
This creamy pasta dish combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with sweet peas, all wrapped up in a rich egg sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add peas to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss until well coated.
6. Add reserved pasta cooking water as needed to achieve creamy consistency.
7. Combine cooked mushroom and pea mixture with spaghetti and egg sauce. Season with black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful dish that combines the tanginess of goat cheese with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
3. Stir in goat cheese crumbles and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with tomato-cheese mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus
A springtime twist on a classic pasta dish, this creamy lemon ricotta pasta is elevated by the natural sweetness of asparagus. With its bright citrus flavor and velvety texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups asparagus, trimmed
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Combine cooked pasta, asparagus mixture, and creamy lemon ricotta sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Sage Pasta with Crispy Pancetta
Pumpkin Sage Pasta with Crispy Pancetta: A seasonal twist on classic pasta, this recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin and sage with crispy pancetta for a cozy and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1 small pumpkin (about 1 lb.), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Add garlic and sage leaves to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
6. Combine cooked pasta, roasted pumpkin, pancetta mixture, and Parmesan cheese in a large serving bowl. Toss gently to combine.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Garlic Butter White Wine Fettuccine
This rich and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The combination of garlic butter, white wine, and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the fettuccine noodles beautifully.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in white wine and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Toss cooked fettuccine with the garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
This pasta bake combines the best of both worlds – rich cheddar cheese and nutritious broccoli – for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt cheddar cheese with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine cooked pasta, broccoli mixture, and cheddar sauce. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this decadent Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Pasta recipe, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine, fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth.
3. Add flaked smoked salmon and chopped fresh dill to the saucepan. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine cooked pasta and the creamy salmon mixture in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce with Penne
This recipe combines the flavors of creamy sauce, pesto, and penne pasta for a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the pesto and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and heated through.
4. Combine the cooked penne pasta with the pesto cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Four Cheese Baked Ziti
This classic Italian-American dish gets a rich and creamy twist with the addition of four melted cheeses, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or special occasion. With its layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, this baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange cooked ziti pasta in an even layer.
5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta, followed by the remaining marinara sauce.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This creamy pasta dish combines the richness of avocado pesto with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the mashed avocado over medium-low heat.
3. Add the basil pesto and stir until well combined.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the avocado-pesto mixture.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Truffle Oil Mushroom Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy Truffle Oil Mushroom Pasta recipe, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp truffle oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add truffle oil to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Combine cooked pasta, mushroom mixture, and reserved pasta water in a large serving bowl. Toss until well coated.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A spicy twist on classic pasta, this recipe combines the bold flavors of cajun sausage with a rich and creamy sauce, all wrapped up in al dente noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 1 lb cajun sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add onion and garlic to the same pan. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Add cooked sausage back into the sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Pasta
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Pasta
Summary: This recipe combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the tanginess of feta cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or linguine)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss red bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered and charred.
4. Remove from oven and let cool. Peel off skin and chop into strips.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large skillet, combine garlic, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese. Toss over medium heat until combined.
7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with pepper mixture.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Bacon and Pea Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe combines the richness of bacon with the sweetness of peas in a creamy garlic sauce, all wrapped up in al dente pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and butter until smooth.
5. Add the cooked peas and stir until heated through.
6. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the creamy sauce and toss to coat.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get cozy with these 20 creamy pasta recipes, perfect for comfort food lovers! From classic Alfredo to seafood-inspired dishes like Lobster Mac and Cheese, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy flavors like garlic parmesan, Tuscan butter shrimp, and mushroom carbonara, or try unique twists like pumpkin sage pasta with crispy pancetta. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these creamy pasta recipes are sure to hit the spot.
