Pasta perfection: 17 recipes better than spaghetti

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Tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs that have been a staple since childhood? It’s time to try something new that will quickly become a staple in your repertoire. You’ll love this array of easy, delectable dishes that are anything but ordinary.

You’ll wonder why you didn’t try these recipes sooner, as you discover flavors, textures, and combinations that will revolutionize the way you experience pasta. Get ready to bid farewell to spaghetti monotony and say hello to a world of enticing possibilities that are just a pot of boiling water away.

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Spinach Orzo Pasta 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 Pasta Salad

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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 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

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

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

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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 twirled on a black plate on a white marble counter.
Spaghetti Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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

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

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Gnocchi with Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

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

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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

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

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

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

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

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