Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you discover 17 pasta recipes that are fun to make. These dishes are all about bringing joy back into the kitchen, whether you’re cooking solo or with friends. They’re simple enough to whip up any day but with a twist that keeps things exciting. And the best part? The flavors are just as delicious as the experience of making them.

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Explore Italian comfort with Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a hearty blend of ingredients simmered to perfection. Each spoonful offers a nourishing embrace, ideal for those looking for a home-cooked meal that warms the soul. The simplicity of preparation meets the richness of traditional flavors, making this soup a reliable choice for family dinners. Your kitchen will fill with the aroma of Italy, inviting everyone to the table for a wholesome experience.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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.

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. This dish showcases plump couscous pearls mixed with smoked tomatoes, offering a smoky twist to the freshness of the salad. Ideal for those who appreciate bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, it serves as a standout side or a light main course. This salad is certain to become a sought-after addition to your recipe collection, elegant in its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

Indulge in comfort with every spoonful of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, where soft, pillowy gnocchi swims alongside succulent chicken pieces. Rich in flavor, the soup’s creamy base encapsulates the essence of cozy dining, perfect for chilly evenings. This dish is a testament to the simplicity of combining straightforward ingredients to create something truly fulfilling. Gather around the table for a meal that promises a heartwarming touch to your dining routine.
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 Six.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad presents a refreshing option for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy tender flakes of salmon tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and crisp vegetables, all brought together with a zingy dressing. This dish proves that a meal can be both straightforward and sophisticated, with minimal cooking involved. Introduce this salad into your weekly menu for a quick yet splendid dining option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

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 Six.

Relive the classic restaurant experience at home with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. This dish delivers luxurious creamy pasta coated with a rich Alfredo sauce and tender shrimp, mimicking a famous Italian-American favorite. It’s a splendid choice for anyone seeking to recreate a beloved dish with personal flair. An evening of indulgence awaits as you bring a touch of dining out into your own home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combine two beloved dishes with Pizza Pasta Salad, a playful twist that transforms pizza flavors into a pasta-based treat. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the familiar taste of pizza toppings mingled with pasta’s comforting texture. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that resonates with all ages. Prepare to be the talk of any gathering with this unique and engaging dish that promises a fun and informal dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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.

Take a classic American sandwich and turn it into a delicious baked treat with Sloppy Joe Casserole. Enjoy the robust, meaty flavors melded with your favorite ingredients. This casserole is a blissful blend of nostalgia and novel tastes, making it a family favorite for any day of the week. When you’re aiming to please a diverse group with a single dish, look no further than this rewarding casserole.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just any pasta dish; it’s a layered masterpiece that intertwines the richness of cream cheese with the heartiness of meat sauce. Every forkful is an indulgent pleasure, offering a comfort dish that lives up to its opulent name. Ideal for special occasions or when in need of a lavish meal, this spaghetti variant stands tall amongst classic recipes. Gather your loved ones for a dining experience that’s both extravagant and homely.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Smoked Shotgun Shells

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

They make for an adventurous and rewarding meal, whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking indoors. This dish will be a standout at your next barbecue, impressing guests with its bold presentation. Smoked Shotgun Shells bring a new level of excitement to the pasta world, with tubular pasta stuffed with a flavorful meat mixture and wrapped in bacon. Smoked to perfection, these ‘shells’ offer a flavorful, smoky taste that’s unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

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.

Discover an upscale twist to the average salad with Steak & Pasta Salad. This exquisite combination pairs tender steak slices with your favorite ingredients. It’s a testament to the fusion of hearty and light, making it an ideal meal for those seeking balance on their plate. Enjoy the interplay of textures and flavors as you enjoy a salad that’s a cut above the rest.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Revel in the rustic charm of Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken, where each element contributes to a well-rounded meal. Plump tortellini morsels join forces with nutritious kale and chunks of chicken in a flavorful broth. This soup is a symphony of wholesomeness, inviting you to a dining experience that nourishes both body and spirit. It’s a flavorful refuge on brisk evenings, where warmth is served one bowl at a time.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Salmon Pasta Salad

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

A blend of flavors and nutrition awaits in Salmon Pasta Salad, merging the omega-rich goodness of salmon with the versatility of pasta. This salad is dressed to impress, providing a meal that’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat. Light yet filling, it’s suitable for those who desire a dish that’s both health-conscious and packed with flavor. Incorporate this salad into your routine for a refreshing change of pace at mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

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 an enticing dish that showcases the delicious tang of lemon with the robust taste of Parmesan cheese. Every serving is a caress of flavors, ensuring a memorable cooking adventure with these. It is a splendid option for those in search of a quick yet upscale meal. This elegant dish is ready to shine as a highlight of your next dinner party or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience a refreshing take on pasta salads, dressed in vibrant, herby pesto and studded with colorful vegetables with Pesto Orzo Salad. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also fulfills with a harmonious mix of fresh, bold flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or as an uplifting lunch, this salad is a beacon of light fare that doesn’t compromise on taste. Your kitchen routine will be invigorated by this vibrant, yet wonderfully uncomplicated dish.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who adore the classic chicken cordon bleu, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a creative twist that transports the essence of the traditional dish into a comforting, baked form. Layers of your favorite ingredients meld together beautifully in this one-dish wonder. A top choice for when you need to feed a crowd without the fuss, this casserole brings familiarity and innovation onto one plate. Expect a union of flavors that gratify at every family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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.

Bask in the essence of coastal dining with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp, a light and flavorful combination that captures the spirit of seaside cuisine. Each bite delivers a bounty of succulent shrimp mixed with al dente orzo, accented by vibrant, sun-kissed vegetables. This dish is a splendid celebration of simple, yet impactful flavors, making it a fan favorite at any table. Offering a burst of the Mediterranean in every forkful, this salad is a refreshing departure from heavier fare.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate a touch of Southern charm with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This homestyle favorite brings tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a velvety broth together in perfect harmony. It’s a nostalgic embrace for those who treasure the simple things in life. Every bowl promises a comforting spoonful, transporting diners to a place of warm hospitality and timeless flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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