Step aside, Nonna! These 17 pasta recipes are here to take your cooking game to the next level. Each dish brings a delicious twist to classic favorites, promising to impress even the toughest critics. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these recipes offer something special. Get ready to cook up a storm and maybe even earn Nonna’s nod of approval.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ready for a hug in a bowl? Imagine sitting down to a warm, comforting soup that’s filled with tender chicken and soft, pillowy gnocchi. Chicken Gnocchi Soup is that perfect weeknight dinner that combines simplicity with a touch of elegance. It’s a surefire way to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Steak & Pasta Salad

If you love a good steak and also crave the freshness of a pasta salad, why not combine the two? Steak & Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish that’s perfect for those summer BBQs or a filling lunch option. With juicy pieces of steak and a vibrant mix of pasta and vegetables, it’s a meal that balances indulgence with freshness. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter about how you’ve mastered salads.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Ever wished you could make restaurant-style pasta at home? Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka lets you bring a piece of the Italian dining experience into your kitchen. This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a memorable meal. It’s also a fantastic way to show off your culinary skills without having to spill that it’s a copycat recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Who doesn’t love a hearty soup that eats like a meal? Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a traditional favorite that combines pasta, beans, and a savory broth in one delicious bowl. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you need something warming and sustaining. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce family and friends to the flavors of Italy without leaving your home.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

For a quick and delicious meal, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is your go-to. It’s a clever way to use up leftover chicken while adding a fresh twist to your pasta salad game. The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and your favorite veggies makes this dish a versatile option for picnics or a light dinner. It’s proof that quick meals can still be full of flavor and appeal.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Craving something light yet indulgent? Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a dish that offers the best of both worlds. The tangy lemon and rich Parmesan cheese create a sauce that’s both refreshing and comforting, clinging to each piece of soft gnocchi. This dish proves that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results, making any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

When you’re in need of a comforting bowl of soup, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken offers a delicious solution. It combines the heartiness of chicken, the healthfulness of kale, and the satisfaction of tortellini in every bite. This soup is a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. It’s like a warm embrace on a cold day.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Have you ever wished you could recreate one of your favorite restaurant dishes? Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo lets you do just that. This dish brings the creamy, cheesy goodness of Alfredo sauce together with tender shrimp and pasta, making for a meal that feels indulgent and special. Perfect for a romantic dinner or when you want to treat yourself, it’s a recipe that will make you a star in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Looking for a light yet satisfying meal? Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to incorporate the richness of salmon with the lightness of a pasta salad. It’s an ideal dish for those warmer months when you want something refreshing yet filling. Whether it’s a family lunch or a contribution to a potluck, this dish is sure to win over any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. It takes the classic chicken noodle soup and adds a creamy twist, making it an even more satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little extra comfort or when you’re feeling under the weather. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your soup-making skills with a twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Salmon Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, Salmon Pasta Salad is a great choice. It combines flaky salmon with a fresh pasta salad, creating a dish that’s perfect for summertime meals or a healthy lunch option. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also packs a punch in terms of health benefits. Consider this your new go-to for when you want something light, refreshing, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Dreaming of an Italian getaway? Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup brings the flavors of Sicily to your kitchen. This soup is rich in taste and tradition, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal. It’s a way to travel through flavor without leaving your home and a guaranteed hit with anyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp comes to the rescue. It’s a refreshing dish that combines orzo with juicy shrimp and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. This salad is all about bringing vibrant flavors and textures together, proving that salads never have to be boring. It’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Sometimes, you just need a little comfort food, and Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are here to satisfy that craving. They’re big, they’re cheesy, and they’re filled with the kind of gooey goodness that makes you feel like a kid again. This dish is perfect for when you need a bit of comfort without a lot of fuss, and it’s guaranteed to please both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Pizza Pasta Salad

Ever thought about combining two of your favorite foods into one dish? Pizza Pasta Salad does just that. It’s a creative take on pasta salad that incorporates all the flavors you love in a pizza, making it a hit at any gathering or an unexpected twist on lunch. It’s a celebration of flavor in a bowl, and it’s sure to spark conversations about your culinary creativity.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Craving some down-home comfort food? Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins bring the cozy Cracker Barrel experience into your kitchen. With tender dumplings and flavorful chicken in a savory sauce, this dish is the epitome of comfort. It’s a great way to satisfy your comfort food craving without having to leave home, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

For a taste of the Mediterranean that’s both light and satisfying, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a delicious choice. It combines fluffy couscous with the bold flavors of smoked tomatoes and other fresh ingredients, creating a dish that’s perfect for summer meals or as a unique side dish. This salad is all about fresh flavors and simplicity, making it an easy way to add a touch of the Mediterranean to your meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes