Pasta stays endlessly comforting, but new twists can make it feel fresh again. Bright vegetables, herby sauces, and creative flavor pairings take familiar noodles to another level. Every dish stays satisfying while offering something a little unexpected. Great for busy nights, cozy weekends, or anytime cravings hit. Comfort gets a delicious upgrade.

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Heirloom Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Juicy heirloom tomatoes create a burst of flavor in every bite, lightly tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual dinner parties. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the vibrant sauce.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Homemade low-carb noodles form the base for a rich carbonara with crispy bacon bits and Parmesan. Creamy and flavorful, it’s a healthier twist on an Italian classic. Quick enough for weeknights but impressive for guests.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet peas in a creamy sauce turn pasta into a satisfying meatless meal. Light yet comforting, it’s ideal for a simple weeknight dinner or Meatless Monday. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tender tuna, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are tossed in a fragrant pesto sauce. Balanced with protein, vegetables, and herbs, it’s satisfying and nutritious. Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

A fast and easy plate of pasta with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Warm pasta coated in garlic butter delivers a cozy, flavorful dish. Shaved Parmesan adds richness, while lemon brightens every bite. Fast to make and versatile for pairing with ham or shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tender chicken simmers in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a comforting, copycat Olive Garden experience. Minimal effort yields a hearty, indulgent dish. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Juicy shrimp combine with ripe tomatoes in a simple, flavorful pasta dish. Garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs enhance natural flavors. Quick to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta

Pasta in a Texas shaped cast iron skillet.
Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Romano cheese and a touch of heat elevate tender chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce. Quick to assemble, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy nights. Fresh herbs add a pop of brightness.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savory ground beef melds with pasta in a simple one-pan skillet dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it tastes like it’s been simmered all day. Comforting and satisfying for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mild tuna pairs with tangy tomatoes for a quick, protein-packed pasta. Kid-friendly and ready in 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh herbs enhance the flavor and sauce.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender shrimp and pasta are coated in a garlic butter sauce for a rich, savory combination. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner. Lemon adds a bright finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh spinach and creamy feta blend with lemony pasta for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for vegetarian dinners. Tangy flavors brighten every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crumbled sausage adds savory depth to pasta with slightly bitter broccoli rabe. Budget-friendly yet flavorful, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients make a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

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

Juicy chicken with tangy lemon and briny capers creates a flavorful pasta dish. Quick for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. Serve with pasta or crusty bread to catch every bit of sauce.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce.
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pan-seared scallops in nutty brown butter elevate simple pasta into a restaurant-quality meal. Sage adds aromatic warmth. Quick to prepare and perfect for date nights or special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy ricotta and fresh tomatoes create a comforting, cheesy pasta dish. Simple yet hearty, it’s perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners. Fresh herbs enhance the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender Brussels sprouts with bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes create a flavorful pasta dish. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. A sprinkle of Parmesan finishes it beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts 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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