Let’s be real—nothing beats a bowl of creamy pasta for dinner! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, super satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a rich Alfredo, a cheesy baked pasta, or something with a little twist, I’ve got you covered.
In this list of 17 creamy pasta recipes, you’ll find quick and simple dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Ready to bring some serious flavor to your dinner table? Let’s dive in!
17 Creamy Pasta Recipes to Make for Dinner
Classic Mac and Cheese
Let’s kick off this list of creamy pasta recipes with a true classic! This ultra-creamy Velveeta mac and cheese is as simple as it gets—just flour, butter, a little salt and pepper, plus macaroni and, of course, that iconic Velveeta cheese. It’s comfort food at its best!
Spinach-Artichoke Rigatoni
Spinach-artichoke pasta just got a major upgrade, and I can’t wait for you to try it! You’ll start with all the classic ingredients—artichoke hearts, baby spinach, and a mix of herbs and seasonings—just like the dip we all love. Then, you take it to the next level with tender chicken breasts, penne pasta, and, of course, a sprinkle (or more!) of cheese for that extra burst of flavor. It’s comfort food at its best!
Spinach Mushroom Pasta
This spinach mushroom pasta is a total game-changer for veggie lovers! It’s loaded with garlicky goodness, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s just irresistible. Perfect for a cozy dinner, and it’s so simple to whip up—even better if you’re looking for a quick weeknight win!
Lobster Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
This dreamy lobster pasta is pure indulgence! Picture succulent lobster poached in rich, buttery garlic sauce tossed with tender pasta and coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce, all topped with fresh herbs. It’s elegant, full of flavor, and absolutely perfect for date night or a cozy Valentine’s dinner at home!
Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells! Jumbo pasta shells are loaded with a creamy mix of ricotta cheese and spinach, then baked to perfection under a layer of marinara sauce. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a hit!
Sausage Rigatoni and Tomato Cream Sauce
Looking to spice up your creamy dinners? I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for that perfect kick! To make this recipe, you’ll need Rigatoni pasta, Italian sausage, tomato sauce and paste, a mix of herbs and spices, cream, and parmesan cheese. And of course, don’t forget the red pepper flakes—they really bring everything to life!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This buffalo chicken pasta is another amazing creamy pasta recipe that has the spice and the creaminess you’re looking for! To make this pasta, you’ll need pasta, cream cheese, hot sauce, chicken broth, shredded chicken, and your favorite seasonings. I like to top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color!
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
You can make this healthy pasta salad in no time and even serve it cold. You can use some short pasta like Rotelle or Penne for this dish. To make this creamy pasta more flavorful and colorful, you can also roast veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. The best part is that this is one of our best adult lunch box ideas with pasta!
Avocado Pasta
This creamy avocado pasta is definitely surprising! The sauce is a dreamy mix of ripe avocados, fresh basil, lemon juice, garlic, and a drizzle of avocado oil. Now, I know this recipe skips the cheese, but trust me, the smashed avocado brings all the creamy vibes we’re looking for. Just blend it all up, toss it with your favorite noodles, and boom—dinner is served in no time.
It turns out super creamy, packed with flavor, and actually pretty healthy! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
White Wine Pasta with Mushrooms and Leeks
A white wine pasta you can make in just one pot? Yes, please! Start by sautéing some mushrooms, leeks, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Then, stir in pasta, water, stock, wine, and cream for a rich and flavorful base. Finish it off with cheese, fresh herbs, a splash of lemon juice, some zest, and any extra seasonings you love. Quick, easy, and so delicious!
Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Cozy up with this Marry Me chicken pasta—it’s creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible! Perfect for a date night or just treating yourself, this dish combines tender chicken, a rich sauce, and a delicious mix of herbs. Made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, it’s easy to make and impossible not to love!
Check out this video for detailed tutorial:
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Looking for something simple yet elegant enough for weeknight dinners, whether it’s just you or you’ve got company? Try this festive creamy lemon pasta recipe! All you need is pasta, butter, flour, chicken broth, lemon, heavy cream, chicken, and Parmesan cheese.
Pink Sauce Pasta
Pink pasta sauce, also known as rose or creamy tomato sauce, is a popular favorite—especially with kids! It’s super easy to make by combining regular tomato sauce with cream and Parmesan. You can use any type of pasta, as anything works here. It’s a fast, simple, and delicious recipe!
15-Minute Creamy Miso Pasta for Busy Weeknights
A Japanese twist on an Italian classic? With some chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken stock, parmesan cheese, and different seasonings, you can create this amazing fusion. Don’t forget your secret ingredients of miso and sake!
Creamy Salmon Linguine
What tastes better than salmon, fresh pasta, and cream? This is an all-time winning recipe you just can’t get enough of! This salmon-packed pasta brings a luxurious taste and texture to the table. You’ll need some linguine, salmon, veggies like spinach or broccoli, whipping cream, and your favorite seasonings. Top it off with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for the perfect finish!
Four-Cheese Pasta with Spinach
You’ll need some pasta, baby spinach, and different kinds of cheese for this oh-so-creamy recipe! You can choose any kind of cheese you want but for this recipe, we’ll use some shredded fontina cheese, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
This easy chicken alfredo lasagna is a simple yet delicious dish made with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and become a favorite at the table!
Creamy Pesto Rigatoni
Last but not least, check out this creamy pesto pasta recipe! It’s so easy to make, and my guests always love it. It looks impressive and complicated, but the truth is it’s super simple. Just blend together fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, parmesan, parsley, and I like to add pine nuts for that nutty flavor. Then, mix it all with cream, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
The pastabilities of prepping and cooking pasta are limitless. With pasta, you can make romantic dinners and comfort meals, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it can be served for easy dinners too!
The classics will always be a favorite but since pasta is so versatile, you can add lots of twists and make so many variations of pasta. You’ll never get bored of these meals! When you use the right ingredients, you can also make these very healthy. Especially if you make your own fresh pasta, which is even more tasty!
