Pasta Recipes


Craving comfort food? Try these 27 easy-to-make pasta recipes​ packed with tasty sauces, hearty ingredients, and simple instructions!


Published: December 15, 2024 · Modified: December 15, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

Pasta Recipes

As a busy mum to six kids, I know all too well how hectic mealtimes can get. That’s why I’m always on the hunt for quick, delicious, and no-fuss ideas to feed my hungry crew. Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of whipping up satisfying dishes that everyone loves, and pasta recipes are my ultimate go-to! They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for even the craziest of weeknights. In this article, I’m sharing 27 easy-to-make pasta recipes that I swear by, each one packed with flavor, simple steps, and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Orzo Recipes

27 Easy to Make Pasta Recipes

1. Gigi Hadid Pasta

Whip up Gigi Hadid’s famous spicy “vodka” pasta, minus the vodka! This creamy, dreamy pasta dish is packed with bold flavors from tomato paste, parmesan, and a kick of red pepper flakes. It’s rich, indulgent, and impressively easy, perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is your go-to recipe for effortless elegance with every bite!

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2. Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

Treat yourself to this luxurious sun-dried tomato pasta that’s ready in no time at all. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic, a splash of white wine, and tangy Dijon, balanced by tender spinach and rich parmesan. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of flavor, making this a bright, meatless masterpiece. It’s simple, indulgent, and perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something a little extra but easy!

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3. Pumpkin Pasta

It’s that time of year again when pumpkins take center stage and we start our quest for the ultimate autumn pumpkin dishes. Brace yourself for heavenly pumpkin pasta, boasting a formidable creaminess that will transport your taste buds to a cloud of culinary bliss. As the nights grow longer and winter sneaks closer, this cozy comfort food is here to embrace you like a warm, snuggly blanket. Trust me, I’ve been serving this delectable pumpkin pasta for years, and it’s a guaranteed hit every single time. The only problem? Good luck finding an empty seat at the table, this dish is just that irresistible!

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4. Creamy Pesto Rigatoni with Chili Garlic Breadcrumbs

Creamy pesto rigatoni topped with irresistible chili garlic breadcrumbs. The rich, velvety pesto combines spinach, basil, walnuts, and Pecorino Romano, while the crunchy, golden breadcrumbs add a zesty kick of garlic, chili flakes, and lemon zest. Tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is a satisfying mix of creamy and crispy textures.

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5. Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy beef and shells is the ultimate comfort pasta recipe, blending tender pasta shells with a rich, cheesy sauce and hearty ground beef. The savory mix of marinara, beef stock, and heavy cream is perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a smoky touch of paprika. Finished with melty cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, this dish is creamy, cozy, and irresistibly delicious.

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6. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms

One-pot garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms is a weeknight dinner dream, creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make! Farfalle pasta is tossed in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, complemented by sautéed mushrooms, sweet onions, and tender spinach. A touch of Italian seasoning and optional chili flakes adds a subtle kick, making this dish perfectly comforting and satisfying. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

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7. Spaghetti Carbonara

Show your special someone how much you care by making them this 15 minute spaghetti carbonara recipe! It’s full of flavor with bacon, garlic, cheese, and a creamy sauce. It’s sure to become a regular romantic meal for you two!

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8. Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish that might just make you swoon! Tender chicken bites are coated in a luscious parmesan cream sauce with bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices. Tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with fresh basil, this recipe is easy, indulgent, and impossible to resist.

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9. Easy Bolognese

This easy Bolognese pasta recipe is comfort food at its finest! A rich, meaty sauce made with ground beef and pork, sautéed veggies, creamy marinara, and a splash of heavy cream comes together in under an hour. Toss it over wide noodles like pappardelle, sprinkle with fresh parmesan, and prepare for a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s classic, cozy, and irresistibly delicious.

