Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, loved for its versatility and ability to pair with endless flavors. These 18 pasta recipes showcase the best of what this timeless staple has to offer, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

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

This recipe elevates simple pasta with the rich, tangy sweetness of heirloom tomatoes. Highlighting the natural flavors of the fruit, it’s a celebration of freshness and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Pasta Bake with Chicken

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

This hearty dish combines tender chicken, bubbling cheese, and pasta in a savory, satisfying bake. It’s a stellar addition to any weeknight dinner lineup!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Bake with Chicken

Pesto Pasta Salad

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

A vibrant blend of basil pesto, pasta, and fresh veggies, this salad is a refreshing twist that’s light, aromatic, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

This fun and unexpected dish brings the flavors of pizza to the pasta bowl! Loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian herbs, it’s a lunch or picnic standout.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Alfredo Steak Pasta

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

Indulge in decadent, tender steak bites coated in creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish balances richness and elegance perfectly, ideal for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring the bold flavors of buffalo sauce into a cheesy pasta bake! This flavorful dish delivers a little kick and creamy goodness in every single bite.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A refreshing medley of pasta, tender seafood, and zesty dressing, this dish brings the taste of the sea to your table. It’s light, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

Succulent shrimp and juicy tomatoes come together in this flavorful, light pasta dish. It’s simple yet irresistibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp 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.

Buttery, garlicky, and packed with tender shrimp, this recipe is your quick-fix indulgence. Perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Palmini Baked Feta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Made with low-carb Palmini noodles and roasted feta, this dish is both creamy and satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and health-conscious eating.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta 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.

Earthy pumpkin purée adds creaminess and depth to every bite of this pasta. Packed with fall flavors, it’s a seasonal favorite you’ll want year-round!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

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

Zesty lemon, capers, and tender chicken meet in this bright and tangy pasta dish. Its vibrant flavors are sure to wake up your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Creamy zucchini pasta sauce with shaved parmesan.
Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Fresh zucchini and Parmesan come together in a creamy, luscious sauce. It’s a sneaky way to add veggies to your meal with gourmet flair.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Flaky salmon, al dente pasta, and a light dressing make this salad an easy and welcome addition to any lunch or dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

A bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup.
Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Warm up with this hearty soup loaded with pasta, beans, and ground beef. It’s a homemade version of the Olive Garden favorite that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smooth roasted red peppers create a vibrant and creamy plant-based sauce. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and completely dairy-free.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Blended walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic form a luxurious, nutty sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. It’s rich, earthy, and truly unique.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe turns leftover rotisserie chicken into a bright and flavorful pasta salad. Packed with freshness, it’s perfect for meal prep or serving at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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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