Fresh tomatoes don’t need to be the center of every pasta recipe, and these dishes prove it with bold, flavorful alternatives. Creamy sauces, tangy twists, and hearty combinations take over where marinara leaves off, creating meals that stand out without relying on the same old ingredient—great news for those middle-of-winter pasta cravings when fresh tomatoes taste horrible anyway.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese uses Greek yogurt for a lighter take on the classic dish, without compromising on richness.
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Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
A savory fall-inspired pasta with creamy pumpkin and garlic, perfect for colder evenings when you’re craving a hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Red lentil pasta paired with sautéed garlicky kale and a cheesy topping for a simple, nutritious meal that skips fresh tomatoes without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
A simple Italian dish made with bucatini, Pecorino Romano cheese, and pasta water. This creamy pasta is easy to prepare and a great option for when you want something classic yet quick.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta
Roasted butternut squash and broccoli rabe are tossed in a creamy almond butter sauce, topped with garlic cracker crumble for a dish that’s hearty and full of seasonal flavors.
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Gigi Hadid Pasta
This viral pasta combines cream, tomato paste, and chili flakes for a rich, spicy dish that’s quick and easy to make. A perfect choice when fresh tomatoes aren’t an option but you still want a flavorful pasta dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gigi Hadid Pasta
Pasta e Piselli
A simple pasta with peas, this dish is a go-to for weeknights when you need something comforting and fast. It’s light, hearty, and comes together in minutes without relying on fresh tomatoes.
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Baba Ganoush Pasta
This creamy pasta uses baba ganoush thinned with pasta water, delivering a smoky, eggplant-forward flavor. Perfect for those looking to skip tomatoes and try something different.
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Purple Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Pasta
Purple cauliflower adds a vibrant color, while cottage cheese brings creaminess and protein to this nutritious dish. A beautiful and nutrient-packed pasta meal that doesn’t depend on tomatoes for its appeal.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Pasta
Pasta al Limone
A classic lemony pasta with a creamy, tangy sauce that’s quick to make. Perfect for when you want a light, fresh dish in under 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pasta al Limone
Creamy Miso Carbonara
Combining the bold umami of miso with the creaminess of carbonara, this pasta is a unique take on a classic. Bacon, Pecorino Romano, and white miso bring depth and flavor in just 30 minutes.
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White Bolognese Sauce
A creamy variation of the traditional bolognese, featuring ground pork, mascarpone, and fresh thyme. This hearty sauce is perfect for a cozy meal and doesn’t rely on tomatoes for its rich flavor.
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Rotel Pasta
Rotel diced tomatoes with jalapeños and chorizo create a flavorful and creamy pasta dish. The quick prep makes it a great alternative to jarred marinara.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Pasta
Creamy Orzo With Chicken
This one-pan dish combines tender chicken and creamy orzo for a quick, no-chop meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Orzo With Chicken
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
A slow cooker meal with tender chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. This easy “dump and go” recipe makes dinner prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Lemon Basil Pasta
Angel hair pasta with a creamy white wine sauce, fresh basil, and golden chicken cubes. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and doesn’t rely on fresh tomatoes for its light, summery flavor.
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Kimchi Carbonara
This fusion dish combines the tangy spice of kimchi with the richness of carbonara. It’s a quick, satisfying option when you’re looking for something bold and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Carbonara
Chicken Pasta
This pasta pairs sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan with tender chicken for a flavorful, hearty meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something easy yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pasta
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
A spicy and flavorful pasta dish featuring dried red chilies and San Marzano tomatoes. This classic Italian recipe is simple to make and can be adjusted for your heat preference.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Tagliatelle Bolognese
A hearty sauce made with pancetta, ground beef, and pork, slow-simmered to develop rich flavors. Tossed with tagliatelle, this is a classic pasta dish that never disappoints.
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Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta
A creamy, cheesy pasta with a touch of heat from salsa verde. This one-skillet meal is perfect for quick family dinners without complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta
Incredible Chicken Piccata Pasta
Lemon juice, capers, and cream make this pasta a light yet flavorful dish. A comforting choice that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Incredible Chicken Piccata Pasta
Beef Carbonara
A pork-free take on the classic carbonara, featuring ground beef for a rich and hearty sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is straightforward and great for beginner cooks.
Get the Recipe: Beef Carbonara
Tallarines Verdes
Peruvian green spaghetti made with a creamy spinach and basil sauce. A delicious way to incorporate fresh herbs into your pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Tallarines Verdes
Gochujang Pasta
Rigatoni with shrimp and mushrooms in a creamy gochujang sauce creates a bold, Korean-inspired dish. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a flavorful fusion recipe.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Pasta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
