Carb Up And Chill Out: 15 Pasta Recipes That Are The Perfect Excuse To Skip The Gym

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Carb Up And Chill Out: 15 Pasta Recipes That Are The Perfect Excuse To Skip The Gym

Sometimes, the best way to unwind is by indulging in a delicious, comforting bowl of pasta. These 15 pasta recipes are the perfect excuse to skip the gym and enjoy a hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. Each dish is crafted to bring maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it easy to treat yourself. Make your evenings more enjoyable with these mouth-watering pasta recipes.

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining soft, pillowy gnocchi with tender chicken in a creamy broth. This dish is perfect for those days when you need a warm, comforting meal to relax. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course, yet refined enough to impress. Curl up with a bowl of this soup and forget about the outside world for a while.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who says you can’t indulge a little and still feel great? Easy Salmon Pasta Salad offers a refreshing twist on pasta salad with flakes of tender salmon mixed through. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a smart choice for a no-guilt meal. It’s perfect for a light dinner or a satisfying lunch that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to treat yourself on a lazy evening. Million Dollar Spaghetti is as decadent as it sounds, layering cheese, pasta, and rich sauce for a dish that truly tastes like a million bucks. Skip the gym and dive into this creamy, cheesy pasta that’s built to satisfy the deepest cravings.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings bright flavors and hearty textures, making it an ideal dish for those who love vibrant salads. Smoked tomatoes add a unique depth to the nutty couscous, while a medley of Mediterranean spices and herbs brightens each forkful. It’s a great side dish or a light standalone meal that promises satisfaction without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Pair this with a glass of white wine for an upgraded dining experience. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is rich, creamy, and filled with the succulent taste of shrimp. This dish replicates the beloved restaurant favorite, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal from the comfort of your home. Treat yourself to this luxurious pasta and unwind in style.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Serve this at your next casual gathering and watch it disappear! Pizza Pasta Salad combines the beloved flavors of pizza with the cool freshness of a pasta salad. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying meal at home. With all the classic pizza toppings mixed in, it’s a fun and festive way to enjoy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skip the gym, make this pasta, and enjoy a cozy evening. Baked Feta Pasta went viral for good reason—it’s simple, delicious, and utterly comforting. This dish is a creamy, tangy pasta dish that’s effortlessly impressive. It’s the perfect meal for when you need something quick yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

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.

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a light yet indulgent dish that balances the richness of Parmesan with the freshness of lemon. This pasta dish is both comforting and sophisticated, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner at home. The sauce is velvety and bright, coating each piece of pillowy gnocchi perfectly. It’s a simple dish with flavors that speak for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick fix for a hearty meal. It’s packed with a mix of fresh veggies and creamy dressing, making it a satisfying choice. Ideal for lunches or a light dinner, this salad also keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve it cold, and it might just be the refreshing dish you need during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dig into the smoky flavors of these pasta shells, filled to the brim and smoked to perfection. Smoked Shotgun Shells are a hit at barbecues and potlucks, bringing a unique twist to traditional pasta dishes. Each shell packs a punch with its meaty and cheesy filling, satisfying those who crave a robust flavor. Enjoy them hot off the grill or smoker for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish combines orzo with shrimp in a light, Mediterranean-inspired salad. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for last-minute dining that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for a summer meal, it’s both refreshing and filling. Serve it up at your next gathering and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salmon Pasta Salad is a dish that promises to deliver on taste and health benefits. This salad is a fantastic way to incorporate omega-rich salmon into your diet. It’s versatile enough for any meal, whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at dinner. The combination of salmon and pasta keeps it light yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the burst of fresh cherry tomatoes in this simple yet delicious pasta dish. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a vibrant meal that highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes. This dish is not only easy to make but also impressively quick to serve. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that’s both uncomplicated and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Greek Spaghetti is a twist on traditional spaghetti. It’s a quick dish to whip up, packed with ingredients that are both nutritious and flavorful. This recipe brings a Mediterranean flair to your dining table, offering a new way to enjoy spaghetti. It’s particularly good for those evenings when you want something different yet familiar.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for comfort on a plate, these stuffed shells will not disappoint. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are the epitome of comfort food. They’re perfect for when you need something warm and satisfying. Ideal for a cozy dinner, they also make great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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