Easy Creamy Pasta
Enjoy the easiest and quickest creamy pasta recipe you’ll ever make
This one pot Creamy and cheesy pasta recipe is a simple and quick to make, with bursting flavors. This is my go-to recipe for a last minute dinner idea or a late night craving.
Made in one pot in less than 20 minutes, this delightful creamy pasta recipe is the best end to a long and tiring work day. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy solo meal in front of your favorite TV series.
What ingredients do I need for this creamy pasta?
1 cup of penne pasta (you can choose any other pasta)
2 glasses of whole milk (you can substitute for heavy cream)
2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Seasonings
How to make this easy creamy pasta recipe:
Set a medium size pan over medium high heat. Add 2 glasses of whole milk with the uncooked cup of penne pasta.
Once the milk is reduced and the penne pasta is cooked, add your favorite cheese to the pasta. (add more milk if needed).
Throw in some seasoning according to your taste. Enjoy your creamy pasta!
Easy Creamy Pasta Recipe – A simple and forgiving recipe for a lazy weeknight dinner!
This is not an authentic Italian inspired dish, it’s simply a quick and simple version meant to speed up your cooking time without neglecting the usual delicious and comforting flavors of a classic pasta dish.
We call this recipe a lazy pasta for a reason; we don’t want you to worry about the ingredients, the cooking time or process. This comforting and scrumptious dish is made with only 3 simple ingredients (pasta, cheese, and milk) all cooked in one pot, making it easier on the clean up as well.
Enjoy the abundance of flavors, bursting out of a simple and affordable recipe!
Helpful Tips and Variations:
What pasta can I use for this recipe?
I prefer to use penne or fettuccine alfredo but any pasta will do. (spaghetti, elbow macaroni, or mini shells)
What cheese is the best for this recipe?
It’s highly unlikely to find a pasta recipe with no cheese. For this recipe, I use Parmigiano-Reggiano since it is the most used type of cheese for a good creamy gooey pasta. You could also use Provolone, Mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer.
What other whole milk substitutes can I use?
Pasta water: It’s simple and at your hand even though I don’t recommend using just water.
Heavy cream: you can use heavy cream to thicken your pasta and give it extra flavor.
Half and half: Half and half tend to be lighter than your regular heavy cream, but it still adds a ton of flavor and creaminess to your pasta.
For other healthier heavy cream substitute, you can use soy milk, oat milk, or Greek yogurt.
What seasoning works best for this creamy pasta?
To bring additional delicious flavors to your recipe, you can use some of the following ingredients for a better and tastier pasta.
Basil: Either fresh or dried, this magical component has a sweet, yet strong flavor allowing it to be used in so many recipes.
Oregano: Oregano has a sweet and spicy flavor, a little bit similar to basil. Preferable to usethis bold herb at the end, since it loses its flavor as it cooks. (Be careful while adding oregano to your recipe)
Red pepper flakes: also known as crushed red pepper, can add moderate heat and color to your dish.
Garlic powder: you can also use some freshly chopped garlic or a whole garlic clove that you can remove at the end.
How can I store/reheat any leftovers?
For sure! To store any leftover cooked pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge up to 3 days.
It is usually advisable to store the pasta and sauce separately, but since in this creamy pasta we already have our pasta mixed with sauce, then it is best reheated in the microwave.
How can I serve this easy creamy pasta recipe?
As a main course or side dish, you can serve this one pot creamy cheesy pasta with spinach or broccoli added, you can also serve it alongside other vegetables of your choice.
This recipe is easily adjustable so don’t hesitate to throw in any available ingredients that pair well with your pasta. I personally like to add any leftover chicken, ground beef, or turkey.
Easy Creamy Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of penne pasta you can choose any other pasta
- 2 glasses of whole milk you can substitute for heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Seasonings
Instructions
- Set a medium size pan over medium high heat. Add 2 glasses of whole milk with the uncooked cup of penne pasta.
- Once the milk is reduced and the penne pasta is cooked, add your favorite cheese to the pasta. (add more milk if needed).
- Throw in some seasoning according to your taste. Enjoy!
