Pasta isn’t just food; it’s a way of life for many. Navigating the vast ocean of pasta dishes can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack, particularly when looking for those must-try dishes. It’s almost like setting up a playlist for your meal times – you have the classics, the deep cuts, and those tracks, or in this case, dishes, that surprise you. Exploring these fifteen pasta dishes is like going on a treasure hunt, where each dish promises a discovery without needing a map or a compass.
Pastitsio
Combining layers of pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, Pastitsio offers a comforting twist on lasagna hailing from Greece. This baked pasta dish combines a robust blend of spices, creating a hearty meal ideal for family dinners. Serve it alongside a fresh Greek salad to complement its rich flavors. For those who appreciate traditional European cuisine, this dish is a rewarding meal experience. The baked top, when sliced into it, reveals a tempting sight bound to excite any lover of pasta bakes.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Steak & Pasta Salad
A hearty combination of tender steak and perfectly cooked pasta makes Steak & Pasta Salad an effortless yet impressive option for any gathering. This flavorful dish is tossed with vibrant vegetables and often dressed in a robust vinaigrette, striking an ideal balance of textures and tastes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted for picnics, potlucks, or a lovely main course. Every bite offers a mingling of delicious beef and al dente pasta, ensuring a memorable meal for its simplicity and taste. Celebrate the warmer seasons with this vibrant dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
Infused with the delicate flavors of perfectly flaked salmon, Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing take on the traditional pasta salad. It’s typically prepared with a light dressing and crisp vegetables, providing a nutritious and flavorful dish. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner, especially during the warmer months when you crave something comforting and refreshing. Each forkful offers a balanced mix of seafood and pasta, making it a go-to for an easy and wholesome meal. This omega-rich salad might become a new staple for those looking to combine taste and health.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Small in size but big in flavor, Pesto Orzo Salad is an aromatic dish combining basil pesto with tiny rice-shaped pasta. This verdant and vibrant salad is often dotted with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes, creating a visually appealing and texturally pleasant side dish or meal. Perfect for picnics or as a fresh side to grilled meats, its garden-fresh taste is a hit at any table. The basil pesto clings to the orzo, ensuring every bite is infused with herbal goodness. Orzo offers a fun alternative to the standard pasta choices, and this dish promises to delight with each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Inspired by the family recipes of Italian restaurants, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup brings restaurant-quality flavors into the comfort of your kitchen. This wholesome soup mixes tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delicious broth that warms you from the inside out. Especially inviting during the colder seasons, it’s a soul-warming recipe that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s a bowl of homestyle goodness perfect for cozy nights in. Turn a simple dinner into a special occasion with this beloved Sicilian soup.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Greek Spaghetti
Greek Spaghetti is a fun twist on pasta night, featuring the refreshing taste of Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and tomatoes. This light and flavorful dish is an excellent alternative to heavier pasta dishes, providing a taste of Greece on your dining table. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, but flavor can’t be compromised. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, it’s a dish that can become a weeknight favorite. The combination of olives and feta cheese brings a tangy complement to the al dente spaghetti, making every meal an occasion to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a smoky twist to a beloved grain. This refreshing salad marries the fluffiness of couscous with the depth of smoked tomatoes, offering a dish that stands out in flavor and texture. Mixed with various fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s a salad that works well as a standalone lunch or accompaniment to grilled meats. Think of it as a meal canvas; it’s as adaptable as delicious. When presented on the table, this salad doesn’t just bring a splash of color but a burst of international flair.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic French dish into a family-friendly comfort food. This one-dish wonder layers chicken, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. It’s a beloved recipe perfect for craving something indulgent but not having the time for elaborate meal prep. Each mouthful is a testament to the time-honored flavors of chicken cordon bleu with a homestyle twist. Gather around to share this warm casserole that promises everyone a lovely meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
With its combination of tender shrimp and rice-shaped orzo pasta, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings a seafood spin to the classic pasta salad. It’s sprinkled with sunny Mediterranean flavors, like tangy feta and juicy tomatoes, and usually dressed in a light lemony dressing. This dish is both refreshing and fulfilling, perfect for a substantial lunch or a light dinner. It’s packed with protein and bright flavors, beckoning the warmth of coastal cuisines to your table. A forkful of this salad is a nod to the light and health-conscious dishes favored by sunshine-soaked locales.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce offers a burst of summer in every bite, with sweet and tangy tomatoes slowly simmered to perfection. This dish champions the natural flavors of its ingredients, using minimal seasoning to allow the fresh produce to shine. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious dinner without too much fuss. Al dente pasta twirled around this vibrant sauce makes for a visually enticing and mouthwatering plate. You’ll find that simple ingredients can indeed make a memorable meal when they’re combined with care and intention.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
For those who love cheese and pasta, Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are a match made in heaven. Jumbo pasta shells cradle a generous filling of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, baked to golden perfection under a blanket of tangy tomato sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks or hearty family meals. Each shell is a self-contained pocket of delight, promising gooey cheese in every forkful. Each serving feels like a personal gift, filled with the warmth and love of home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, taking a classic favorite to new heights with a velvety broth. Tender chunks of chicken, hearty noodles, and a selection of vegetables meld together to create a profoundly heartening bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a bowl of comfort, this soup provides a fulfilling embrace with every spoonful. It’s a whisper of nostalgia and home warmth in every slurp. When you need a touch of kitchen magic, this velvety soup is ready to soothe and satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a dish that showcases the light and tangy side of Italian cuisine. These pillowy dumplings are enveloped in a citrus sauce and brightened with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s an uplifting dish that fills you up without weighing you down, suitable for a quick lunch or elegant dinner. The combination of lemon and parmesan creates a balance of flavors that complements the soft texture of the gnocchi. For those seeking a simple yet sophisticated meal, this dish is a testament to the beauty of Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a timeless Italian classic with beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth. More than just a meal, it symbolizes the comfort and simplicity of Italian home cooking. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish and versatile enough to suit any season. Each spoonful is imbued with homely charm and the legacy of rustic Italian kitchens. This wholesome soup is filling but brimming with tradition and love for simple food.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad combines flaky salmon and tender pasta for an effortlessly elegant meal. Ideal for quick lunches or light dinners, it’s typically adorned with crisp greens and dressed in a light vinaigrette. This dish is refreshingly simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste and presentation. It proves that a meal doesn’t need to be complex to be thoroughly enjoyable. Quick to assemble, this salad rewards you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time spent in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
