When life gets busy, nothing beats the ease and versatility of a good pasta dish. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and comforting, fresh and zesty, or hearty and filling, there’s a pasta recipe for every taste. I’ve put together 16 irresistible options—from classic combinations to unique spins—to help you add some excitement to your mealtime routine.

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, yellow cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and crushed nuts is served with a fork on a rustic wooden table—a delicious example of creative recipes for pasta dishes.
Heirloom Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Packed with juicy, vibrant heirloom tomatoes, this dish celebrates the simple yet bold flavors of fresh ingredients. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan tie it all together for a light, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Pasta Bake with Chicken

Pasta Bake with Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This cheesy chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a golden crust of melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Bake with Chicken

Pesto Pasta Salad

A bowl of farfalle pasta mixed with green beans, red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto sauce—one of those creative recipes that redefine comfort food.
Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This refreshing dish combines bright, herbaceous pesto with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh veggies. It’s a great go-to for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

All the flavors of your favorite pizza, reimagined as a pasta salad! Think pepperoni, mozzarella, and olives tossed with pasta and a tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta closeup partial of finished dish cropped horizontal.
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Dinner in a flash! This creamy chicken corn pasta is hearty, comforting, and full of sweet, crunchy corn that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Rich and indulgent, this dish pairs tender, seared steak with velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a hearty combination that feels as special as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Autumn Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta salad with spinach, roasted squash, pecans, and feta cheese, placed on a textured mat, with a spoon and sliced squash nearby.
Autumn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This seasonal favorite combines roasted squash, cranberries, and crunchy nuts with pasta for a festive balance of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Pasta Salad

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Silky avocado takes classic pesto on a creamy, luscious ride. This dish is a fresh, vibrant option that’s perfect for a quick, healthy bite.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Bacon Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Bringing breakfast flair to pasta, this dish combines crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and pasta in a creamy dressing that’s rich and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This viral sensation is as tasty as it is easy! Creamy feta, cherry tomatoes, and pasta come together for a one-pan wonder that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Earthy mushrooms and sweet, tender leeks make this pasta recipe an elegant and flavorful choice. A hint of cream ties everything together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Lemon Butter Pasta

Image shows close-up of a fork holding a serving of spaghetti with black pepper, resting above a plate of more spaghetti in a light blue dish.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bright and zesty with a luscious, buttery finish, this simple dish proves that sometimes less is more. A fresh pop of lemon brings it all to life.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Orzo pasta pairs perfectly with tender chicken and a light lemony broth in this heartwarming dish. It’s satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background.
Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: .

This recipe puts a pasta twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring juicy chicken, tangy lemon-caper sauce, and spaghetti for a flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Pumpkin Pasta

A plate of pumpkin pasta with creamy sauce and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil.
Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Comforting and creamy, this pumpkin pasta is like fall on a plate. The warm spices paired with pumpkin make it a delightful seasonal treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Experience big herbaceous flavor in no time with this simple oregano pesto pasta. It’s a fresh and fragrant dish you’ll love to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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