Savor these 21 pasta recipes that are not only incredibly delicious but also creatively crafted to elevate your dining moments. Whether you’re a passionate foodie seeking a fresh twist on classic favorites or a more novice home cook eager to expand your repertoire, these recipes are here to redefine your relationship with pasta.
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is one of those meals that sounds (and tastes) fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. In fact, it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, including getting your water to boil. Cheesy carbs don’t get any better than this.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Creamy Pea Pasta
Satisfy your cravings with Creamy Pea Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more. This meatless Monday favorite is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
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
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Craving a restaurant-style meal without the hassle? This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta brings that authentic Italian eatery experience to your home. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll end up with a creamy, savory pasta dish that tastes just like your favorite menu item.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
You will love this simple side dish that is far beyond any pasta salad you have ever tried. The savory ingredients get mixed into fresh hot orzo and spinach to create a perfect pairing for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Potato Gnocchi
Indulge in the pillowy goodness of homemade Potato Gnocchi, a classic Italian dish that is surprisingly easy to make. These delicate dumplings will melt in your mouth, bringing comfort and satisfaction to every bite. Serve them with your favorite sauce or pesto for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Summer Pasta Salad
Savor the taste of summer with this mayo-free pasta salad. This refreshing and light salad combines al dente pasta with fresh veggies like corn and tomatoes, plus tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Dive into a gooey and comforting delight with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells, filled with savory goodness. They are the perfect meatless Monday meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But sometimes, the classic mac and cheese can be a bit too bland. That’s where this grown-up baked mac and cheese with tomato and bacon comes in. This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by adding in some tomatoes and crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spaghetti Arrabbiata is a spicy Italian pasta dish with a sauce of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and onion. This lively recipe will wake up your pasta routine!
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
An easy, quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired pasta filled with lemon, spinach, and feta. It can be enjoyed as is for a vegetarian meal or topped with your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Easy Baked Manicotti
If you’re a fan of cheese, this one’s for you. Easy Baked Manicotti offers a sublime mix of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, all enveloped within al dente manicotti pasta shells. This crowd-pleasing dish is a joy to prepare and even more of a delight to devour.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Manicotti
Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equally perfect for date night or a weeknight dinner, this Noodles & Company copycat recipe is full of flavor. You’ll love the creamy rosa sauce — and the fact that it’s made with an easy shortcut: jarred pasta sauce.
Get the Recipe: Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes
Cool nights call for hot, comfort food, and there’s not much better than this Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. The fresh pop of tomatoes and creamy ricotta play really nicely together in this hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s as good as a side as it is an entree.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes
Penne al Baffo
This Penne al Baffo is coated in a concentrated tomato and cream sauce with garlic, shallot, thin-sliced pancetta, and topped with parsley. It is an extra decadent pasta dish everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
This 20 minute creamy tomato farfalle brings a healthy take on traditional cream sauce with peas and crispy prosciutto for an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Gnocchi with Lemon Parmesan Sauce
Forget the entree, this side dish is where it’s at! Loaded with a creamy sauce infused with Parmesan, this dish is silky, creamy, and crazy good! Easy to make and ready in minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for dinner!
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon Parmesan Sauce
Penne al Salmone
This Penne al Salmone is a salmon pasta is a fresh, light, summery dish highlighting sweet and savory burst cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce with thyme.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Salmone
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This zesty lemon ricotta pasta is the perfect recipe for a light quick meal. Creamy ricotta brings decadence while basil and tomatoes keep things fresh.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Chicken Riggies
Ready to turn the heat up? Spicy Chicken Riggies is a pasta dish that packs a punch, combining tender chicken, hearty rigatoni, and a spicy tomato cream sauce. It’s a fantastic way to break the pasta monotony and add some zing to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies
Smoked Mac and Cheese
It doesn’t get much better than Smoked Mac and Cheese, and the buttery-bacony topping puts this one over the top!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese