17 Pasta Dishes That’ll Make You Want to Twirl Your Way to Italy

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17 Pasta Dishes That’ll Make You Want to Twirl Your Way to Italy

Let’s say you’re at a table with 17 different pasta dishes, each one more inviting than the last. They remind you of lively Italian markets and quiet, sun-drenched streets. These meals are like a warm Italian hug with every bite, turning every dinner into a special occasion. They make you want to gather friends and family for a taste of Italy right in your home. With every forkful, you might just feel the urge to twirl your way to Italy!

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.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

For those days when only a bowl of soup will do, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is here to wrap you in comfort. It’s the culinary equivalent of being wrapped in a warm blanket, with soft pillows of gnocchi floating in every spoonful. This soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s like a warm embrace in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a meal that will please the whole crowd and warm you up from the inside? Sloppy Joe Casserole is here to rescue any weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it brings all the cozy vibes that you remember from childhood—just with a slightly more grown-up twist. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak some veggies into a meal that kids will actually be excited to eat.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

Imagine packing all the fun of a pizza night into a refreshing bowl that you can take anywhere. The great thing about Pizza Pasta Tapestry is its ability to be a hit at any gathering, from summer barbecues to cozy winter potlucks. Talk about versatility—this dish has it in spades. It’s a surefire way to become the hero at your next family reunion or neighborhood get-together.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

When you’re craving restaurant-quality pasta but want to stay in your comfy clothes, this meal is the answer. This Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka turns an ordinary evening into something extra special. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table linger just a little longer, sharing stories and laughs. It’s impressively easy to whip up for being such a showstopper.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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

Who knew leftover chicken could lead to something so delicious? Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a genius way to turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunchtime superstar. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and taste, making it ideal for busy weekdays. This pasta salad is as versatile as it is delicious, ready to accompany you on picnics, potlucks, or just a quiet lunch at home.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your pasta night, look no further. Million Dollar Spaghetti is not your average spaghetti dinner. It’s a layer-upon-layer of cheesy, creamy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is perfect for when you want to impress but don’t want to stress.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you just need a meal that’s a bit out of the ordinary, and Steak & Pasta Salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a wonderfully hearty yet refreshing dish, marrying the robust flavors of steak with the lightness of pasta. This dish is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something different, offering a satisfying meal that’s not your typical pasta dish. Great for any season, and suitable for a special occasion as it is for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something hearty and filling, Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs is the perfect go-to. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining cheesy tortellini with savory meatballs in a way that feels both classic and innovative. This dish is perfect for those evenings when only the most satisfying meal will do. It’s a surefire way to gather everyone around the table, ready to dig into something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Baked Feta Pasta

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

Ever since it took the internet by storm, Baked Feta Pasta has been a go-to for an easy, flavorful meal. It’s all about that perfect blend of creamy and tangy, wrapped in every bite. This dish is a fantastic way to shake up your pasta routine with very little effort. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, promising a culinary adventure without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes has got your back. It’s wonderfully easy to put together, giving you more time to savor each bite and less time worrying about clean-up. This dish is light, fresh, and full of flavor, making it perfect for any season. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm, sunny day.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of spicy sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta takes this classic pairing to new heights, offering a meal that’s as filling as it is flavorful. It’s the perfect balance for those seeking a dish with a bit of a kick. This pasta is like a little party in your mouth, with just the right amount of spice.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Smoked Shotgun Shells

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

For those adventurous souls looking to add a little excitement to their grill, Smoked Shotgun Shells offer a unique and flavorful twist. It’s an interesting take on traditional pasta dishes, bringing a smoky depth that’s unlike anything else. This dish is a conversation starter, perfect for when you want to impress your guests with your grilling skills and creativity. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s a whole new way to enjoy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On those nights when you’re looking for something light but utterly satisfying, turn to Creamy Spinach Orzo. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for both a quick dinner or as a side dish when you’re trying to wow your dinner guests. There’s something about this dish that just feels right. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, proving that simple doesn’t mean boring.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Tortellini Soup with Sausage in a white bowl.
Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On a cool, crisp day, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly warmer and more content with every bite. This soup is a wonderful way to combine the heartiness of tortellini with the rich flavor of sausage in a light broth. It’s filling without being heavy, leaving you satisfied and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage

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.

Bringing the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant into your home has never been easier. It’s like skipping the line and diving right into a creamy, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any day that calls for a little special treat. With the Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, you can impress friends and family with your culinary skills. Everyone will be asking if you picked this up from the restaurant on your way home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In need of a comforting meal but looking to keep it on the lighter side? Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto is here to save the day. This dish combines the richness of pesto with a lighter filling, creating a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but still mindful of balance. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious leftovers ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Spaetzle

A plate of Authentic German Spaetzle garnished with parsley.
Spaetzle. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dive into the comforting world of German cuisine, Spaetzle offers a unique and delicious experience. It’s something a little different for pasta night, promising a chewy and texture that’s hard to resist. With its rustic charm, this dish serves as a wonderful base for a variety of sauces or as a standout side all its own. It brings a touch of European flair to any meal, making it an exciting way to spice up dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

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