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10. Spaghetti Alla Nerano

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a dreamy pasta recipe that combines crispy fried zucchini, fresh basil, and loads of parmesan cheese for a creamy, luxurious sauce. This restaurant-worthy dish is surprisingly simple to make, with gourmet flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. Toss al dente spaghetti with the zucchini-parmesan sauce, and you’ll have an elegant yet comforting meal that’s perfect for impressing, or indulging.

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11. 15-Minute Chicken Stir Fry Noodles

This 15-minute chicken stir fry noodles pasta recipe is the perfect quick-fix dinner, packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and julienned carrots. Tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, hoisin, and sesame oil, it’s bursting with flavor and balanced with a touch of spice. Add a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds on top for the ultimate easy weeknight dish that feels like takeout, but better!

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12. Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

This spicy Italian sausage pasta recipe is pure comfort in 25 minutes! Rigatoni is tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, and just the right amount of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The spicy sausage adds bold flavor, while a splash of white wine and Parmesan cheese make the sauce irresistible. Top it off with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a dinner you’ll want on repeat!

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13. Pesto Pasta

This pesto pasta recipe offers a burst of fresh flavors with cherry tomatoes and lemon, ideal for any occasion.

Creating this dish is simple; just boil the pasta, then cook the tomatoes and pesto together.

For added variety, consider ingredients like green peas, mushrooms, or olives to enhance your pesto pasta experience.

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14. Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This vibrant bow tie pasta salad is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or even a quick meal prep. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil, then coated in a zesty pesto-lemon dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in just in no time. Make it ahead, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours.

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15. Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage

Rigatoni with butternut squash and spicy sausage is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Tender roasted squash, savory sausage, and Swiss chard come together in a creamy, parmesan-laced sauce with a hint of chili heat. Toss it all with al dente rigatoni, and you’ve got a satisfying pasta recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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16. Fresh Tomato Basil Penne alla Vodka

Fresh tomato basil penne alla vodka is a luxurious, creamy pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavor! Sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil combine with a splash of vodka and cream to create a rich, silky sauce that perfectly coats every bite of penne. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, making this dish irresistibly balanced. Top it with freshly grated parmesan, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal.

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17. Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

Cheeseburger stuffed pasta shells combine two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish! Jumbo pasta shells are packed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a tangy tomato-ketchup and mustard sauce, then baked to cheesy perfection. Add a sprinkle of fresh toppings like lettuce, pickles, or tomatoes for that classic burger vibe in every bite.

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18. Seafood Pasta Recipe

Seafood pasta is a show-stopping dish brimming with shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, the seafood is lightly seared and simmered until tender, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Garnish with parsley, and you’ve got a feast worthy of celebration!

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19. Baked Rigatoni

Baked rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with Italian sausage, ground beef, marinara, and crushed tomatoes. Topped with plenty of gooey mozzarella, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and impossible to resist. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

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20. Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients that make every spoonful irresistible! Italian sausage, garlic, fennel, and herbs create a rich base, while tender pasta cooks right in the savory tomato and chicken broth. A luscious mix of cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan ties it all together for a velvety finish.

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21. Baked feta pasta with blood orange and olives

Baked feta with blood oranges and kalamata olives is a stunning blend of bold flavors and vibrant colors. Creamy roasted feta melts with juicy cherry tomatoes and tangy blood orange slices, creating a luscious sauce. Toss in briny olives and fresh basil for a dish that’s as effortless as it is elegant. It’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort!

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22. One Pot Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo

This one-pot broccoli fettuccine Alfredo is creamy, cheesy perfection made easy! Fettuccine simmers in a rich blend of chicken broth, cream, and garlic, soaking up every bit of flavor. Toss in tender steamed broccoli and freshly grated parmesan for a velvety, satisfying meal that’s picky-eater approved.

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23. Creamy cauliflower rigatoni pasta

Creamy cauliflower rigatoni is a vegetarian delight that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Rigatoni is coated in a luscious cauliflower sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and a hint of chili, then topped with golden, crispy garlic breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch. Finished with parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a rich, satisfying bowl of pasta.

