10 Easy Cheesy Pasta Recipes

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of cheesy pasta. Whether you’re craving classic mac and cheese, a creamy Alfredo, or a baked pasta dish, these recipes are sure to satisfy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep, cheesy pasta dishes are versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. In this guide, we’ll share 10 delicious cheesy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time. Let’s dive in!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

To make these cheesy pasta recipes, you’ll need the following equipment:

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Skillet or saucepan
Baking dish (for baked recipes)
Mixing bowls
Whisk or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

1. Classic Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and serve hot.

2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz fettuccine
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve.

3. Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

4. Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts

Instructions:

Cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Fold in the spinach and artichoke hearts, then toss with the cooked pasta.

5. Three-Cheese Baked Rigatoni

Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

Instructions:

Cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.

7. Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz fusilli pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Cook the fusilli according to package instructions, adding the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the cheese sauce and serve.

8. Cheesy Taco Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

Cook the rotini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa.
Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

9. Cheesy Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz fettuccine
2 tbsp butter
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions:

Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add the Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and serve.

10. Cheesy Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with pesto, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm or cold.

Cooking Notes

Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less milk or cream.
Customize the recipes with your favorite veggies, meats, or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Pair with a glass of white wine for a fancy dinner.
Enjoy as a quick weeknight meal or pack for lunch the next day.

Helpful Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Pasta

Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is best for cheesy dishes.
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-35 minutes

Nutritional Information

(Serves 4)

Calories: 400-600 kcal (varies by recipe)
Protein: 15-25g
Sodium: 300-500mg

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta for any of these recipes.

2. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Yes, most of these recipes can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.

Conclusion

Cheesy pasta recipes are the ultimate comfort food, and with these 10 easy options, you’ll never run out of ideas. From classic mac and cheese to creative twists like buffalo chicken pasta, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, these recipes are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade pasta dishes!

Recipe Preparation Equipment