The Best Creamy Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe (15-Minute Meal!)

If you are looking for the ultimate Creamy Cheesy Pasta Recipe that you can whip up in under 15 minutes, you’ve come to the right place! This fusion penne combines the rich, velvety texture of a classic cheese sauce with the vibrant, mild heat of Kashmiri red chili powder to create a stunning “pink sauce” effect. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a restaurant-style treat at home, this recipe uses simple pantry staples like cheese slices and mayonnaise to deliver a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Texture: The combination of heavy cream, mayonnaise, and five cheese slices creates an unbelievably smooth sauce.
• Flavor: A perfect balance of savory pizza seasoning and the bright color of Kashmiri chilli.
• Speed: Since we use a single wok for the sauce, cleanup is a breeze!

Watch how to make Cheesy Penne Pasta:

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Hungry for More?

If you loved this Creamy Cheesy Penne Pasta recipe, you have to try these fan-favourite pasta recipes.

PREP 5 m •  COOK 15 m •  SERVES 1-2

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

The Pasta & Base

• 1 cup Penne pasta (boiled al dente)
• 1 cup Reserved pasta water (starchy water is the secret to the sauce!)

The “Super Creamy” Sauce

• 1 tbsp Butter
• 5 slices Processed cheese (or cheddar slices)
• 1 tbsp Pizza pasta sauce
• 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (adds tang and thickness)
• ¾ cup Heavy cream

The Seasoning Kick

• ½ tsp Pizza seasoning (dried oregano/basil)
• ¼ tsp Red chilli flakes (adjust for heat)
• 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder (for vibrant color)

The Garnish

• Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• A drizzle of heavy cream
• A pinch of red chili flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Pro Tip: Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water—this is the secret to a glossy sauce!

2. Create the Creamy Base

Heat a wok or deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter, cheese slices, pizza pasta sauce, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, heavy cream, pizza seasoning, red chilli flakes, and the Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder. Whisk the mixture constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is completely smooth and vibrant. The sauce should turn a beautiful, bright sunset orange.

3. Simmer with Pasta Water

Pour in the reserved pasta water. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until it begins to thicken and look glossy. 

4. Toss and Coat

Add the boiled penne and the chopped coriander to the wok. Toss gently to ensure every tube of pasta is filled with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.

5. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to a shallow bowl. For that final “cafe-style” look, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, a pinch of red chilli flakes, and a swirl of heavy cream. Serve immediately while it’s hot and gooey!

Quick Tips for Success

• Master the Heat: Always maintain a medium-low flame when whisking in your cheese and mayonnaise. High heat can cause the dairy to “break” or separate, leading to an oily texture rather than a silky-smooth sauce.
• Balance the Spice: The Kashmiri Red Chilli is the secret to that iconic, vibrant orange-pink hue without overwhelming heat. If you prefer a bolder spicy kick, supplement it with a pinch of standard red chilli powder while keeping the Kashmiri powder for its stunning color.
• Control the Texture: This sauce is rich and thickens quickly as it cools. If the pasta becomes too dry before serving, simply stir in a splash of warm milk or reserved pasta water to restore that glossy, velvety consistency.

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Sneha Paul

Best Creamy Cheesy Penne Pasta

The only Cheesy Pasta recipe you’ll ever need. Save this for your next dinner craving! 📌

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American, Indian, Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp Butter
• 5 Cheese slices
• 1 tbsp Pizza pasta sauce
• 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
• ¾ cup Heavy cream
• ½ tsp Pizza seasoning
• ¼ tsp Red chilli flakes
• 1 tsp Everest Kashmirilal Red Chilli Powder
• 1 cup Boiled pasta water reserved
• 1 cup Penne pasta boiled
• For Garnish: Chopped coriander leaves red chilli flakes, and heavy cream.

Method

 

1. Cook the penne in 3 cups of salted water until al dente. Drain, but make sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. Heat a wok over medium-low heat. Add butter, cheese slices, pizza pasta sauce, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, heavy cream, pizza seasoning, red chilli flakes, and Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder.
3. Whisk the mixture continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is perfectly smooth.
4. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir well until the sauce is glossy and bubbling.
5. Add the boiled pasta and coriander leaves. Toss gently until every penne tube is coated in the thick, creamy sauce.
6. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with fresh coriander, extra red chilli flakes, and a final drizzle of heavy cream. Serve hot! 🧀🔥

I can’t wait to see your creations! If you whip up this recipe, snap a photo and tag me @temptingtreat or use #temptingtreat on Instagram so I can feature you.

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Happy Cooking! ✨