Ultimate Guide: 60+ Delicious Pasta Dinner Ideas for Every Craving
Craving pasta? Here are over 60 of our favorite pasta dinner ideas that go far beyond just spaghetti and meatballs. Branch out and cure that pasta craving with any of these fantastic dinner recipes!
Pasta, the ultimate comfort food, holds a cherished place in kitchens across the globe. It’s more than just a simple meal; it’s a versatile foundation for an endless array of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. While a classic plate of spaghetti with red sauce often comes to mind, the world of pasta recipes is incredibly vast and exciting, offering something to satisfy every palate and occasion. This comprehensive guide is designed to take you on a culinary journey, diving deep into over 60 incredible pasta dinner ideas that promise to revolutionize your weeknight routine and impress guests at your next dinner party.
Forget the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary! Here, pasta truly shines as the star of the show. You’ll discover everything from rich, creamy concoctions to zesty, spicy delights, innovative Asian-inspired noodle dishes, and beloved copycat recipes from your favorite restaurants. Our collection features a diverse range of easy pasta dishes that are quick to prepare, hearty casseroles perfect for feeding a crowd, and light, refreshing pasta salads ideal for warmer days. Each recipe is crafted to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it simple for anyone to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight solution, a decadent weekend treat, or new inspiration to spice up your meal rotation, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to explore a treasure trove of flavorful pasta options that cater to every craving. Trust us, with these amazing pasta recipes, you will not be disappointed. Prepare to transform your kitchen into an Italian (and beyond!) trattoria with these outstanding pasta meals!
A vibrant selection of pasta dishes showcasing the variety of delicious meals you can create.
Quick & Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinners
Short on time but big on flavor? These pasta recipes are designed for busy weeknights, coming together quickly without sacrificing taste. From one-pan wonders to lightning-fast shrimp dishes, get dinner on the table in a flash!
1
Chicken Pesto Pasta
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish made with tender chicken, your favorite pasta, and vibrant basil pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal!
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2
Skillet Beef Stroganoff
This skillet beef stroganoff is a quick and easy weeknight meal. All you need is one pan and 20 minutes!
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3
Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet
Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet – an easy one pan pasta skillet with salsa verde, chicken, and lots of melty gooey cheese!
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4
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – a super easy chicken pasta recipe that you can make any night of the week. Simple ingredients, just a few minutes, and dinner is done.
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5
Toasted Walnut Pasta
This toasted walnut pasta is an easy, flavorful, and filling 15-minute dinner recipe with crunchy sautéed walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, and chili.
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6
One Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta
One Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta – get dinner on the table with these easy pasta recipe. Just one pan, 20 minutes, and you are done!
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7
Pasta with Breadcrumbs
Pasta with Breadcrumbs is a quick, easy, and traditional Italian meal you can make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect when you just need something fast!
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8
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken pasta is a flavor-packed 30-minute weeknight dinner! Make this recipe in one pan with tender pasta and juicy chicken tossed in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
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9
Sausage Penne Pasta
Sausage Penne Pasta – quick and easy sausage penne pasta that you can get on the table in just minutes! A creamy pasta that the whole family will love.
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10
Speedy Shrimp Pasta
Speedy Shrimp Pasta – Plump and juicy shrimp sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and onions. Tossed with pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
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11
One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – classic spaghetti with meat sauce that comes together in just minutes all in one pan!
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12
Pizza Pasta Skillet
Pizza Pasta Skillet – turn pizza night into a 20 minute, super easy pasta dinner that everyone will go crazy for.
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13
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Creamy Mushroom Pasta – a luscious and creamy mushroom sauce tossed with pasta. Ready in just minutes so it is perfect for busy weeknights!
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Creamy & Indulgent Pasta Dishes
Indulge your senses with these rich and creamy pasta recipes. Perfect for when you need a comforting, decadent meal that still comes together with ease.
14
Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy crockpot Cajun chicken pasta is an easy one-pot dinner with juicy chicken, spicy Andouille sausage, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Make it in the slow cooker and add your favorite pasta!
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15
Tomato-Basil Tortellini
Tomato-Basil Tortellini – a rich and creamy pasta dinner the whole family will love. Ravoili or Tortellini tossed in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce and plenty of fresh basil!
