29 Pasta Recipes That Bring Everyone To The Table

These pasta dishes make it easy to gather people and keep them coming back for more. 29 recipes full of flavor, simple to make, and guaranteed to fill plates and hearts. Whether it’s a weeknight or a celebration, these meals turn any dinner into a reason to sit down together. Pasta does the heavy lifting here.

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you love a good slice of pizza and the heartiness of a baked dish, you’ll find common ground with this hybrid. In Pizza Casserole, classic pizza flavors meet the comforting embrace of a casserole, creating a weeknight dish that pleases crowds. It’s easy, filling, and brings a familiar joy to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Longing for a restaurant experience at home? Our Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings that dining-out sensation right to your kitchen. This dish fuses creamy sauce and cheese-filled pasta into one, making your home dinner feels special without stepping out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those who cherish layers of flavor and texture, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna comes to the rescue. This meal combines rich cheese with leafy greens, all stacked between tender pasta sheets. It’s a meatless option that doesn’t skimp on heartiness or satisfaction, perfect for gatherings or a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Imagine an Italian cheese trio all wrapped up in a pasta embrace; that’s what you get with Three Cheese Manicotti. This dish strikes a chord with cheese lovers, featuring a blend that’s smooth and oozes comfort. It’s a standout choice for a night when you want something simple to prepare yet rich in cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something about Homemade Lasagna that speaks to the soul like no other pasta dish can. It layers the love into every slice, combining staple Italian ingredients into a timeless classic. This one’s for those evenings when you want to put a bit more love into dinner because homemade always has its unique charm.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When soup season comes around, or you just need a bowl of warmth, Minestrone Soup answers the call. This veggie-packed dish is light yet fulfilling, with a diversity of textures and flavors in every spoonful. It’s an ideal pick-me-up on cooler days or when you’re seeking a comforting yet nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Uniting two cult favorites, Birria Ramen is a collision of cuisines that turns heads and tantalizes palates. This dish is where a Mexican staple meets Japanese tradition, and the result is nothing short of a flavor explosion. It’s for adventurous eaters who love to mix and match their culinary experiences.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On days when you crave something hearty yet not too heavy, Tortellini Soup comfortably fits the bill. This bowl of joy swirls pasta, broth, and ingredients that come together in a harmonious blend. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and worthwhile meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple can still be special, as Cheese Ravioli so deliciously proves. This classic dish is all about the pure enjoyment of cheese encased in tender pasta. Serve it up for a no-fuss, pleasurable meal that returns you to the basics of good, homestyle cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Refreshing and undeniably pleasing, Best Lemon Pasta is a bright spot in any meal plan. This dish delivers a citrus-infused burst of flavor that’s both unexpected and utterly enjoyable in the realm of pasta. It’s tailor-made for those times you’re seeking something lighter yet still fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re torn between indulgent pasta and the ease of a baked dish, Ravioli Casserole offers a perfect compromise. It’s pasta enveloped in a welcoming, hearty casserole form that’s great for serving a group or meal prepping for the week. It strikes a balance between the comforting and the familiar, no bells and whistles needed.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or just a casual lunch, Macaroni Salad is a classic that never goes out of style. This chilled pasta favorite is as versatile as it is straightforward, ready to be a side dish or a light standalone meal. It’s refreshingly simple, a throwback to hassle-free cooking with a result that’s universally enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turn spaghetti night on its head with a twist; enter: Spaghetti Casserole. This dish is layers upon layers of pasta, sauce, and more, baked until bubbling and golden. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. So when traditional spaghetti doesn’t quite hit the spot, this casserole variation might just be the ticket.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Elevated Ramen Noodles

