5 Pioneer Woman Pasta Recipes to Try Tonight

Dive into the comforting world of pasta with these delightful recipes inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Known for her straightforward, flavorful dishes, Ree has crafted a repertoire of pasta recipes that are perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Here are five Pioneer Woman pasta recipes that you can easily try tonight, promising a touch of homestyle comfort and a lot of flavor!

The Easiest Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Imagine a velvety, rich Alfredo sauce that wraps around your favorite pasta, offering comfort with every bite. Ree’s version of Alfredo sauce is simple yet utterly luxurious, perfect for those who need a quick yet satisfying meal.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti works well)

To prepare:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and then reduce heat to low.
4. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thick.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with cooked pasta.

📝 Note: For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream, and add a bit of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti is a Southern classic, and Ree Drummond’s take on it is no exception. It’s hearty, creamy, and filled with cheese, making it a beloved comfort food.

• 1 whole fryer chicken, cut up
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 4 oz. jar diced pimientos, drained
• 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup additional grated cheese for topping

To prepare:

1. Cook the chicken in a pot of boiling water until done.
2. Reserve the broth. Debone the chicken and shred or chop it.
3. In a large pot, cook the spaghetti in the chicken broth until al dente.
4. Combine all ingredients in the pot, except the additional cheese for topping.
5. Pour into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly.

📝 Note: This dish can be frozen before baking, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This viral sensation, also known as Marry Me Pasta, promises to make your partner propose! With sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s hard not to fall in love with this dish.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 8 oz. pasta (penne or farfalle recommended)

To prepare:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Add the broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices to the pan.
4. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add to the sauce with chicken.

Lemony Ricotta Pasta

Bright and vibrant, this pasta dish showcases the zestiness of lemon combined with the creaminess of ricotta. It's a perfect dish for a light dinner or a refreshing lunch.

• 1 pound pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

To prepare:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserve pasta water before draining.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, half the Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add a bit of pasta water to make the ricotta mixture more creamy.
4. Toss the hot pasta with the ricotta mix, adding more pasta water if necessary. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve.

Baked Ziti

If you love comfort food, Ree’s Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Layered with cheese, meat, and pasta, it's a meal that brings people together.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To prepare:

1. Cook pasta to al dente, drain.
2. In a skillet, brown meat with onion and garlic, then add marinara sauce and water.
3. Mix ricotta with eggs, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine half the meat sauce with the pasta, layer in a dish with the cheese mixture, and top with remaining meat sauce and cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and cheese is golden, about 30 minutes.

As you can see, these Pioneer Woman pasta recipes are not only easy to make but are also filled with flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you're looking for a creamy Alfredo, a spicy chicken spaghetti, a vibrant lemony pasta, a love-inducing Marry Me Chicken Pasta, or a hearty baked ziti, Ree Drummond has crafted dishes that celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. Enjoy these recipes tonight and experience the warmth and comfort that only a good pasta dish can provide.

Can I make these pasta recipes ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these recipes can be prepped ahead. Dishes like Chicken Spaghetti and Baked Ziti are especially good for freezing before baking. Just make sure to add cheese toppings after thawing or before baking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

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For a lighter version, you can substitute with half and half or even milk, though the sauce might not be as rich. Some recipes also use Greek yogurt or cream cheese to achieve a creamy texture.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

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Absolutely! Most of these pasta dishes are loved by kids, especially the cheesy ones like Baked Ziti. For the Chicken Spaghetti, you might want to reduce the cayenne pepper if your children are sensitive to spice.

Can I make these vegetarian?

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Yes! You can omit the meat in the Chicken Spaghetti, use mushrooms or spinach in place of chicken in Marry Me Pasta, and simply skip the meat in Baked Ziti. The Lemony Ricotta Pasta is already vegetarian-friendly.