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16
Pasta Carbonara with Corn and Chiles
Pasta Carbonara with Corn and Chiles – Creamy carbonara pasta with bacon, fresh corn, and jalapenos. A little spicy, smokey, and oh so delicious!
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17
Ham Tortellini
This ham tortellini is an easy one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights! Made with cheese tortellini, salty diced ham, and onions tossed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
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18
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese – homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera. Made on the stove top in just minutes!
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19
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup – A quick and easy soup that is perfect for a cold night. Warm up with this cozy soup filled with vegetables, chicken and tortellini all in a delicious creamy broth.
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20
Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Creamy Pesto Tortellini – Cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy pesto sauce with smoked turkey sauce gets dinner on the table in 20 minutes any night of the week!
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21
Creamy Beef Pasta
Creamy Beef Pasta – an easy recipe that gets dinner on the table the whole family will love any night of the week! Creamy, hearty, and perfect for those picky eaters.
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22
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo – get dinner on the table fast with this easy, creamy, cheesy, and delicious alfredo loaded with chicken and lots of broccoli. Great meal for the whole family.
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23
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Cajun Chicken Alfredo – a super easy and comforting and easy dinner. Chicken alfredo gets a kick from cajun seasoning to make it something different and new!
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24
Creamy Cajun Pasta
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Get dinner on the table fast with this creamy pasta full of spicy creole seasoning, tomatoes, and chicken!
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25
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta – get dinner on the table fast with this easy pasta dish that is loaded with creamy ranch dressing, chicken, bacon and cheese!
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26
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta – A perfectly quick and easy weeknight dinner. Everything cooks together and is ready in just minutes. Super creamy, cheese, full of lots of flavor and fresh veggies.
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Hearty Casseroles & Baked Pasta
For those times you need a truly satisfying and comforting meal, our collection of hearty casseroles and baked pasta dishes are perfect. These recipes are often ideal for meal prep and feeding the whole family.
27
Old Fashioned Goulash
This old fashioned goulash recipe is hearty and comforting. It’s full of juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
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28
Pasta Risotto
Pasta risotto is a creamy pasta dish cooked risotto-style in one pan! It’s loaded with juicy Italian sausage, parmesan, and herbs, tossed with tender penne for an easy weeknight meal.
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29
Pumpkin Pasta
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with sausage is a savory baked pasta topped with Parmesan cheese. Easy to make and perfect for a chilly fall night.
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30
Enchilada Pasta Casserole
Enchilada Pasta Casserole – Cheese, chicken, and warming spices combine to create the ultimate comfort casserole. Perfect for a midweek Mexican night or to bring loads of flavor to your next potluck.
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31
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Creamy, cheesy chicken alfredo lasagna combines homemade alfredo sauce with juicy chicken and spinach, layered with ricotta and tender lasagna noodles.
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32
Chicken Spaghetti
Cheesy chicken spaghetti is an easy casserole recipe packed with juicy shredded chicken and tender spaghetti in a rich, flavorful cream sauce with Rotel tomatoes.
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33
Taco Stuffed Shells
Easy and cheesy taco stuffed shells made from jumbo pasta shells loaded with creamy taco beef, salsa, and melty cheese. Just add your favorite taco toppings!
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34
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is a hearty, comforting, meal made right in your slow cooker. Creamy noodles and tender chicken are all cooked together in a delicious sauce, making it the perfect dinner any night of the week.
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35
Chicken Noodle Soup
The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Noodle Soup that you can make in no time and is perfect for a chilly night.
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36
Beef Noodle Casserole
This hearty and protein-packed beef noodle casserole is the ultimate comfort food. The meat is juicy, the sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with spices, and the easy casserole is loaded with melted cheese.
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37
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni- Ditch the box mix Hamburger Helper and make this homemade version instead! Dinner is ready in minutes, with just a few pantry ingredients.
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38
Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll ups are a fun and easy spin on classic lasagna! This cheesy, meaty lasagna roll ups recipe is great for meal prep and freezer-friendly. Customize the fillings any way you’d like!
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39
Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna – skip the box and try this homemade version. Just a few ingredients, ready in minutes, and the whole family will love it!
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40
Easy Baked Ravioli
This Baked Ravioli is a quick and comforting dinner made with layers of cheesy ravioli, meaty marinara sauce, and mozzarella. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal everyone will love!
