12 Pasta Dishes That Are Rich, Creamy, and Completely Tomato-Free
Not every great pasta dish starts with tomato sauce. From silky cream sauces to buttery garlic creations and cheesy baked favorites, these recipes prove there’s a whole world of comforting pasta beyond marinara. If you’re looking to switch up pasta night or simply want something rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, these 12 tomato-free dishes are sure to become new favorites.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta comes together in just one pot and 25 minutes. It beautifully blends the flavors of lemon, ricotta, pistachios, basil, and pasta.
Quick and Easy Garlic Prawn Pesto Pasta
Prawn pesto pasta with fresh basil pesto & linguine is the perfect quick & easy midweek pasta meal, but it still feels special and indulgent
Scallion Pesto Scallop Pasta
Scallion Pesto Scallop Pasta with Swiss chard is one of those “special night” meals that looks like it should belong on a restaurant table but is easy to make at home!
White Wine Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp pasta with white wine sauce is a light, flavorful meal that’s perfect for summer. Tender shrimp is simmered in a silky white wine sauce that bursts with the flavors of rich butter and tangy lemon. It’s not only delicious but takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. Get ready for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Vegan Mushroom Pasta
This vegan mushroom pasta is a game-changer for all pasta lovers! With just 9 ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, umami-packed, and comforting meal. No vegan cream or cheese is needed — just simple, everyday staples!
Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta
This 20-minute Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta recipe is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or weekend feast. The goat’s cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy, and salty layer of flavor, while the spinach, basil, and parmesan add a touch of freshness. So good, you’ll want to make this dish again and again!
Sour Cream Pasta
Sour cream pasta is a delicious side dish with a light, tangy sauce, that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. Made in less than 20 minutes for those busy weeknight dinners.
Rosemary Shrimp Pasta
This Rosemary Shrimp Pasta is effortlessly elegant yet quick and easy. Perfect for a mid-week dinner with friends or Saturday date night.
Pasta alla Boscaiola (Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta)
Pasta alla boscaiola is a traditional Italian recipe made with mushrooms and sausage or pancetta. The perfect comfort pasta dish, this creamy rigatoni alla boscaiola recipe has porcini mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, and Italian sausage for a flavourful feast that only takes 30 minutes to make.
Mushroom Spinach Lasagna
This easy mushroom spinach lasagna has a light parmesan sauce, and it freezes wonderfully – perfect for make-ahead freezer meals!
Tortellini Carbonara
Looking for a quick yet indulgent pasta dish the whole family will love? This tortellini carbonara recipe is a fun twist on the classic Italian dish, swapping spaghetti for tender, cheese-filled tortellini. Crispy bacon, parmesan cheese, and rich egg yolks come together to create a silky carbonara sauce that clings to every bite. The tortellini cooks up fast, making this an easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s pure comfort food with a creamy sauce that tastes restaurant-worthy in under 25 minutes.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
There are some dinners that everyone gets excited about, and this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta is definitely one of them. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich creamy sauce seasoned with bold Cajun flavor come together in one comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does almost all of the work, leaving you with an easy meal that’s packed with flavor and ready for the whole family. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a complete meal everyone will love.
