22 Creamy Baked Pasta Recipes for Cozy Comfort Food Cravings

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creamy baked pasta. It’s the go-to comfort food that brings warmth and joy, especially when the weather cools down. I’ve always found that a dish of creamy baked pasta not only nourishes the body but also soothes the soul.

Whether it's a classic mac and cheese or a more adventurous blend of flavors, these dishes have a magical way of making any day feel special. So, if you’re looking to dive into a world of gooey, cheesy, and utterly delicious meals, I’ve got you covered. Here are 22 Creamy Baked Pasta Recipes for Cozy Comfort Food Cravings that will make you feel right at home.

1. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Nothing beats a warm dish of homemade mac and cheese. It’s the definition of comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain well.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
5. Mix in the cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

2. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta bake is rich and hearty.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a saucepan, blend cream cheese and heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
4. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. Stir until melted.
5. Mix in spinach and artichokes.
6. Combine with cooked penne and pour into a greased baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

3. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake

A rich dish that combines tender chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 lb fettuccine
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine with shredded chicken and cooked fettuccine.
5. Pour into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

4. Bacon and Cheese Pasta Casserole

For bacon lovers, this creamy casserole is a dream come true.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Add shredded cheeses and stir until melted.
6. Mix in cooked pasta and crumbled bacon.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

5. Creamy Mushroom and Garlic Penne

An earthy, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a large skillet, sauté garlic and mushrooms until softened.
4. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings.
5. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stir until melted and smooth.
6. Combine cooked pasta and mushroom sauce.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.

6. Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake

This pasta bake tastes just like your favorite pizza.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in cooked sausage and pepperoni.
5. Combine with cooked pasta.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

This sophisticated dish combines creamy pesto with tender chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fusilli pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, stir together heavy cream, pesto sauce, and Parmesan cheese until thickened.
4. Mix in diced chicken and cooked pasta.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta Bake

Perfectly sweetened butternut squash with aromatic sage.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions.
4. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and Parmesan until thickened.
5. Stir in sage and roasted butternut squash.
6. Combine with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until top is golden.

9. Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A timeless classic perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb egg noodles
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in tuna, peas, and cooked noodles.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Delicious stuffed shells with creamy ricotta and spinach.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, and seasoning.
4. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture.
5. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange filled shells on top.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted.

11. Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

A hearty and flavorful baked ziti with rich meat sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

12. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

A seafood lover’s delight with creamy garlic shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb linguine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook linguine according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine with cooked linguine and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes.

13. Creamy Vegan Alfredo Pasta Bake

A guilt-free, dairy-free creamy Alfredo pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta (gluten-free if desired)
• 1 cup cashews, soaked
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella, shredded
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth.
4. Mix creamy sauce with cooked pasta.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with vegan mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

14. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

A healthier twist on the classic mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shell pasta
• 2 cups butternut squash, steamed and pureed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook shell pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Mix in cheddar, Parmesan, and pureed butternut squash.
6. Combine with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until golden.

15. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A spicy and creamy pasta bake for buffalo chicken lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, chicken, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine with cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and blue cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

16. Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

A cheesy pasta bake with a decadent blend of cheeses.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fusilli pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook fusilli according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, and seasoning.
4. Combine with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

17. Mediterranean Pasta Bake

Fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20 minutes.

18. BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake

Smoky BBQ flavors with creamy pasta goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, chicken, green onions, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
5. Top with cheddar cheese and bake for 25 minutes.

19. Loaded Baked Potato Pasta

Creamy pasta with all the flavors of a loaded baked potato.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Mix in cheddar cheese and sour cream.
6. Combine with cooked pasta, bacon, and green onions.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

20. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

A healthy twist with creamy Alfredo, chicken, and broccoli.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook fettuccine and broccoli together in a pot of boiling water, drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix Alfredo sauce, chicken, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine with cooked fettuccine and broccoli.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

21. Tex-Mex Pasta Bake

A spicy Tex-Mex pasta bake with a lot of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
4. In a large bowl, mix pasta, beef mixture, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

22. Creamy Ricotta Tomato Basil Bake

A fresh and creamy pasta bake perfect for any night.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to the mixture.
5. Combine with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Twenty-two creamy baked pasta recipes fit for any cozy comfort food craving you might have. Each dish, packed with delicious flavors and comforting textures, is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Whether you’re indulging in the rich depths of classic mac and cheese there’s a comforting, creamy pasta bake here to warm your heart and soul. So grab your favorite baking dish, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a little piece of culinary heaven. Happy cooking!