23 pasta ideas that make dinner feel like a little celebration
Say goodbye to bland and boring noodles because these 23 pasta recipes bring big flavor. Dinner doesn’t have to be ordinary, especially with recipes like these. Simple or extravagant, each one gives a reason to dig in, and you’ll be twirling your fork in no time.
Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Brown Butter
Butternut squash pasta with sage brown butter comes together in just three ingredients and 10 minutes. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Brown Butter
Shells and Cheese in the Instant Pot
If you’re into ultra-creamy, extra cheesy mac and cheese, this Instant Pot shells and cheese is calling your name. It’s a nostalgic take on the boxed kind, made even better and faster in the Instant Pot. Get the recipe: Shells and Cheese in the Instant Pot
Pasta Shells with Greek Yogurt Rose Sauce
Are you looking for a delicious vegetarian option? Something simple and healthy, creamy yet light? Then this recipe for pasta shells with Greek yogurt rose sauce will be your new, easy, meatless choice for dinner. Get the recipe: Pasta Shells with Greek Yogurt Rose Sauce
Creamy Tuna Casserole
This creamy tuna casserole is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with noodles, tuna, and a rich sauce. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuna Casserole
Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole
This meatball casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with juicy meatballs, pasta, and a creamy marinara sauce that’s baked to perfection. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s hearty, delicious, and ready to save your weeknight dinner. Get the recipe: Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Penne Pasta with Rich Meat Sauce
Baked penne pasta with rich meat sauce is loaded with savory sauce and gooey cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for when you’re craving something filling. Get the recipe: Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is simple, comforting, and easy to make. The rich sauce and fresh spinach come together for a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta
This creamy BBQ chicken pasta combines smoky, tangy, and savory notes in every bite. Tender chicken, a rich BBQ-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for an indulgent yet effortless dish. Get the recipe: Creamy BBQ Chicken Pasta
Healthy High-Protein Hamburger Helper
Level up your comfort food with this high-protein Hamburger Helper made with lean ground beef, veggies, cottage cheese, and Annie’s Cheddar Mac. It hits all the nostalgic vibes while still keeping things balanced and packed with protein. Get the recipe: Healthy High Protein Hamburger Helper
Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
Easy chili oil noodles infused with earthy garlic and spicy homemade red chili oil. Flavors abound in this noodle recipe with a spicy kick, creating a delicious dish in only 10 minutes. Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake
This easy vegan baked pasta is a hearty, creamy dish packed with plant-based goodness. With layers of flavor and all made in one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Get the recipe: One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake
Instant Pot Taco Beef Pasta
Instant Pot taco beef pasta combines seasoned taco beef with pasta for a one-pot meal that’s as hearty as it is comforting. Ready in no time, it’s the perfect weeknight dish that packs a punch without much effort. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine
Shrimp linguini with garlic butter is a simple yet elegant dish packed with rich buttery goodness and a touch of garlic. Juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a meal that feels fancy but is easy to whip up. Get the recipe: Easy Shrimp Linguine
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
This creamy broccoli pasta comes together in 30 minutes and won’t wreck your grocery budget. Use fresh or frozen broccoli and a few pantry staples, then serve it solo or level up with roasted chicken, salmon, or even canned chickpeas. Get the recipe: Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Easy Creamy Garlic Tuna Pasta
This creamy garlic canned tuna pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a rich buttery sauce, sweet onions, and garlicky tuna all over warm pasta. It’s ready in under an hour, easy to reheat, and seriously delicious. Get the recipe: Easy Creamy Garlic Tuna Pasta
Chili Mac
This gluten-free Chili Mac is a quick and easy dinner the whole family will enjoy. It’s a one-pan dish with dairy-free and keto options, making it super customizable. Get the recipe: Chili Mac
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the seafood twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, pasta, and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s a dish that’ll steal your heart. Get the recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Rich Tomato Sauce with Only 3 Ingredients
With just three ingredients, this rich tomato sauce tastes straight out of a fine Italian restaurant. All you need is an onion, a can of tomatoes, and butter and dinner’s on in under an hour. Get the Recipe: Rich Tomato Sauce with Only 3 Ingredients
Mexican Pasta Bake
This Mexican pasta bake is a bold, spicy take on comfort food that’s packed with traditional Mexican spices and topped with melty cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Get the recipe: Mexican Pasta Bake
Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Pasta
This 30-minute pasta dinner recipe is ultra creamy with shrimp, bacon, and just the right amount of heat. It’s like if Korea and Italy teamed up for your next weeknight dinner. Get the recipe: Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Pasta
Spaghetti with Creamy Goat Cheese
Spaghetti meets its match with this creamy goat cheese sauce that’s rich, smooth, and slightly tangy. Tossed with fresh herbs and a touch of garlic, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s ready in no time. Get the recipe: Spaghetti with Creamy Goat Cheese Sauce
Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
This chicken and chorizo pasta combines juicy chicken and smoky chorizo in a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and comforting weeknight meal for the family. Get the recipe: Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
Short Rib Ragu with Rigatoni
Short rib ragu with rigatoni is one of those cozy pasta dishes that just hits right. The sauce is rich and slow-cooked with tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan, and the tender short ribs make it feel extra special. Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu with Rigatoni