17 Irresistible pasta recipes to add variety and excitement to your weeknights

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Are you stuck in a dinner rut, making the same few dishes over and over again? Look no further! We’ve gathered 17 mouth-watering pasta recipes that will bring new flavors and textures to your dinner table.

Whether you’re craving a classic spaghetti and meatballs or looking to try something entirely new, these recipes will transform your weeknight meals into something truly special.

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving for Olive Garden but stuck at home? No problem! This recipe recreates the popular Olive Garden Chicken Pasta at home, giving you a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Mac & Cheese

Whip up the creamiest mac & cheese in no time with this Instant Pot recipe. It’s a hassle-free, one-pot comfort food that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food pronto!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac & Cheese

Gnocchi with Sauce

Soft, pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a robust beefy sauce, all made in your Instant Pot! This recipe offers a comforting meal that feels gourmet, but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Sauce

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With its pasta tubes stuffed with cheesy goodness and covered with a rich tomato sauce, this baked manicotti recipe is pure comfort food. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a leisurely weeknight dinner, ensuring each bite is a journey to Italy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo with Sausage

Creamy, rich, and loaded with savory sausage, this Fettuccine Alfredo takes comfort food to the next level. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have this deeply satisfying dish ready in a flash – ideal for those weeknights when you want something indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo with Sausage

Viral Gigi Hadid Pasta

Prepare to be captivated by this effortless yet intensely flavorful creamy and spicy vodka sauce pasta, without the need for vodka. Indulge in the robust and bold taste that this recipe brings to the table while enjoying the ease of its preparation.
Get the Recipe: Gigi Hadid Pasta

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combining the goodness of chili with the comfort of mac & cheese, this slow cooker Chili Mac gives a much-needed cozy twist to your weeknight meals. Using the slow cooker makes dinner a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

This tuna and tomato pasta is so simple that kids can make it (with supervision, of course). It’s tasty and has a simple protein that means this is ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Gochujang Noodles

Gochujang Noodles are so full of flavor, you won’t be able to stop eating them. Imagine chewy noodles bathed in a rich and creamy, spicy, savory sauce studded with tender greens and meaty sliced mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Chicken Riggies

Chicken riggies in a bowl topped with Parmesan and green onion.
Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This delightful recipe brings together succulent chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a slightly spicy, creamy tomato sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for when you need comfort food, but still easy enough for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies

Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup

Spaghetti and meatballs becomes even cozier when it’s made into soup. This 30-minute dinner idea takes pasta night to new heights.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup

Pasta alla Norma

Our pasta alla norma recipe will have you saying, “Mamma mia, this is delicious!” This Sicilian classic is a perfect blend of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, cheese, and fresh basil, all tossed in a delicious, flavorful sauce.
Grab the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up a comforting bowl of Instant Pot minestrone soup for a quick and easy weeknight meal! Loaded with fresh veggies, beans, and pasta, this hearty soup is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Say hello to a cozy dinner in no time!
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup.

Tuna Pesto Pasta

This easy, under 30-minute tuna pesto pasta recipe with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is a weeknight meal you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Tortellini & Meatballs

Outdoor griddling just doesn’t get any tastier than this! Loaded with tender tortellini, tasty meatballs, and oodles of goodies like spinach, peppers, and onions, this satisfying and colorful dish is easy and can feed a crowd!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini & Meatballs

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs topped with parmesan.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who can resist the classic combination of spaghetti and meatballs? This recipe makes it even easier with the Instant Pot, serving up a one pot meal that will surely be a hit at your weeknight dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Discover the ultimate time-saving hack for lasagna lovers: irresistible lasagna roll-ups that can be whipped up in a flash. In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly portioned lasagna goodness, oozing with layers of cheese and flavor. Say goodbye to long baking times and hello to quick and easy lasagna satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

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