If you have a serious love affair with pasta and a soft spot for cheese, you’re in for a delicious treat with these 25 cheesy pasta recipes! Pasta dishes are the ideal comfort food, an international symbol of love that comes straight from the kitchen. And when it’s married with a variety of cheeses, it turns into a delectable delight that is hard to resist. Whether it’s the classic elbow macaroni, the long and slender linguine, or the stuffed shells and tortellini, pasta in all its forms is just a canvas awaiting the masterpiece that’s your next cheesy pasta dish!

And let’s talk about cheese! From the sharpness of Cheddar, the creaminess of Mozzarella, and the tang of Feta, to the distinct savoriness of Gouda, the world of cheese is as expansive as it is delicious. Our compilation includes classics like Mac and Cheese, to more creative dishes such as a Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet or even a Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta, ready to teleport your taste buds to foodie heaven. You can mix it up with a Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta or a Cheesy Garlic Shells dish that will leave your kitchen smelling like an Italian grandmother’s Sunday dinner.

I’m sure your mouth is already watering with anticipation — mine too! This collection is diverse, innovative, and most importantly – full of cheese and pasta. So whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or a beginner, buckle up for this delightful ride of gooey, cheesy, pasta goodness!

copycat Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese
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1. Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese (Copycat)

As far as side dishes go, mac and cheese is one of the classics! But to anybody who’s tried it, Chick-fil-A’s version is to die for! So I set out to make my own version of the classic. With this copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe, you can have creamy, cheesy, perfectly tender pasta with less calories and sodium than the original version! This recipe makes four generous servings.

2. Classic Mac and Cheese

Classic Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, striking a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy goodness. Imagine al dente macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts in your mouth. Whether baked to a golden crust or straight from the stovetop, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction in every spoonful. So, gather your favorite cheeses and macaroni and get ready for a timeless culinary indulgence!

3. Three-Cheese Penne Bake

The Three-Cheese Penne Bake is a symphony of textures and flavors. Picture perfectly cooked penne pasta baked in a blend of three exquisite cheeses, layered and baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, a harmony of melted cheese, and the satisfying chewiness of pasta. So, brace yourself for an Italian-inspired adventure that’s bound to make your dinner table a hotspot of deliciousness!

4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is an indulgent treat that brings together the bold flavor of garlic, the nutty taste of Parmesan, and the velvety texture of cream. Imagine twirling your fork into strands of pasta lavishly coated in this mouthwatering sauce. With just the right hint of garlic and a dusting of Parmesan, this dish is an irresistible combination of simplicity and sophistication. So, get ready to be transported to culinary heaven with this creamy, cheesy delight!

5. Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

Unearth the ultimate pasta bake with Baked Ziti with Mozzarella. This heavenly dish layers al dente ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella baked to a golden crust. Every bite delivers a wholesome treat of heartwarming Italian flavors. So, gather the ingredients and prepare to indulge in a delightful, cheesy escapade!

bowl of buffalo chicken mac & cheese

6. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Crock pot meals are great, and make for easy cleanup too. This buffalo chicken mac & cheese was sooo good. This makes eight one-cup servings, calls for just a few standard ingredients, and cooks nice and easy in the slow cooker for about two hours.

7. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo

The Cheesy Chicken Alfredo is a delicious merger of succulent chicken pieces, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. This flavorful fusion coats every strand of pasta, offering a creamy, savory explosion with each bite. Brace yourself for a dish that promises a delightful interplay of textures and flavors!

8. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Unleash your taste buds onto a decadent adventure with Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pasta. Imagine a fusion of smoky bacon, zesty ranch, and sharp cheddar cheese all mingling with your favorite pasta. This comforting dish is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy, offering a feast of flavors in every forkful!

9. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

With Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, enjoy a gourmet experience right at home. Picture large pasta shells generously filled with a vibrant mix of spinach and ricotta blanketed in a savory tomato sauce. Each shell is a treasure trove of taste and texture, creating a refreshing and delightful twist on a classic pasta dish!

10. Three-Cheese Tortellini Bake

This dish is a delectable dive into a cheesy paradise, where tortellini meets three fabulous cheeses baked to perfection. Picture plump pasta pockets filled with cheese, cloaked in a rich tomato sauce, and baked until bubbling. Three-Cheese Tortellini Bake is an oven-baked marvel promising an unforgettable gastronomic adventure!

11. Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Meld the excitement of Taco Tuesday with the love for pasta in the Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet. This skillet combines pasta with classic taco flavors, blanketed in an avalanche of cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder, offering a fiesta of flavors wrapped up in a hearty-cheesy pasta meal!

12. Broccoli and Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Say hello to a healthier twist on a classic with Broccoli and Cheddar Macaroni. This dish weaves together the creaminess of cheddar, the wholesome goodness of broccoli, and the comforting warmth of macaroni. Each spoonful is a delightful crunch and chew, making it a wholesome and delicious way to enjoy your favorite pasta.

13. Creamy Pesto Penne

The Creamy Pesto Penne is a green-hued beauty that combines fresh, aromatic pesto with creamy sauce and perfectly cooked penne. This vibrant dish offers a harmony of flavors with a delightful creaminess, making each bite a fresh and indulgent experience.

