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Some nights you just need dinner to be simple, fast, and totally comforting. This one pot creamy pasta is my go-to when life gets busy — tender pasta, velvety sauce, and melty cheese all come together in under an hour. It feels indulgent but uses pantry staples, making it one of the easiest budget dinners in my rotation.
👉 Try it with my Chicken Alfredo Bake or 3-Ingredient Baked Ziti next!
This easy one pot creamy pasta combines penne, pasta sauce, Alfredo, and cheese into a rich, comforting meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
💰This recipe is part of 5 Cheap but Delicious Fall Dinners Under $10 meal plan.
Table of Contents
- Step-by-Step Recipe Video
- What You’ll Need for Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta (Key Ingredients)
- How to Make Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
- Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta Variations
- Tips & Tricks for Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
- Recipe FAQs – Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- More Great Pasta Recipes
- EASIEST One Pot Creamy Pasta Recipe
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Why You’ll Love This Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
There’s nothing fancy about this dish, and that’s exactly why it works. The combination of Alfredo and tomato sauce makes a velvety, tangy, cheesy pasta that feels restaurant-worthy without the price tag. My kids ask for it on repeat!
Recipe at a Glance
⏰ Total Time: 55 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Busy weeknights or cozy fall dinners
🛒 Key Ingredients: Penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, pasta sauce, cheese
🍽️ Servings: 6
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerates well, freezer-friendly
👉 Try it with my Cheesy Garlic Bread or Italian Sausage Skillet next!
Made With Love,
What You’ll Need for Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta (Key Ingredients)
- Penne pasta – hearty noodles that hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Pasta sauce – your favorite red sauce adds flavor and tang.
- Alfredo sauce – creamy and rich, this makes the base of the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese – melty, gooey, and comforting.
- Parmesan cheese – sharp and salty, balances out the creaminess.
👉 Love pasta night? Try my One Pot Mexican Quinoa for another quick, budget-friendly meal.
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
How to Make Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Add the sauce. To the same pot, add the pasta sauce and Alfredo sauce. Stir well, bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Step 3: Add in the cooked noodles.
Step 4: Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta Variations
- Use rigatoni, rotini, or shells in place of penne.
- Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for extra protein.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale for veggies.
- Swap half the mozzarella for cheddar for a tangy twist.
👉 Craving more creamy dinners? Try my Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole.
My Pro TipS
Tips & Tricks for Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
- Always salt your pasta water — it seasons the noodles from the start.
- Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining in case you want to thin the sauce.
- Shred cheese from the block for the smoothest melt (pre-shredded can be grainy).
- Let the sauce simmer gently — don’t boil it hard, or the cheese can separate.
Recipe FAQs – Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta
Yes, just follow package directions for cooking time.
You can cook the pasta and sauce, then refrigerate. Reheat gently and stir in cheese before serving.
Yes, cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk.
I love a basic marinara + jarred Alfredo, but you can use homemade sauces too.
👉 For another family-favorite pasta, check out my Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed containers up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
👉 Want more make-ahead meals? Browse my 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups.
More Great Pasta Recipes
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💌 If you try this recipe, give it a rating — it helps others find the best recipes!
EASIEST One Pot Creamy Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 16 oz Alfredo sauce
- ¾ cup Mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Return pot to stove and add pasta sauce + Alfredo sauce. Stir and simmer 5 minutes, covered, stirring often.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions up to 2 months; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Add chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I absolutely loved this!! Super easy and tasted delicious.