Pasta is one of the most versatile comfort foods around. It works beautifully with bright, fresh flavors like lemon and heirloom tomato, rich and creamy sauces, bold spices, or hearty proteins like chicken, sausage, and seafood. Whether you want a quick weeknight dish, a crowd‑pleasing casserole, or something elegant for guests, there’s a pasta here to match the moment. These recipes combine simple prep with satisfying taste so you can enjoy pasta regularly without repeating the same dish.

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

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

Juicy heirloom tomatoes burst into sauce with olive oil, garlic, and basil. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes keeps this dish bright. Simple seasoning lets fresh produce shine. Perfect for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cold pasta tossed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, veggies, and dressing. Tangy and savory with cool, creamy texture. Great for picnics or lunches. Easy to make ahead and serve.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A pan full of spaghetti and tomatoes on a tablecloth.
Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Olives, capers, tomatoes, and anchovies come together in a bold, briny sauce. Garlic and red pepper flakes give heat and depth. Quick to prepare and big on flavor. Perfect when you want a punchy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Creamy pasta with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and chopped jalapeños. Cheesy and slightly spicy with crunchy breadcrumb topping. Inspired by popper flavors. Great for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta

Italian Sausage Pasta

Italian Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Sausage slices simmer with tomatoes and herbs for hearty, savory sauce. Sweet or spicy Italian sausage works well. Add spinach or peppers for extra color. Comfort food with Italian character.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Slow‑cooked chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning blend into creamy pasta. The crockpot does all the work while flavors meld. Rich and satisfying. Great for easy dinner nights.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch 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.

Bright lemon and garlic meet butter and pasta for a silky, zesty dish. Simple ingredients make bold flavor. Toss with parsley and parmesan for extra richness. A fresh and elegant weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and pasta roast together on a sheet pan. The heat adds caramelized flavor to produce and chicken. Finish with basil and balsamic. A fun one‑pan dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with shredded chicken and topped with grated cheese, placed on a light-colored surface with a fork nearby.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken, parmesan, garlic, and cream meld into rich, cheesy pasta in the crockpot. Cook low and slow, then toss with pasta near the end. Smooth, cheesy comfort in every bite. Great for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken 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.

Lemon zest, crumbled feta, and fresh spinach make a bright, tangy pasta. Creamy or olive oil‑based sauce keeps it light. The spinach adds color and nutrition. Easy and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bold Jamaican jerk seasoning with creamy sauce and peppers over pasta. Spicy, smoky, and rich all at once. Add chicken or shrimp for protein. A Caribbean twist on creamy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta 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.

Seared scallops tossed with nutty brown butter and pasta. The brown butter enhances sweetness and adds depth. A little lemon brightens the dish. Elegant and simple seafood pasta.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta

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

Avocado mashed with basil, garlic, and olive oil makes a creamy pesto. Toss with warm pasta for rich, green sauce. Fresh and healthy with a silky texture. Great vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted squash pureed into sauce with cream and sage. Sweet, rich, and silky with warm spice notes. Top with parmesan for extra savoriness. Comforting fall favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Shrimp sautéed with Cajun spices in a creamy sauce over pasta. The seasoning brings bold, spicy flavor. Smooth sauce clings to every strand. Great for spice lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Gochujang Pasta

A pan of ramen noodles with mushrooms, greens, and a creamy sauce, served with chopsticks.
Creamy Gochujang Pasta. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Korean chili paste adds umami and heat to a creamy pasta base. The result is rich and slightly spicy with depth of flavor. Mix in veggies or protein as you like. A fusion dish with punch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked feta pasta on a plate with a green napkin.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cherry tomatoes and feta bake until juicy and blistered, then get mixed with pasta. The cheese melts into a creamy, tangy sauce. Fresh basil lifts the flavors. A viral favorite that’s simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ricotta blends with lemon and olive oil for a light, creamy sauce. The ricotta adds silky texture without heaviness. Fresh herb garnish makes it pop. Simple yet refined.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Roasted eggplant, ricotta pesto, and olives bring rich Mediterranean flavor to pasta. The ricotta pesto adds smoothness and herb notes. Olives add briny contrast. A flavorful vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

Buffalo‑seasoned chicken and pasta bake together with creamy sauce and melted cheese. Spicy, tangy, and cheesy in every bite. Top with extra cheese or ranch drizzle. A crowd‑pleasing comfort bake.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

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