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24. Spicy Garlic Prawn Pasta

Spicy garlic prawn pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of an Italian restaurant to your table in just 20 minutes. The spaghetti is tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with a kick of chili flakes and juicy prawns, creating a deliciously savory meal. With a splash of lemon, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of parmesan, this pasta is the perfect combination of heat, freshness, and richness, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxing weekends.

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25. Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Classic spaghetti and meatballs is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Juicy, flavorful meatballs made with ground sirloin and Italian sausage are broiled to perfection, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a hint of spice. Toss everything with perfectly cooked spaghetti, and you’ve got a dish that’s hearty, and downright irresistible. Top with parmesan and fresh basil for a timeless pasta recipe that never goes out of style.

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26. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli Recipe

Spinach and ricotta ravioli is pure comfort wrapped in silky homemade pasta! Tender dough encases a creamy filling of ricotta, spinach, and parmesan, seasoned with garlic and onion for a perfectly balanced bite. Cook these little pockets of goodness until tender, then toss them in your favorite tomato sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan for a dish that feels fancy but is also easier to make than you think.

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27. Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese

If you’re craving the coziest, most satisfying dinner, this ultimate lasagna bolognese is the way to go. Think layers of fresh pasta, a rich and hearty meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and loads of gooey mozzarella baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether you go with fresh sheets or no-boil noodles, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. Make it for a family dinner, or prep it ahead for the week, it’s pure Italian comfort food that everyone will love!

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Pasta Recipes

Pasta Recipes

Jennifer Ryan
From creamy sauces to classic dishes, these 27 easy-to-make pasta recipes​ will become your go-to for effortless, flavorful meals.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite pasta recipes.
    Pesto pasta in a pasta bowl
  • Organize all the required ingredients for your chosen pasta recipe.
    Pumpkin Pasta in a bowl with Parmesan cheese and rocket
  • Prepare and make your pasta recipe and enjoy.
    Valentine's Dinner Ideas

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal
Keyword easy pasta recipe, feta pasta, pasta, pasta recipe, pasta salad, pasta sauce, pesto pasta, pumpkin pasta, pumpkin pasta sauce, salad recipes with pasta
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Tips for Making the Best Pasta Recipes

  • Making pasta recipes can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, but a few tips can take your dishes to the next level. First, always salt your pasta water generously, it’s your chance to season the pasta itself. A good rule of thumb is to use about a tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. When cooking, make sure to keep an eye on the pasta and cook it al dente (firm to the bite). This prevents overcooking, especially if you’ll be tossing it in a sauce later.
  • Another tip is to reserve some of that starchy pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of it to your sauce helps create a silky, cohesive dish that clings to the pasta beautifully. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Mix and match sauces, proteins, and vegetables to turn these recipes into your own signature meals.
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FAQs About Pasta Recipes

  1. Can I use any type of pasta for these recipes?
    Absolutely! While specific shapes may work better for certain sauces for example, penne for chunky sauces or spaghetti for smooth ones, you can swap in your favorite type of pasta based on what you have on hand. Gluten-free or whole wheat options work great too!
  2. How can I save time with pasta recipes?
    Prep ahead! Chop vegetables, cook proteins, or even make sauces in advance and store them in the fridge. You can also double a recipe and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later.
  3. What’s the best way to reheat pasta?
    To keep your pasta from drying out, reheat it on the stovetop with a little splash of water or broth. For creamy sauces, a touch of cream or milk can revive the dish. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture uneven.
  4. How do I know how much pasta to cook per person?
    A general rule is about 2 ounces (uncooked) per person for most pasta shapes. For heartier eaters or as a main dish, you might go up to 3 ounces.
Feta Pasta Recipes

I hope you’ve found some new family favorites in these 27 easy-to-make pasta recipes! If you’re looking for more quick and easy recipes, be sure to check out my Lemon Dijon Chicken or Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, they’re very popular recipes, and are just as tasty and perfect for busy days! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for even more meal inspiration, tips, and kitchen hacks. Let’s make dinnertime easy and stress-free together!