Pasta makes a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion. With just simple ingredients, you can turn it into something rich, hearty, or fresh and light.
Cooking pasta is easy, and it pairs well with almost any sauce or topping. These 18 pasta recipes bring a variety of flavors and textures.
1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Cook spaghetti and toss it with crispy pancetta and creamy egg sauce. Black pepper and Parmesan cheese add depth and richness to every bite.
The heat from the pasta helps create a smooth and velvety coating. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Full recipe: Click here.
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Sauté shrimp in butter with minced garlic for deep, savory flavor. Toss with cooked spaghetti and a splash of lemon juice for balance.
Red pepper flakes add a slight kick that enhances the garlic taste. Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese for a fresh and cheesy finish.
Full recipe: Click here.
3. Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Simmer heavy cream with garlic, butter, and Parmesan for a rich sauce. Toss with fettuccine and cooked chicken for a creamy and hearty dish.
The sauce thickens naturally as it clings to the warm pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra cheese for added flavor.
Full recipe: Click here.
4. Baked Ziti with Sausage
Layer cooked ziti with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
The sausage adds a savory kick that balances the rich tomato sauce. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Full recipe: Click here.
5. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan for a fresh pesto sauce. Toss with warm pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes for a bright flavor.
Olive oil adds a smooth and silky texture to the dish. Sprinkle extra cheese and toasted nuts for extra crunch and taste.
Full recipe: Click here.
6. Spaghetti with Meatballs
Roll ground beef with breadcrumbs, herbs, and Parmesan for flavorful meatballs. Simmer in marinara sauce until tender and juicy for deep flavor.
Serve over spaghetti with extra sauce and grated cheese on top. Toasted garlic bread pairs well with this comforting classic dish.
Full recipe: Click here.
7. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Sauté chicken with Cajun spices for a smoky and bold flavor. Toss with fettuccine and a creamy sauce with peppers and onions.
The spice blends with the creaminess to create a well-balanced taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for the best texture.
Full recipe: Click here.
8. Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
Sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in sour cream and vegetable broth for a creamy and tangy sauce.
Toss with egg noodles and fresh parsley for a comforting meal. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Full recipe: Click here.
9. Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Melt butter with minced garlic and fresh lemon juice for flavor. Toss with spaghetti and a handful of chopped parsley for freshness.
The light and zesty sauce coats the pasta without feeling heavy. Top with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper for extra kick.
Full recipe: Click here.
10. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning for a bold and spicy base. Add pasta, broth, and tomatoes, then simmer until fully cooked.
Stir in cheddar cheese for a creamy and rich texture. Garnish with cilantro and sour cream for a Tex-Mex inspired dish.
Full recipe: Click here.
11. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Blend roasted red peppers with garlic, cream, and Parmesan for sauce. Toss with pasta and grilled chicken for a smoky, creamy meal.
The sauce adds a hint of sweetness with a rich, velvety finish. Serve hot with fresh basil and black pepper for extra flavor.
Full recipe: Click here.
12. Tuna Pasta with Olives and Capers
Sauté garlic and chili flakes, then mix with canned tuna for flavor. Toss with cooked pasta, olives, and capers for a briny touch.
Lemon juice adds brightness, balancing the rich and salty ingredients. Serve warm or cold with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Full recipe: Click here.
13. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Fill jumbo pasta shells with ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan mixture. Arrange in a baking dish with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan for added flavor.
Full recipe: Click here.
14. Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Slow-cook beef with tomatoes, wine, and aromatics for deep flavor. The sauce becomes thick, rich, and perfect for wide pappardelle noodles.
Simmering for hours helps break down the beef into tender shreds. Serve with fresh basil and Parmesan for a comforting dish.
Full recipe: Click here.
15. Greek Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and kalamata olives. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for a Mediterranean flavor.
The fresh vegetables add crunch, while feta provides a salty bite. Serve chilled as a light and refreshing meal.
Full recipe: Click here.
16. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Mix cooked lobster meat with creamy, cheesy macaroni and sharp cheddar. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds crunch and texture to every bite.
The rich sauce blends well with the sweet and tender lobster. Serve warm with a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Full recipe: Click here.
17. Penne Arrabbiata
Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil for spicy heat. Stir in tomatoes and simmer until the sauce is rich and thick.
Toss with penne pasta and fresh parsley for a simple but bold dish. Serve with grated Parmesan and extra chili flakes for more heat.
Full recipe: Click here.
18. Clam Linguine in White Wine Sauce
Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add clams and white wine. Simmer until the clams open and release their natural juices.
Toss with linguine and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Full recipe: Click here.
Final Thoughts
Pasta dishes can be quick, comforting, or packed with bold flavors. Simple ingredients come together easily to create satisfying meals for any time.
Cooking pasta lets you explore different cuisines and flavors with minimal effort. Try one of these recipes and enjoy a homemade meal with ease.
Featured image credit to ©flavourfulfoodz.
