Creamy Italian Pasta

Pasta salad always feels like a summer food to me—the kind of dish you expect at cookouts, beach trips, and backyard gatherings. But in our family, it’s something we eat all year long, and honestly, that’s because of my brother.

It’s his favorite food. And when pasta salad is on the menu, I’m pretty sure it’s the only thing he eats. No sides, no extras—just a big helping of pasta salad and he’s perfectly happy. Because of that, it shows up at family dinners, holidays, and random weekends when we just need something easy that everyone will eat.

This creamy Italian pasta salad is simple, familiar, and comforting. Nothing fancy, no hard-to-find ingredients—just tender pasta, crunchy veggies, savory Italian flavors, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together. It’s one of those recipes that disappears fast and somehow tastes even better the next day.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne work best)

• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Italian dressing (bottled is fine)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

You will also need:

• Large bowl

• Small bowl

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bell pepper and parmesan.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together.

✨Tips and Variations✨

• Add pepperoni slices or salami if you want a heartier version.

• Swap Parmesan for provolone for a sharper bite.

• If it thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of Italian dressing before serving.

• This keeps well for 2–3 days, making it great for leftovers (or for my brother, multiple servings).

  Creamy Italian pasta salad is one of those dishes that never really goes out of season. Whether it’s summer or winter, a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, it always feels familiar—and if you have someone in your family who could live on pasta salad alone, you’ll understand exactly why it stays in our rotation.