60+ Pasta Recipes

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I have compiled a collection of more than 60 amazing pasta recipes for you! There are options for everyone, from tasty seafood pasta dishes to flavorful pasta recipes with chicken, beef, vegetarian alternatives, and even orzo pasta creations. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, you’ll discover simple and delicious pasta recipes to fill any need.

Table of Contents

1. Why you should cook more pasta recipes
2. tips for cooking pasta
3. best pasta recipes
4. frequently asked questions
5. full list of recipes

I love cooking pasta recipes because they bring joy and nourishment to the table. It’s a way for me to create special memories and share happiness with my loved ones. Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting and fulfilling experience for the heart and soul.

Why you should cook more pasta recipes

• Extremely versatile. Pasta is a highly adaptable ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. Whether you prefer traditional spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or refreshing pasta salads, there’s no shortage of options for making tasty and fulfilling meals.
• The perfect comfort food. If you want a warm and comforting meal, then a bowl of pasta will surely please. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of a bolognese sauce or the heartiness of lasagna, pasta can provide comfort and satisfaction.
• Budget-friendly ingredient. Pasta is an affordable meal option that is satisfying without causing a dent in your budget. It’s a versatile dish that can keep your taste buds and wallet content.
• Great for creativity. Cooking pasta is a chance to be creative and try new things! You can mix and match sauces, flavors, and ingredients to make dishes that are totally your own. It’s a great way to discover new recipes that might become your favorites.

tips for cooking pasta

1. Use a large pot of water. Using ample water when cooking pasta is important for even cooking, preventing sticking, and creating starchy pasta water that enhances sauce coating and flavor.
2. Salt the water. After the water begins to boil, add salt first before adding the pasta. This enhances the pasta’s flavor as it absorbs the salted water. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per 4-6 quarts of water.
3. Cook until just al dente. Cook the pasta until it’s tender, with a slight firmness when bitten. This way, the pasta retains its structure and avoids becoming mushy. Keep testing the pasta during cooking to prevent overcooking and achieve perfection.
4. Reserve pasta water. Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve some of the starchy pasta water. This water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it creamier or helping it adhere better to the pasta.
5. Skip the rinse. You usually don’t need to rinse cooked pasta, especially if you’re adding sauce. Rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce stick to the pasta.

best pasta recipes

Pasta recipes offer something for everyone, with options ranging from meat-based classics to vegetarian and vegan dishes. Discover popular favorites, refreshing cold pasta salads, and delicious meat-free options that will satisfy all tastes.

Popular pasta recipes

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese – You can never go wrong with homemade Mac and cheese! It’s such a classic pasta dish tossed in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
• Baked Feta Pasta – This hands-off dish, famously called Tik Tok Pasta, has a simple sauce that bakes up in the oven and is then simply tossed with cooked pasta!
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese – This variation features the same creamy, cheesy sauce but with the added goodness of nutrient-dense broccoli florets. The combination of cheddar, broccoli, and pasta is simply irresistible for both kids and adults!
• Pasta in Yogurt Sauce – Lebanese-style spaghetti in yogurt sauce is a delicious, creamy alternative to traditional Alfredo. Made with plain whole milk yogurt, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
• Spaghetti and Meatballs – This family-favorite recipe features tender and flavorful meatballs and a delicious marinara sauce served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a pasta dish that never disappoints!
• Homemade Lasagna – A homemade lasagna recipe is truly a wonderfully wholesome and whole-family approved recipe in my house! The layers of tender pasta, hearty marinara sauce, and melted cheese perfectly combine delicious and comforting.
• Cheese Stuffed Shells – These jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a delicious trio of cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Baked in marinara sauce until bubbly, they are a vegetarian dinner favorite!

Cold pasta salad recipes

• Italian Pasta Salad – Tricolor rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and bite-sized mozzarella balls are tossed in a zesty Greek yogurt dressing, creating a simple yet delicious vegetarian dish for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
• Caprese Pasta Salad – With pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this effortless summer dish is perfect for a light lunch or a dinner side.
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Fusilli cold pasta salad is packed with baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and a delightful homemade Mediterranean dressing.
• Spinach Pasta Salad – Light, vibrant, and flavorful, this simple pasta recipe is a nutritious vegetarian dish that’s an ideal addition to picnics and potlucks.
• Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad – This Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish is made with just 7 simple ingredients. It’s flavorful and a delightful twist on pantry staples with feta.
• Greek Pasta Salad – Classic Greek Salad ingredients (minus the lettuce) mingle with pasta, all coated in a homemade vinaigrette, making it the ultimate summer pasta salad.
• Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad – Mix your favorite pasta with summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes and sweet corn, then toss it all in a homemade creamy avocado dressing.

