Are you a pasta lover looking for some delicious and creamy recipe ideas? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering creamy pasta recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and adventurous, these recipes have got you covered.
From creamy garlic parmesan to sun-dried tomato and lemon butter, each of these recipes is a unique twist on the classic pasta dish. And the best part? They’re all surprisingly easy to make! So grab your favorite pasta shape, some heavy cream, and let’s get started with our first recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan, and cream, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– 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 olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined with the cream sauce.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Creamy Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This creamy spinach and artichoke pasta is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Combine cooked pasta, artichoke-spinach mixture, and creamy sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss until well coated.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
A rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the creaminess of a homemade sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 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 the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to rehydrate.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with sun-dried tomatoes. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Combine cooked pasta with tomato-cream sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Butter Creamy Pasta
A bright and citrusy twist on classic creamy pasta, this recipe combines the richness of butter and cream with the tanginess of lemon zest. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated lemon zest
– 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, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and creamy sauce. Toss to coat, then serve hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Alfredo Pasta
Creamy Mushroom Alfredo Pasta: A rich and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese with a creamy alfredo sauce and tender pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
– 2 cups (250g) mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120g) 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 the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined with the mushroom mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the creamy mushroom sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta
Savor the bold flavors of Louisiana with this one-pot pasta dish that combines the spicy kick of cajun seasoning with rich and creamy goodness. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to feed a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 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 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Cajun seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing to combine. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a protein-packed boost with the addition of juicy grilled chicken and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, combine pesto, heavy cream, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Add grilled chicken to the skillet and toss with pasta and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of bacon with the sweetness of peas, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 cup (250g) fresh or frozen peas
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add olive oil to the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
4. Add peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, bacon, pea mixture, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Quickly cook up a delicious and indulgent pasta dish with this creamy shrimp scampi recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) linguine
– 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp (30ml) unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta with shrimp and cream sauce. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
This comforting pasta dish is a perfect blend of fall flavors, featuring roasted butternut squash and a rich cream sauce to warm your belly on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs.), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp. grated nutmeg
– Parmesan cheese, shaved (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, combine roasted squash, garlic, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the squash sauce and toss to coat. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: About 45-50 minutes.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy sauce with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– 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 garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Combine cooked pasta, tomato sauce, and reserved pasta water (if needed). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Enjoy a rich and creamy pasta dish infused with the silky smoothness of avocado. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add diced avocado and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Drain cooked pasta and add to the skillet with the avocado mixture. Toss until well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Lobster Pasta
This rich and indulgent pasta dish combines succulent lobster meat with a decadent creamy sauce, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb cooked lobster meat (diced)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the garlic mixture; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked lobster meat, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
7. Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Carbonara Pasta
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this classic creamy carbonara pasta dish. A combination of eggs, cheese, and bacon creates a velvety sauce that coats perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of pancetta or bacon, diced
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Add the cooked pancetta or bacon to the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Recipe
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender broccoli florets with a rich and creamy cheddar sauce, all wrapped up in al dente pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rotini)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over broccoli and stir to combine. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and creamy broccoli sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Chipotle Pasta
This recipe combines the richness of creamy pasta with the bold flavors of chipotle peppers, creating a unique and addictive dish. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (7 oz)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add chipotle peppers and their sauce to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute, then pour in heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly (5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta
This autumnal pasta dish combines the warmth of roasted pumpkin with the earthiness of sage, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. A perfect comfort food for a cozy fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 cups), peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp dried sage
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, garlic, and sage 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, combine roasted pumpkin, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta with pumpkin sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Truffle Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and decadent Creamy Truffle Pasta recipe. Savor the earthy flavor of truffles and the creaminess of a velvety sauce, perfectly balanced with al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon truffle oil
– 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 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Pour in heavy cream and truffle oil. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A spicy twist on classic pasta dishes, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the comforting warmth of creamy sauce and juicy chicken. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Combine cooked pasta with creamy chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Mac and Cheese Pasta
A comforting classic that’s sure to please, this creamy macaroni and cheese pasta dish is a staple of home cooking. With its rich and velvety sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
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
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy pasta dishes with these 20 mouth-watering recipes. From classic favorites like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta and Creamy Mushroom Alfredo Pasta, to innovative twists like Spinach and Artichoke Creamy Pasta and Creamy Chipotle Pasta, there’s something for every taste and occasion. These comforting recipes feature a variety of creamy sauces made with ingredients like garlic, butter, heavy cream, and more. Perfect for special occasions or cozy night-ins, these creamy pasta dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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