18 Deliciously Easy Cheesy One Pot Pasta Dinners
18 one pot cheesy pasta dinners that are quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights
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I don’t know about you, but by the time the workday wraps up, the last thing I want to deal with is a pile of dishes. That’s exactly why I keep these easy one-pot cheesy pasta dinners on repeat during busy weeknights. These one-pot meals are warm, filling, budget-friendly, and the best part—there’s barely anything to clean up. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, teenagers with bottomless appetites, or just trying to get something satisfying on the dinner table without fuss, these cheesy pasta recipes are total lifesavers.
Each of these meals uses straightforward ingredients like uncooked pasta, chicken broth, tomato paste, cream cheese, or Italian sausage. Cook everything in one large pot or skillet over medium heat, and a cheesy sauce will coat every bite of al dente pasta. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget and serve something the whole family will actually eat.
The list below includes options like creamy Alfredo bakes, slow-cooked lasagnas, cheesy sausage pasta, and even one-pot veggie pastas—all perfect weeknight meals that reheat nicely the next day.
Easy Side Dishes to Serve with One Pot Cheesy Pasta
Keep dinner simple with quick, low-effort sides that complement the bold, cheesy flavors of these pasta dishes:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks (ready in 10 minutes from frozen)
- Simple green salad with ranch or balsamic vinegar
- Sauteed green beans or broccoli with olive oil and black pepper
- Roasted veggies (tossed in olive oil and Italian seasoning)
- A bowl of fresh fruit or a side of cinnamon applesauce for little ones
Serve everything family-style so it feels like a treat without the stress. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep that cheesy sauce smooth.
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Easy One Pot Cheesy Pasta Recipes
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This is the ultimate comfort food—easy, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti (Alfredo, Boursin, and Marinara)
Perfect for busy weeknights or hosting guests, it’s loaded with mozzarella, parmesan, and ziti pasta.
Easy Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole (Mostly Homemade)
This easy-bake recipe is quick and delicious. It uses rotisserie chicken, penne pasta, and a cheesy Alfredo sauce..
Pizza Pasta (One Pot)
This One Pot Pizza Pasta is super quick, easy, and tasty. It's the perfect busy weeknight meal. The pasta cooks right in the saucy liquid, saving you from cleaning more than one pan for the entire dish.
Cheese and Pasta in a Pot (for a Crowd)
This recipe is one of those comfort food dishes everyone loves, and will request over and over!
Boursin Broccoli Pasta
This creamy pasta is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will eat this broccoli, since it is coated in a flavorful Boursin cheese sauce!
Vegetarian Fajita Pasta
Delicious pasta shells with lots of fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, colorful bell peppers, sour cream and cheese, made as a one-pot dish in the Instant Pot or Stovetop. Enjoy topped with cilantro and avocado.
Lazy Crockpot Lasagna
This Crockpot Lazy Lasagna solves the problem—it’s all the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna with only 15 minutes of prep time, and then you let your crockpot do the work.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe: Authentic Foolproof Recipe
This is an authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe recipe!
Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Italian sausage pasta made in the instant pot is an easy, quick dinner that the whole family will love.
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
This easy lasagna soup recipe simmers in one pot with tender noodles, sausage, garlic, onion, an Italian seasoned marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan and creamy ricotta.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a cozy, slow-cooked meal with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and plenty of cheesy flavor. Great for chilly nights or laid-back weekends!
One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon
One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon is an easy and tasty weeknight dish! Serve it as the main course or alongside a protein such as chicken or shrimp.
One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta
Need a quick and easy weeknight dinner? Try this cozy One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta! Filled with warm hearty protein, melty cheese, and yummy veggies, it's so good! And only takes 30 minutes!
One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
This Italian Sausage Pasta is made in one pot and is a family favorite. Garlic, onions, sausage, and tomatoes are paired with delicious spaghetti, then all drenched in a creamy sauce and topped with gooey cheese!
Calabrian Chili Butter Ditalini Pasta (One-Pan Recipe)
Calabrian Chili Butter Ditalini Pasta (One-Pan Recipe) is the easiest, most delicious one-pan recipe! This creamy, buttery pasta is an excellent main course or pasta side dish!
Baked Spaghetti Carbonara
This Baked Spaghetti Carbonara is a comforting twist on the classic Italian dish. It features al dente spaghetti tossed with sautéed onions and crispy bacon, enveloped in a rich sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Topped with a generous layer of Gouda and Parmesan, the dish is baked until golden and bubbly, offering a creamy, cheesy delight that's perfect for a cozy dinner.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Nothing beats a bowlful of classic Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs when you're looking for an easy meal the whole family will love. Fully cooked homemade meatballs make this one pan pasta dinner a snap to whip up.
Which recipes are you trying first? Add at least one to your meal plan this week!