Vegetarian pasta recipes

• Creamy Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta – This high-protein pasta sauce only requires 5 ingredients, a high-speed blender, and your favorite pasta – ready in 20 minutes!
• Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta – Enjoy the delightful flavors of blistered cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, olive oil, and thyme in this healthy and delicious penne pasta dish. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love!
• Creamy Mushroom Pasta – This easy pasta is a vegetarian wholesome recipe that is easy to throw together on weeknights with basic pantry ingredients + mushrooms!
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta – Transform your family’s weeknight meals with this perfect meat-free option. The comforting flavors of roasted squash sauce make this dish a favorite that everyone will enjoy!
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta – Whip a vegetarian dish with this bright, flavorful weeknight pasta dinner recipe. In less than 20 minutes, you can create a delicious meal with just a handful of ingredients!
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – A lightened version of the classic recipe with added servings of vegetables and less cheese – it’s creamy and comforting!
• Creamy Pumpkin Pasta – Enjoy the flavors of fall year-round with this delightful meal. By combining pumpkin puree, half and half, and a hint of nutmeg, this creamy sauce is created and tossed with cavatappi pasta for a truly delicious experience.
• Pumpkin Pesto Pasta – Elevate your pesto game with a twist by using pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts, and leafy greens like kale for a flavorful variation that will open up a world of new tastes in your pesto.

Vegetarian Baked Pasta

• Tomato Lasagna – This Heirloom Tomato Lasagna is a fresh summery twist on traditional lasagna – bursting with color and flavor with layers of cheesy goodness
• Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups – Filled with the best ricotta spinach filling, all rolled up and baked with marinara and melty cheese for a delicious family dinner and a new fun way to enjoy a classic.
• Eggplant Pasta Casserole – This hearty and rich pasta recipe will win over even the eggplant skeptics! This cheesy vegetarian dish is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to satisfy the entire family
• Eggplant Lasagna – Simple to make and delicious to eat, this vegetarian, gluten-free low-carb eggplant lasagna is a tasty dinner that’s loaded with flavor.
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese – Mac and cheese is a comforting dish loved by both kids and adults. You can enjoy a lighter version by combining cauliflower and pasta, creating a delicious and filling meal.

Vegan pasta recipes

• Cashew Tomato Pasta – This creamy vegan pasta has a silky cashew sauce infused with caramelized onions, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s quick and so good!
• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta – This easy vegan pasta dish is made with just 6 ingredients and easy to make a complete meal with an added protein, such as crispy tofu bites, beans, or lentils.
• Lemon Pasta – Made with fresh lemon, garlic, and black pepper, just skip the parmesan, and this becomes a light and zesty vegan spaghetti bursting with flavor.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pasta – This vegan pasta is a savory fall-inspired recipe made with a dairy-free sauce that is full of nutrients and vitamins with a subtle pumpkin taste.
• Cauliflower Alfredo – Enjoy a healthier version of a classic favorite with this homemade gluten-free and nut-free white sauce pasta. It’s lower in fat and calories compared to the original recipe,
• Hummus Pasta – In the Middle East, there’s no doubt that we love to add hummus to everything! This recipe has a creamy and flavorful twist where hummus takes basic pasta to a new level of deliciousness.
• Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes– Fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes combined with garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper create a sensational pasta sauce that will leave you craving for more.

Seafood Pasta Recipes

• Pan Seared Scallops with Pasta – A seafood pasta recipe that is simple to make and perfect for those warm days when you want something light and unique.
• Arrabiata Pasta with Shrimp – This Italian spicy tomato-based sauce is made with fresh garlic, tomato, and chili peppers and then tossed with shrimp and penne pasta.
• Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo – This seafood alfredo pasta has it all: creaminess, satisfying flavors, and a filling nature. Pan-seared garlicky shrimp provides protein, while steamed broccoli adds fiber. The creamy sauce ties everything together into a delightful dish.
• Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti – Whip up this family-favorite dish of sizzling shrimp in garlic butter sauce, paired with tender spaghetti, in just 15 minutes.
• Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta – If you’re looking for a quick dinner option, this simple tuna pasta is an excellent choice. Despite its few ingredients, it has a burst of flavor that appeals to many. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for weeknights.
• Pesto Spaghetti with Shrimp – This pesto is a little different! It’s a unique blend of kale and almonds that’s bursting with flavor, combined with zucchini and spaghetti noodles, and served alongside grilled shrimp for a truly satisfying meal!

Pasta recipes with chicken

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Pan-seared blackened chicken pasta in a light cream sauce, topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions. Just the right amount of heat!
• Pesto Pasta with Chicken –  Perfectly charred and seasoned grilled chicken breast paired with herbaceous pesto pasta ready in just 30 minutes!
• Broccoli Chicken Alfredo – This is an easy pasta recipe tossed in a flavorful, creamy, lightened-up garlic alfredo sauce that’s made with no cream
• Chicken Fajita Pasta – This Mexican-inspired pasta recipe with chicken is loaded with flavor and is high in protein. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a great recipe to add to your weekly meal rotation.
• Baked Pasta with Ground Turkey or chicken – Made with whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey or chicken, marinara sauce is a comfort dish the whole family will love!

Pasta recipes with beef

• Layerless Lasagna – Skip the layering of pasta with this easy sheet pan lasagna recipe. Pile everything together, and top it with creamy spinach ricotta and melty cheese!
• Macarona Bechamel – This delicious Middle Eastern dish features pasta, seasoned meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
• Greek Yogurt Lasagna – Experience a healthier take on lasagna with this recipe featuring a tangy Greek yogurt filling, beefy marinara, pasta, and melted cheese, all without ricotta.
• Ground Beef Casserole -Enjoy an easy and delicious weeknight dinner with this Ground Beef Casserole. Packed with browned beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy mozzarella topping, it’s a satisfying baked pasta dish.
• Pasta Bolognese – This Bolognese sauce recipe is a staple in my house, made without wine or pork. Stock up on the essentials and it’ll become your go-to easy Bolognese sauce!

Soup recipes with pasta

• Chickpea Noodle Soup – Loaded with plant-based protein, tender pasta, and a handful of ingredients, it’s a nourishing option that will keep you full for hours.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – You can’t beat a classic like the irresistible combination of tender egg noodles, sweet carrots, onions, and celery, along with chicken in a creamy broth. This pasta dish is pure comfort in every bite.
• Red Curry Noodle Soup – Bursting with rich and fragrant flavors, this vegan Thai soup is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect well-balanced main dish or a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Lasagna Soup – Made with savory ground beef, lasagna noodles, vegetable broth, fresh veggies, and diced tomatoes simmered in Italian seasoning, this flavor-packed soup is like having lasagna in a bowl.
• Easy One-Pot Ravioli Soup – This tomato-based soup has delicious squares of cheese-stuffed ravioli. Packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs, it’s the perfect balanced meal for the whole family to enjoy!
• Spinach Tortellini Soup – Enjoy a delightful blend of tender baby spinach leaves, cheesy tortellini, fresh herbaceous basil, succulent tomatoes, and a seasoning blend that adds an extra zing.

Orzo pasta recipes

• Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup – Made from scratch with an easy to make chicken stock, juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and tender orzo. It’s so easy to make and a perfect make ahead recipe.
• Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad – Orzo pasta salad is wonderfully fresh in flavor and works with so many grilled dishes. Easy to make with a few simple ingredients, everyone will be asking you for this recipe!
• Zucchini Orzo Soup – Full of tender veggies, orzo pasta, and zesty tomatoes, this soup is sure to become a weeknight staple. It’s a vegetarian version of orzo soup that is simple to make and easily tailored to whatever veggies you have on hand.
• Baked Feta Soup – This tomato based pasta soup is loaded with fresh and tangy flavors. Made with orzo pasta, salty feta cheese, and fresh and sweet cherry tomatoes, this is one delicious soup recipe to try!
• Greek Orzo Salad – This Greek orzo pasta salad combines fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy kalamata olives, red onions, and creamy feta cheese with a homemade lemon vinaigrette. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean-style orzo salads, you’re going to love this recipe!
• Shrimp Orzo Salad – Shrimp orzo salad is a light and vibrant summer salad filled with cooked shrimp, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s perfect for taking to a potluck, picnic or packing up for a cold lunch!

frequently asked questions

Pasta recipes are your ticket to a world of flavor and fun in the kitchen. From comforting classics to exciting twists, there’s something for everyone. So grab your fork, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dig into a plateful of pasta perfection.

full list of recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Recipes with Ground Beef, Easy Shrimp Recipes, Grilling Recipes, Avocado Recipes.

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