Autumn invites us indoors more often than not—and what better way than surrounding yourself with people who matter over some exquisitely prepared pasta meals. These 33 special recipes offer up everything imaginable when it comes down crafting meals centered purely around pleasure—whether they be classic flavors reimagined anew or out-of-the-box combinations set ready-to-impress anyone lucky enough join dinner festivities! Prepare to transform routine dinners extraordinary memory-making experiences.
Pastitsio
Greek cuisine shines in this hearty Pastitsio dish. Layers of pasta, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce come together for a comforting meal. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a balance of delicious and rich elements. This dish is ideal for family dinners or potlucks. It’s a filling option that brings Mediterranean flair to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Combine the best of two worlds with Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Tender, slow-cooked beef mingles with al dente pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce. The result is a hearty, fulfilling meal that’s perfect for colder evenings. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional pot roast. It’s a great way to use leftover roast beef or make a new meal from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Nothing beats the comfort of Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. This classic dish features tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The golden, crispy top adds a lovely texture contrast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. This timeless recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Flaky tuna and tender noodles are combined with a creamy sauce and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet in a familiar format. The casserole reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Warm up with a bowl of Tortellini Soup with Sausage. This hearty soup combines cheese-filled tortellini with spicy sausage in a flavorful broth. Vegetables add color, nutrients, and texture to this filling meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian soup that’s both nourishing and delicious. It combines small pasta shapes with beans in a tomato-based broth. Vegetables and herbs add depth of flavor and nutritional value. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a filling, low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Bring restaurant quality to your home with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This dish features rigatoni pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of vodka. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle flavor that enhances the overall dish. It’s a sophisticated yet simple meal that’s sure to impress. This recipe is perfect for date nights or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Steak & Pasta Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Tender strips of steak are combined with cooked pasta and fresh vegetables. A tangy dressing ties all the elements together. This salad is substantial enough to be a main course. It’s a great option for lunch or a light dinner, especially on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto offer a lighter twist on traditional stuffed shells. Large pasta shells are filled with seasoned ground turkey and topped with vibrant pesto sauce. This dish combines Italian flavors in a unique and healthy way. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce red meat consumption. The presentation of this dish makes it suitable for both family dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Creamy Spinach Orzo
Creamy Spinach Orzo is a versatile side dish that can easily become a main course. The small, rice-shaped pasta is cooked with spinach in a creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo
Salmon Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad is a nutritious and flavorful meal option. Flaky salmon is combined with pasta and fresh vegetables for a balanced dish. A light dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering the delicate fish. This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s a great way to use leftover salmon or canned salmon for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Greek Spaghetti
Experience Mediterranean flavors with Greek Spaghetti. This dish combines spaghetti with traditional Greek ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes. The result is a fresh and flavorful pasta dish that’s a departure from typical Italian-style spaghetti. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe is a great way to introduce new flavors to your pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Tender shrimp and fettuccine are coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. The dish is simple yet decadent, perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving comfort food. It’s easier to make than you might think, allowing you to skip the restaurant wait. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for seafood and pasta lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms a classic sandwich into a hearty pasta bake. Ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce is layered with pasta and topped with cheese. This casserole combines familiar flavors in a new format that’s sure to please both kids and adults. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for busy days. The dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad is a refreshing twist on pasta salad. Small, rice-shaped orzo pasta is tossed with vibrant pesto sauce and fresh vegetables. This salad can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for different occasions. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for grilled meats. The bright flavors of this salad make it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce offers a light yet filling meal. Soft potato gnocchi are tossed in a bright, creamy sauce that balances tangy lemon with salty Parmesan. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine. It’s a great way to enjoy gnocchi beyond traditional tomato-based sauces.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a trendy dish that lives up to the hype. A block of feta cheese is baked with cherry tomatoes until soft and creamy, then mixed with cooked pasta. The result is a creamy, tangy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, with most of the magic happening in the oven. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad combines nutrition and convenience in one dish. Flaky salmon adds protein and omega-3 fatty acids to a refreshing pasta salad. Fresh vegetables provide crunch and color, while a light dressing ties everything together. This salad is perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. It’s a great way to use canned salmon for an affordable, nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce celebrates the simplicity of Italian cuisine. Sweet cherry tomatoes are cooked down into a light, fresh sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. This dish allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. It’s a great way to use up an abundance of summer tomatoes. The simplicity of this dish makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup takes a classic comfort food to the next level. Tender chicken and egg noodles swim in a rich, creamy broth loaded with vegetables. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The addition of cream makes this soup more filling than traditional versions. It’s a one-pot meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad combines two favorite foods in one fun dish. Pasta is tossed with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, cheese, and vegetables. A spicy Italian dressing ties all the flavors together. This salad is perfect for potlucks or summer barbecues. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Enjoy homestyle comfort with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Tender chunks of chicken and soft dumplings swim in a rich, creamy broth. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cold days or when you need a pick-me-up. The dumplings are easy to make and cook right in the soup. It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a unique twist on pasta salad. Tiny couscous pasta is mixed with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, feta, and herbs. Smoked tomatoes add a depth of flavor that sets this salad apart. This dish is perfect as a side or light main course. It’s great for meal prep as the flavors improve over time.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleasing pasta dish. Large pasta shells are filled with a creamy cheese mixture and baked in tomato sauce. This dish is comforting and heartwarming, perfect for family dinners. The presentation is impressive, making it suitable for guests as well. It’s a vegetarian-friendly option that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Spaetzle
Spaetzle introduces you to a unique German pasta. These small, irregularly shaped noodles have a delicious texture and flavor. They can be served simply with butter or as a base for more complex dishes. Making spaetzle from scratch is easier than you might think. This versatile pasta is a great way to add variety to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines the comfort of chicken soup with the heartiness of gnocchi. Tender chicken and soft potato gnocchi swim in a creamy, vegetable-filled broth. This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting dinner. The gnocchi adds an interesting texture that sets this soup apart from standard chicken soups.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is a nutritious and fulfilling meal in a bowl. Cheese-filled tortellini add substance to this vegetable and chicken-packed soup. Kale provides a boost of nutrients and a pleasant texture. This soup is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Spicy sausage is paired with slightly bitter broccoli rabe and pasta. Garlic and red pepper flakes add depth of flavor to this simple dish. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe is a great way to introduce broccoli rabe to your diet.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms a classic dish into an easy-to-make pasta bake. Chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese are combined with pasta in a creamy sauce. This casserole captures all the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with less effort. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for busy days. The crispy topping adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a simple yet elegant dish. Creamy ricotta cheese creates a light sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Fresh tomatoes add brightness and acidity to balance the richness. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a great way to use up summer tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Enjoy restaurant-quality soup at home with Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. The addition of fresh herbs gives it a distinctly Italian flavor. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This soup is substantial enough to be a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent pasta bake. Layers of spaghetti, meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture create a lasagna-like dish. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for busy days. The flavors meld together beautifully as it bakes. It’s a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Spice up your pasta routine with Cajun Pasta with Shrimp. Succulent shrimp and pasta are coated in a creamy, spicy Cajun-seasoned sauce. Bell peppers add color and crunch to this flavorful dish. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe brings a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