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41
Beefaroni
This beefaroni is comforting, hearty, and only takes 35 minutes to make. It’s packed with ground beef, tomato sauce, and garlic.
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Global Flavors & Unique Pasta Twists
Break free from traditional Italian with these exciting pasta dishes featuring international flavors and creative twists that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
42
Five Spice Pork Lo Mein
Chinese 5 Spice flavored pork over lo mein noodles. Quick and easy dinner for the whole family.
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43
Spanish Spaghetti with Olives
Spanish Spaghetti with Olives – a Spanish twist on your classic spaghetti with meat sauce! A quick and easy dinner the whole family will love!
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44
Blackened Shrimp Pasta
Blackened Shrimp Pasta – a quick and easy shrimp pasta made with homemade blackened seasoning for tons of great flavor!
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45
Pistachio Cream Pasta
Pistachio Cream Pasta – a super simple Sicilian pasta dish that you can make in minutes. So comforting, lots of great flavor, rich, creamy, and delicious.
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46
Chicken Chorizo Pasta
Chicken Chorizo Pasta – An easy creamy pasta dish with chicken and chorizo that is ready in just minutes! A little spicy, creamy, and delicious!
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47
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein – make your own take out at home with this super easy Chinese chicken lo mein recipe. Full of lots of veggies, 20 minutes, and dinner is done!
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48
Pasta Milano (Copycat Macaroni Grill)
A homemade version of Macaroni Grill’s Pasta Milano. A creamy garlic and sundried tomato sauce, with chicken and mushrooms, over bowtie pasta.
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49
Taco Pasta Skillet
Taco Pasta Skillet – All the flavors of taco night in a one pan meal, ready in 20 minutes! Homemade version of those box mix meals, with just a few staple ingredients.
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50
Taco Spaghetti
Taco Spaghetti – a tasty Mexican inspired dinner that is ready in minutes. Creamy and cheesy spaghetti in a flavorful meat sauce. And easy weeknight recipe the whole family will love.
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51
Enchilada Pasta Skillet
Enchilada Pasta Skillet is a homemade version of Hamburger Helper with a Mexican twist!
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52
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Chicken Parmesan pasta skillet – all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in a quick and easy one pan meal. Dinner tonight is sorted!
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53
Sausage Pasta Skillet
Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and easy one pot meal the whole family will love. Creamy, cheesy, sausage pasta dinner.
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54
Beef Ragu
Beef ragu is an authentic Italian meat sauce made from savory ground beef simmered in tomato sauce with veggies and garlic. Serve it over spaghetti for a cozy, Tuscan-style dinner!
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55
Homemade Pasta
Homemade Pasta – Make fresh pasta at home with just 3 ingredients! It is so much easier than you think and it is the most tender and delicious pasta you will ever have.
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56
Homemade Ravioli
This Homemade is easier than you might think and more delicious than anything you can buy at the store. So get ready to tuck into some tender pasta, savory filling, and a velvety roasted garlic cream sauce.
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Fresh & Light Pasta Salads (and a Soup!)
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a lighter meal, these pasta salads are bursting with fresh flavors. We’ve also included a comforting noodle soup for those chilly evenings.
57
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This tortellini pasta salad is an easy summer side dish packed full of tasty Italian-inspired flavors, with juicy tomatoes, olives, savory salami, and fresh basil tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
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58
Pesto Pasta Salad
This pesto pasta salad is the perfect easy side dish for summer! Made with basil pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it’s full of flavor and ready in no time.
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59
Ranch Pasta Salad
This ranch pasta salad is an easy summer side dish packed with crispy bacon, veggies, and tender rotini pasta tossed in creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.
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60
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – if you like pickles, you are going to love this super easy, creamy and delicious pasta salad that has just the right amount of crunch!
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61
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad – turn classic caprese salad into a quick pasta salad. Great for summer get togethers, quick lunches, or a light dinner!
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We hope this extensive collection of pasta dinner ideas has inspired you to explore new flavors and cooking methods. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes offer a simple and delicious way to enjoy the incredible versatility of pasta. From quick weeknight solutions to impressive dishes for special occasions, there’s a pasta recipe here for everyone. So go ahead, pick your favorite, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a memorable meal that will satisfy your cravings and delight your family and friends!