14. Cheesy Garlic Shells

Prepare to be seduced by the simple yet utterly satisfying Cheesy Garlic Shells. This dish celebrates the almighty combination of aromatic garlic, melted cheese, and tender pasta shells. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare but hard to forget, making it the perfect go-to for any pasta lover!

15. Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta

Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta is a sumptuous symphony of tangy tomatoes, silky cream, and gooey mozzarella. Each strand of pasta is coated in a luscious sauce, making each mouthful a flavorful journey. The Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta promises an unforgettable encounter with classic Italian flavors with a twist!

16. Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

This tantalizing pasta dish is a delight in a unique marriage of smoky bacon and chicken. The Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake is a taste sensation, boasting a rich and creamy texture punctuated by bacon’s smoky undertones. Every bite will make you appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this exquisite dish!

17. Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta

This dish brings together the tubular charm of rigatoni, the creamy richness of ricotta, and a luscious tomato sauce. Baked to perfection, the Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta offers a layer of golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with its tender pasta and creamy filling, making each bite a delightful surprise!

18. Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Explore the fiery flavors of the South with this Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Spiced Cajun chicken, hearty pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce combine to create a deliciously comforting dish with a kick. Each forkful promises a whirlwind of flavor and texture, a culinary voyage to Louisiana’s heart! 

19. Cheddar Ranch Macaroni

Savor the zesty, creamy, and cheesy goodness of the Cheddar Ranch Macaroni. This dish marries the classic macaroni pasta with a creamy ranch sauce sprinkled generously with the distinct flavor of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a delicious dance of flavors that adds a fresh twist to your beloved mac and cheese. You’re in for a comforting and flavorful treat with this one!

20. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Envelop your palate with the comforting goodness of Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta. This hearty dish combines leafy spinach, tender artichokes, and creamy sauce, generously cloaking each pasta strand. Each bite is a verdant celebration of flavors that bridges the gap between healthy and indulgent!

21. Three-Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups

Dive into an innovative take on the traditional lasagna with Three-Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups. Imagine lasagna sheets filled and rolled with a trio of cheeses, baked until golden. This playful twist on a classic will leave you reveling in a cheesy, delicious dream with every bite!

22. Fettuccine Alfredo with Garlic Shrimp

Fettuccine Alfredo with Garlic Shrimp is a perfect blend of sea and land. Succulent garlic-infused shrimp nestled atop a creamy Alfredo-coated fettuccine offers an exquisite dance of flavors. Each twirl of your fork promises a rich, sea-fresh experience that leaves you craving for more!

23. Cheesy Baked Cavatappi

Embark on a culinary adventure with Cheesy Baked Cavatappi. The spiraled cavatappi pasta cloaked in a robust cheese sauce and baked to a crispy top is a tantalizing treat. This dish is a delightful twirl of textures and flavors that promises comfort in every bite!

24. Three-Cheese Manicotti

Delve into the classic Italian comfort of Three-Cheese Manicotti. Picture tube-like pasta generously stuffed with a three-cheese blend, swimming in a rich sauce. This dish is a delicious exploration of Italy’s beloved flavors, with each mouthful a creamy, cheesy indulgence!

25. Cheesy Bacon Carbonara

Surrender to the richness of Cheesy Bacon Carbonara. Crisp bacon pieces, silky carbonara sauce, and an avalanche of Parmesan cheese dance beautifully with your favorite pasta. This enticing fusion of flavors and textures will transport you straight to an Italian trattoria with each delectable mouthful!

26. Mexican Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Embark on a vibrant culinary adventure with the Mexican Cheesy Pasta Skillet. This one-pan wonder marries hearty pasta with Mexican-inspired flavors smothered under a glorious cheese blanket. Every bite is a fiesta of taste, where spice, cheese, and pasta come together for a lively and delicious meal!

27. Garlic and Parmesan Linguine

Relish in the simple elegance of Garlic and Parmesan Linguine. Perfectly cooked linguine comes together with fragrant garlic and nutty Parmesan for an undeniably delicious combination. This classic dish showcases the beauty of minimal ingredients, creating a harmony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. Every forkful promises a delightfully aromatic and cheesy experience!

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27 Cheesy Pasta Recipes to Try Today

Servings: 4 people
With this copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe, you can have creamy, cheesy, perfectly tender pasta with less calories and sodium than the original version!

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups uncooked Macaroni elbows
  • 1 ½ cups Skim milk
  • 1 tbsp Wholemeal flour
  • 1 ¾ tbsp Butter, salted
  • ½ tsp Nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp Paprika
  • ¼ tsp Tumeric
  • Black pepper, ground, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 ¾ tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
  • cup Romano cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • cup Breadcrumbs, panko

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven 200C/350F. Bring a large pot of generously-salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni elbows and cook 14-15 minutes until very soft to the bite.
  • Place a saucepan over a medium heat and add the butter. Melt until bubbling. Add the flour and whisk into a thick paste. Whisking constantly, drizzle in the milk until a smooth sauce. Season with the spices and stir. Add parmesan, romano and half the cheddar. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  • Stir the pasta into the sauce and turn to coat. Add to a large, greased baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with tin foil.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes then remove foil. Broil 2-3 minutes until golden brown and piping hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 80gCalories: 383kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 18gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7.5gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 577mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 3.6gCalcium: 401mgIron: 1.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
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