18 Creamy Pasta Recipes That Make Dinner Feel Effortless

Pasta is a weeknight favorite for a reason, it is easy, comforting, and endlessly versatile. This collection features creamy pasta sauces, slow cooker dinners, fresh pasta salads, and simple classics that come together without a lot of effort. If you are looking for easy pasta recipes that deliver big flavor and serious comfort, these dishes are perfect for busy days and relaxed dinners alike.

Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce

A bowl of pasta topped with shredded cheese, next to two zucchinis, a slice of bread with butter, and a white napkin on a wooden table. — Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce . Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

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This creamy zucchini pasta sauce blends fresh zucchini with rich parmesan for a smooth, flavorful finish. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it is a great way to use fresh or frozen zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A white bowl of penne pasta with pieces of chicken and red bell pepper, garnished with chopped parsley, sits on a wooden table with a yellow cloth underneath. — Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta . Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This crock pot Cajun chicken pasta brings tender chicken, bell peppers, and penne together in a creamy sauce with a gentle kick. It is an easy hands off meal packed with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. — Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Tender chicken slow cooks in a creamy ranch and cheese sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Crispy bacon and spinach add extra flavor, making this a family favorite comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with shredded chicken and topped with grated cheese, placed on a light-colored surface with a fork nearby. — Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta features juicy shredded chicken cooked low and slow in a creamy sauce. Tossed with pasta, it makes an easy dinner kids and adults both love.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

This chilled pasta salad mixes crisp cucumbers, red onion, and herbs with creamy ranch dressing. It is a refreshing and easy side dish that works well for lunches or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

This deviled egg pasta salad has a creamy, tangy dressing inspired by the classic appetizer. Chopped eggs, mustard, and paprika give it a rich, savory flavor.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This dill pickle pasta salad is tangy, creamy, and packed with pickle flavor. It makes a great side dish, snack, or easy lunch for pickle lovers.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Easy Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Recipe

Baked pasta with a creamy sauce, topped with herbs, served in a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon. Cherry tomatoes and olive oil are nearby. — Easy Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Recipe. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This baked feta pasta is creamy, savory, and incredibly simple to make. Tomatoes and melted feta create a rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Recipe

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A pan full of spaghetti and tomatoes on a tablecloth. — Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This pasta puttanesca comes together fast with bold Italian flavors. It is a simple sauce that makes an impressive dinner in very little time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Easy Pink Pasta Sauce

A white bowl filled with spaghetti coated in a creamy tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Easy Pink Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This pink pasta sauce combines creamy alfredo with tomatoes for a smooth, rosy sauce. It is easy to make and adds fun color and flavor to any pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pink Pasta Sauce

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill. — Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This salmon pasta salad is light, fresh, and easy to prepare. It works well as a simple meal or a flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

This sheet pan chicken caprese pasta brings together tender chicken, tomatoes, and Italian flavors. It is an easy dinner that feels fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl. — Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This smoked sausage and pasta dish is creamy, hearty, and perfect for weeknights. Tender pasta, vegetables, and sausage cook together for a family friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Everything Bagel Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines deviled egg flavor with everything bagel seasoning. It is creamy, savory, and perfect for potlucks or summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

A serving of creamy chicken spaghetti with black olives and cheese on a plate, accompanied by a slice of toasted bread and a fork. — Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This fiesta chicken pasta bake is loaded with chicken, corn, and black beans in a creamy sauce. It is comforting, filling, and great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A wooden bowl filled with shrimp and pasta garnished with parsley and lemon slices sits on a white table. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is rich, simple, and full of flavor. Juicy shrimp and buttery garlic sauce make it a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

A bowl of pasta topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs, with fresh basil and a jar of sauce in the background. — Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This low carb pasta marinara is quick, easy, and family friendly. It is a great option for anyone looking for a lighter Italian inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

A skillet of penne pasta in creamy tomato sauce with chopped herbs, surrounded by tomatoes, spinach leaves, shredded cheese, a green bell pepper, and a baguette. — Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This penne rosa pasta features a creamy tomato sauce that comes together fast. It is an ideal choice for busy nights when you want comfort without complexity.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta