Nothing brings people together like a comforting plate of homemade pasta. Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, cheesy, or packed with protein, pasta dinners are always a winning choice. In this article, we’re sharing 10 irresistible homemade pasta dinner recipes, inspired directly by the image above.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you want restaurant-quality meals made right in your own kitchen. From tuna pasta to Cajun shrimp, creamy chicken, and crack chicken penne, this collection has something for every taste.
Let’s dig into the ultimate homemade pasta dinner roundup.
1. Creamy Tuna Pasta
Why You’ll Love It
This tuna pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly. It comes together quickly and makes a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp capers
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup whipped cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 oz canned chunk light tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic, capers, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in lemon juice and cream cheese.
- Add tuna and cooked pasta.
- Mix in Parmesan and parsley, then serve.
2. Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Why It’s a Favorite
Bold Cajun spices meet creamy pasta and juicy shrimp for a dish packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and sauté in butter.
- Add flour, tomatoes, and heavy cream.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Toss with pasta and Parmesan.
- Garnish with parsley.
3. Southwest Chicken Pasta
Flavor Profile
Smoky, spicy, and creamy with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 15 oz black beans, drained
- 15.25 oz corn, drained
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until cooked.
- Add onion and garlic.
- Stir in broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices.
- Simmer, then add cream and cheese.
- Toss with pasta and garnish.
4. Chicken Broccoli Penne Alfredo
Why It’s a Classic
Creamy Alfredo sauce paired with chicken and broccoli makes this a comforting, well-balanced dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lb chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli; drain.
- Cook chicken in olive oil with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic and flour.
- Stir in milk and cream until thick.
- Add cheese, pasta, broccoli, and chicken.
- Mix well and serve.
5. Creamy Chicken Pasta
Rich & Comforting
This recipe is ultra-creamy and packed with flavor, making it perfect for comfort-food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 280 g penne pasta
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken; set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter.
- Add broth and pasta; cook until tender.
- Stir in cream cheese, cream, and Parmesan.
- Add chicken and basil.
- Serve hot.
6. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spicy & Creamy
This Cajun chicken pasta brings heat, creaminess, and bold flavor together beautifully.
Ingredients
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion
- ¾ cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 10 oz diced tomatoes
- 3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Cook chicken in olive oil and butter.
- Add vegetables and garlic.
- Stir in seasoning and flour.
- Add broth, cream, and tomatoes.
- Mix with pasta and cheese.
7. Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Hearty & Flavorful
Italian sausage adds depth and richness to this creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients
- ¾ lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 oz mild Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Brown sausage in olive oil.
- Add onion, garlic, and butter.
- Stir in broth and cream.
- Add cheese and spinach.
- Toss with pasta and garnish.
8. Crack Chicken Penne
Why Everyone Loves It
Creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled goodness—this dish disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 5 slices smoked bacon
- 2 chicken breasts
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 6 oz penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 6 oz Colby Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy; set aside.
- Cook chicken and onion in bacon fat.
- Add seasoning, stock, and pasta.
- Simmer until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cream cheese, soup, and cheese.
- Top with bacon and parsley.
FAQs – Homemade Pasta Dinner Recipes
Can I make these pasta dishes ahead of time?
Yes. Most recipes can be prepared in advance and reheated gently.
Can I substitute pasta types?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini work well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can I make these recipes lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce cheese quantities.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Cream-based pastas freeze best without cheese added—add fresh cheese after reheating.
Conclusion
These 10 homemade pasta dinner recipes prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. From creamy chicken Alfredo to spicy Cajun pasta and indulgent crack chicken penne, every dish in this collection delivers bold flavor and satisfying textures.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, these recipes are easy to customize and guaranteed to please. Add them to your weekly rotation and enjoy restaurant-quality pasta right at home.