A bowl of ramen with soft-boiled egg, vegetables, and sesame seeds.
Elevated Ramen Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says instant noodles can’t have a gourmet touch? With Elevated Ramen Noodles, you’re taking a dorm room staple to heights it’s never seen before. This incarnation pays homage to its humble beginnings while adding a dash of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simplicity is the name of the game with Cacio e Pepe. This pasta dwells in minimalist luxury, requiring little more than pasta, cheese, and pepper to shine. It’s a testament to the power of few ingredients making a big impact. When you seek elegance without complexity, this dish is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s hard not to think of a classic when you mention Spaghetti Bolognese. This dish is a hearty, homestead essential that stands the test of time and trends. It pleases just about anyone who takes comfort in a rich, meaty sauce clinging to their pasta. It’s for those moments when you lean into tradition, because why fix what isn’t broken?
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

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

For a dairy-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on creaminess, look no further than Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. This dish brings the lushness of a cream-based pasta to the table without any animal products in sight. It’s welcoming to vegans and the lactose-intolerant alike, proving that restrictions don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, all it takes is a robust tomato sauce to take pasta from plain to profound, as Spaghetti Marinara so artfully does. This dish is about the honest flavors of tomato and herbs, clinging to each strand of spaghetti. It’s a dependable choice whether you’re feeding one or hosting a dinner for many.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pillowy soft and enjoyably chewy, Gnocchi transports you to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen with each bite. This petite pasta makes for a swell change from the ordinary, adding a touch of rustic charm to your dinner routine. When you aim for heartwarming and homemade, this is where your path leads.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fuse the heartiness of Italian pasta with the zing of Tex-Mex, and you get Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. This dish is an adventurous eat that marries tortellini with bold, vibrant flavors. It’s a perfect pick for when you can’t decide between Italian or Mexican, delivering a best-of-both-worlds dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a blend of Americana and Italian comfort, Hamburger Casserole stands out on the dinner table. This unpretentious dish combines ground meat with pasta in a way that’s undeniably rewarding. It’s an all-ages pleaser, perfect for a family meal where simplicity and taste reign supreme.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add some flair to your pasta with Italian Pasta with Salami, a dish that’s as spirited as it is straightforward. It injects a bit of edge with cured meats, turning traditional pasta into a more robust meal. This one’s right for those who aren’t shy about a little zing in their dish. Fire up this pasta for a meal that packs flavor in every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Who knew spaghetti could feel like hitting the jackpot? With Million Dollar Spaghetti, it seems it can. This dish treats your plate like a luxury, compiling layers of beloved ingredients into a rich, casserole-like meal. It’s an ideal dish for days when you want to go big on comfort without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When creamy meets hearty, you’ve got Creamy Beef Stroganoff, a pasta that delivers on full-bodied flavor. This comfort classic melds tender meat with a rich, velvety sauce for a filling meal that warms from the inside out. It’s best served when you need a little comfort food to go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A little sauce goes a long way in Penne Alla Vodka, where pasta is given a lively kick. This dish has a way of making a simple meal feel like a celebration, with its hints of flavor brightening up the sauce. It’s a solid choice for both quiet evenings in and dinners where you want to impress without overstressing.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Often hailed as the ultimate comfort food, Mac and Cheese stands as a pillar of homey satisfaction. Its creamy, cheesy goodness can turn any meal into a feel-good feast. This dish is perfect for both kids and adults alike, proving that some classics just get better with time.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Forget everything you know about traditional lasagna and embrace the surprising twist of Spicy Lasagna Soup. This bowlful takes the essence of lasagna and reimagines it in a slurpable form that has a kick. It’s inventive for those times you want lasagna’s comfort yet crave the lightness of a soup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Yes, cheeseburgers and pasta can coexist, and they do it wonderfully in The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. This dish combines the delight of a juicy burger with the satisfaction of a baked pasta meal. It’s well-suited for when cravings for a burger hit, but the comfort of a casserole calls your name.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetables and pasta unite gracefully in Pasta alla Norma, a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s a celebration of simplicity, showcasing the flavors of the garden without excess fuss. This dish is ideal for those seeking a lighter, veggie-centric option that doesn’t skimp on heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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