Looking for creamy pasta recipes that the whole family will love? You've come to the right place! These three recipes, spotted on TikTok, are perfect for spring break: they're simple, comforting, and ideal for introducing your teens to cooking. You don't need to be a chef to make them, just a big appetite and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Creamy pasta with chicken and parmesan

Here's the recipe for those looking for something hearty and comforting. The chicken is seared to retain all its juices, then a creamy Parmesan sauce is prepared right in the same pan. Less washing up, maximum flavor. Perfect for introducing a teenager to cooking poultry!

Ingredients (4 servings):

  • 680 g (1½ lb) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts l’épicier
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil
  • 7,5 ml (1 1/2 tsp) of paprika
  • 7,5 ml (1 1/2 tsp) dried oregano
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
  • 2,5 ml (½ tsp) of thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 340 g (12 oz) of thick pasta (linguini, pappardelle, farfalle, rotini, etc.)
  • 60 ml (4 tbsp) of butter
  • 10 ml (2 tsp) of Italian seasoning
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
  • 125 ml (½ cup) chicken broth
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) flour
  • 750 ml (3 cups) of 35% cream
  • 300 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) of pasta cooking water

Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 60 ml (¼ cup) of the cooking water before draining.

Mix the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Lightly flatten the chicken breasts with a meat mallet, then coat them with the spices on both sides.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and continue cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest.

In the same pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then stir for 1 minute. Stir in the flour, mix well, then pour in the stock and cream, whisking until you have a smooth sauce.

Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Let it thicken over low heat. Add the pasta and mix. Thin with pasta water if needed. Slice the chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta. Serve immediately!

Creamy shells with ground beef

This all-in-one recipe is incredibly satisfying. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, which means less washing up and a super creamy result. Your teens will love having it on the menu, and you'll love how easy it is to make.

Ingredients (6 servings):

  • 450 g (1 lb) of lean ground beef l’épicier
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) of red chili flakes
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) of Italian seasoning
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 45 ml (3 tbsp) of tomato paste
  • 750 ml (3 cups) of beef broth
  • 250 ml (1 cup) of 35% cream
  • 450 g (1 lb) of small shell pasta
  • 120g of sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for a few minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef, paprika, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink. Make a well in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste. Let it cook for 2 minutes, then mix everything together.

Pour in the stock and cream, season lightly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, add the uncooked pasta, and stir. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 17 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Stir in the cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with parsley and cheese, to taste.

Spicy rigatoni with vodka and Italian sausage

This vodka sauce recipe has gone viral on TikTok for good reason: it's pure indulgence. Spicy Italian sausage adds character, cream mellows everything out, and the result is a thick, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the rigatoni. A little bit of heat, a lot of flavor—your teens will fight over the leftovers!

Ingredients (4 servings):

  • 3 hot Italian sausages l’épicier, intestine removed
  • 1 box (450 g) of rigatoni
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 10 ml (2 tsp) dried oregano
  • 2,5 ml (½ tsp) red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 45 ml (3 tbsp) of tomato paste
  • 160 ml (2/3 cup) of vodka
  • 250 ml (1 cup) of 35% cream
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) of butter
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 125 ml (½ cup) of the cooking water before draining.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the crumbled sausages and brown for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and chili pepper, then cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens slightly.

Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Reduce the heat, stir in the cream, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened. Add the butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

Stir in the pasta, adding a little cooking water if needed to coat it well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese, to taste.

These three creamy pasta recipes have it all: they're easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly comforting. Whether you choose the beef shells for a hearty option, the vodka rigatoni for a touch of spice, or the chicken parmesan pasta for something milder, you won't be disappointed. And if your teen is in charge of the kitchen tonight, rest assured, they'll ace it! Enjoy!

Discover our tips and pasta recipes in these other articles:

sources:
https://www.tiktok.com/@heresyourbite/video/7393143273663040799?lang=fr&q=creamy%20beef%20and%20shells&t=1772556201256
https://www.tiktok.com/@laurent.dagenais/video/7204143734169160966
https://www.goodnesswithg.com/blog/spicy-vodka-rigatoni-with-sausage
https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/rigatoni-with-easy-vodka-sauce
https://www.tiktok.com/@majasrecipes/video/7451706223927348486
https://goldengracekitchen.com/chicken-garlic-parmesan-pasta/