Nothing beats a bowl of creamy pasta when it’s cold outside and you crave something comforting. Rich and indulgent, these recipes will make your next cosy night special. Each one is easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners with family and friends.
From classic carbonara to beef lasagne, here are some delicious creamy pasta recipes.
Creamy carbonara
This classic Italian dish is cheesy and loaded with flavour. It’s made with bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a rich cream sauce that coats the noodles perfectly. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight meal.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs, whisked
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions—Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining.
Over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the cream, whisking to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer and reduce heat to low. Add the eggs, constantly stirring until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt and pepper. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If it’s too thick, add some reserved cooking water.
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Carbonara ziti
For a heartier version of carbonara, try this ziti dish. It’s made with bacon, Parmesan cheese, and eggs in a creamy sauce. It’s even better with some roasted vegetables or grilled sausage on the side.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs, whisked
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions—Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining.
Over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the cream, whisking to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer and reduce heat to low. If you’d like a more decadent, whipped cream you can arrange a cream charger delivery.
Add the eggs, constantly stirring until thickened (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt and pepper. Add the cooked ziti to the skillet and toss to combine. If it’s too thick, add some reserved cooking water.
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Vegan fettuccine alfredo
This creamy vegan sauce is an excellent alternative to traditional Alfredo. It’s made with cauliflower and cashews, making it dairy-free and nut-free. The combination of flavours creates the perfect balance of rich creaminess without being overly heavy.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces fettuccine
– 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions—Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining. Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 10 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a food processor or blender.
Add the cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss to combine until noodles are fully coated. If it’s too thick, add some reserved cooking water.
Serve with extra nutritional yeast and fresh parsley if desired.
Beef lasagne
Nothing quite beats a comforting lasagne. This beef version is made with layers of noodles, ground beef, and cheese in a savoury tomato sauce. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for an extra delicious meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound lasagna noodles
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 24 ounces of marinara sauce
– 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes or until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Add the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spread 1/3 of the beef mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the noodles over it, followed by half of the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat the layers with another 1/3 of the beef mixture, remaining noodles, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Top with remaining beef mixture and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Time to preheat your oven
Indulge in these creamy pasta recipes for a cosy night in. Whether you’re looking for a vegan alternative to traditional Alfredo sauce or want to try something new, like beef lasagna, these recipes will surely hit the spot. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create delicious meals that everyone will love. So grab your favourite ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy.