This post may contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy.
Pasta is one of the easiest ways to get a good meal on the table without a lot of stress. It can be simple and comforting, a little hearty and meaty, or loaded with vegetables and cheese—whatever fits the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight skillet meal, a baked pasta casserole, or something a little more classic with sauce and noodles, there’s a reason pasta is always worth coming back to.
This collection includes the kinds of pasta recipes I reach for again and again. Some are fast and practical, some are cozy and a little more indulgent, and all of them are the sort of dishes that make dinner feel manageable. Pasta is budget-friendly, flexible, and easy to build around what you already have on hand, which makes it one of the most useful things to cook.
This pasta recipe list has something for just about everyone. From creamy pasta dishes and tomato-based favorites to baked casseroles, pasta salads, and easy skillet suppers, there’s plenty of variety here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pasta Recipes List
Below you’ll find a mix of easy weeknight pasta dinners, baked pasta casseroles, creamy favorites, and a few lighter options. Some come together fast, while others are the kind of cozy dishes worth slowing down for.
1
Harissa-Spiced Chicken Thighs and Pearl Couscous
Harissa-spiced chicken thighs with pearl couscous is the kind of one-pan dinner that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a casual dinner with guests. The chicken brings plenty of rich, spiced flavor, while the pearl couscous turns tender and satisfying right in the pan. It’s a great recipe to keep in mind when you want something a little different, full of flavor, and easy to pull together.
Get the recipe
2
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is a Roman pasta dish that literally means “cheese and pepper.” It's a simple dish made with long pasta, Pecorino Romano, and a generous amount of coarsely ground black pepper. It seems too simple to be good, but it is incredibly delicious!
Get the recipe
3
Comforting Cafeteria Noodles
Savory, creamy, salty, and buttery, Southern cafeteria noodles are a simple, comforting dish that has been served in Southern school cafeterias and cafeteria-style restaurants for decades.
Get the recipe
4
Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Bucatini all'Amatriciana is a staple of Roman cuisine. My version of the classic dish includes finely chopped shallots, grated garlic, and a splash of white wine (optional but highly recommended), for a sauce with layers of bright flavor.
Get the recipe
5
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo With Chili Crisp
A spicy twist on classic Alfredo—this creamy shrimp fettuccine is flavored with chili crisp for bold heat to balance the richness. It's a quick dish, ideal for weeknights or casual weekends.
Get the recipe
6
Anchovy Butter Pasta
Anchovy butter pasta is a simple dish that packs an incredible punch of flavor. The anchovies melt into butter and garlic, creating a deep, nutty, umami-rich sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.
Get the recipe
7
Creamy Spaghetti Casserole
Cream cheese adds richness to this beefy pasta bake. The cream cheese melts into the marinara and beef mixture, making the sauce rich and silky, and the baked cheese on top gives it that irresistible casserole finish.
Get the recipe
8
Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni
Bacon cheeseburger macaroni is a quick, one-pan dinner loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender pasta coated in a creamy Cheez Whiz and sharp cheddar sauce. It's ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the recipe
9
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Take your macaroni and cheese to the next level with this incredible recipe for buffalo chicken mac and cheese. The combination of flavors makes it a great pick for family meals.
Get the recipe
10
Classic Baked Ziti With Ground Beef and Ricotta Cheese
This is the ultimate baked ziti recipe: a hearty, flavorful dish with layers of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese.
Get the recipe
11
Creamy Tuna Tetrazzini
Spaghetti and canned tuna team up with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese in this creamy, family-friendly tuna tetrazzini. It’s a flavorful, oven-ready dinner that comes together with minimal fuss.
Get the recipe
12
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
This simple spaghetti carbonara is a traditional Roman recipe. Spaghetti or a similar long pasta is tossed with cheese, bacon, and eggs, making it an easy dish you can whip up any night of the week.
Get the recipe
13
Penne Pasta With Cheese
This penne pasta bake is a casserole that can be served as a main dish or side dish. It is an excellent choice for a potluck, or for a holiday dinner when you need to provide some vegetarian options.
Get the recipe
14
Roasted Garlic Pasta
When warm spaghetti meets buttery roasted garlic and freshly grated Parmesan, everything melts together into a surprisingly silky, fragrant sauce.
Get the recipe
15
Classic American Goulash
With macaroni pasta, a rich tomato and ground beef sauce, and loads of cheese, this classic American goulash is packed with flavor. Cooking everything in one pot makes prep and cleanup a breeze.
Get the recipe
16
Tuscan Pasta With Italian Sausage
Tuscan-style dishes offer amazing flavor. This Tuscan pasta dish features Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce.
Get the recipe
17
Chicken With Gnocchi Dumplings
Warm up with a comforting bowl of chicken and gnocchi dumplings. This easy recipe combines chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vegetables in a savory broth.
Get the recipe
18
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine With Artichokes
Creamy chicken fettuccine is a fast and satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. The dish features tender chunks of chicken and fettuccine pasta coated in a silky, Parmesan-infused cream sauce with a hint of lemon for brightness.
Get the recipe
19
Beef and Noodle Skillet
This beefy noodle dish is a one-pot meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Everything cooks in one pan—from the bacon and beef to the noodles and sauce—so you get a complete meal without juggling multiple pots.
Get the recipe
20
Homemade German Spaetzle
Homemade spaetzle is remarkably easy and is a great substitute for a more traditional pasta, rice, or potatoes. Prep is quick enough for a weeknight and it pairs well with many main dishes.
Get the recipe
21
Next Level Mac and Cheese
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This stovetop version is quick, easy, and so satisfying!
Get the recipe
22
Speedy Chicken Tetrazzini
Using a rotisserie chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and a jar of Alfredo sauce, this chicken tetrazzini comes together quickly. It's a great weeknight meal that you'll make again and again.
Get the recipe
23
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Make a gourmet meal in record time with Instant Pot beef stroganoff. Tender beef, creamy sauce, and mushrooms create an irresistible dish.
Get the recipe
24
One Pot Spaghetti Dinner
This one-pot spaghetti dinner is a weeknight hero. The entire dish — from browning the beef to cooking the pasta — comes together in a single pan, so there’s no need for a colander or extra pots.
Get the recipe
