Do you like pasta but only know how to cook simple spaghetti? Here are tastier pasta recipes that your family will fall in love with. Each of these is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Potato Gnocchi
Pillowy potato dumplings begging for your favorite sauce. These little clouds of comfort are the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Pair them with a simple sage butter sauce or a vibrant pesto for a flavor explosion.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Spinach Orzo Salad
A burst of freshness for your weeknight. Vibrant spinach and perfectly cooked orzo come together in a light and zesty lemon vinaigrette. Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty tang, while chopped red onion brings a bit of bite. Ideal for a quick lunch or a delightful side dish, this salad is a refreshing way to brighten up your weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Veggie Pasta Salad
A taste of summer in a bowl. Refreshing and light, this salad combines al dente pasta with fresh summer vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Tangy feta cheese crumbles add a salty contrast, while a zesty vinaigrette brings everything together. The perfect side dish for any occasion, this salad is a delightful way to celebrate the bounty of the season.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
The ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini swim in a flavorful broth simmered with vegetables like carrots and celery. Warm you up on a chilly night with this hearty and satisfying soup, perfect for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Not your childhood mac and cheese. This decadent version boasts a creamy cheese sauce infused with sharp cheddar and a touch of nutmeg, clinging to every pasta shell. Perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight treat, it’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Cacio e Pepe
Simplicity at its finest. This Roman classic features just pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, creating a perfectly balanced and satisfying dish. The creamy texture of the cheese sauce made with pasta water coats each strand, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of heat. Less is truly more in this elegant and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Meatballs and Sauce
A timeless comfort food. Hearty meatballs made with ground meat and spices simmer in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with herbs. Creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, this classic dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve over your favorite pasta for a complete and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
A taste of the Mediterranean. Juicy chicken simmers with fragrant herbs like oregano and thyme, then joins perfectly cooked orzo for a delightful and satisfying meal. Topped with creamy feta cheese, this dish offers a burst of salty tang and creamy richness. Escape to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with every flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken and Dumplings
Classic comfort in a bowl. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings bathe in a savory broth simmered with herbs. Offering a warm hug on a cozy weeknight, this dish is a timeless favorite that’s sure to bring back happy memories. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness, making this a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
A creamy dream come true. Large pasta shells are filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and a hint of nutmeg, then baked to gooey perfection. This comforting classic is the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top adds a touch of salty contrast, making this a cheesy and satisfying dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
A lifesaver for busy nights. Flaky tuna and vibrant tomatoes team up with pasta for a flavor-packed and satisfying meal. Toss in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of freshness, making this a quick and easy option that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna in a hurry. Thin layers of pasta are filled with classic lasagna ingredients like ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and your favorite ground meat, then baked to cheesy perfection. This convenient and delicious option allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna on a busy weeknight, without the hassle of layering a traditional dish.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Creamy Pea Pasta
Spring on a plate. Sweet peas meld with a velvety sauce, blanketing tender pasta for a light and flavorful meal. Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty contrast, making this dish a delightful and satisfying choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta