I Made 29 Pasta Recipes And Even Had Leftovers

The number 29 used to mean nothing, then it turned into pasta on repeat. At some point, lunch and dinner blurred together in a blur of spiral shapes. The leftovers staged a quiet rebellion in the back of the fridge. If noodles could talk, they’d probably beg for variety by now.

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.

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.

Combining flavors from rich broth and noodles, Birria Ramen is an easy mash-up of two food favorites. The bold sauce balances perfectly with the tender noodles. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own. If you enjoy layered dishes, this is definitely worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food doesn’t get more straightforward than Easy Chicken Casserole, which layers cooked pasta and chicken together with just the right texture. Each bite feels like a warm, familiar hug. It’s simple, filling, and can be made ahead of time. Leftovers of this are just as good reheated.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken 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.

Macaroni Salad brings a cold, pasta-based fix when you want something lighter. The mix-ins make every bite a little different, which keeps it exciting. It works well as a side or even a snack straight out of the fridge. Perfect for feeding a group, and it gets better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

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.

Packed with hearty layers of ground meat and pasta, Hamburger Casserole keeps it cozy and simple. It’s like a quick fix for a lasagna craving without the fuss. Everything blends together just right, and it reheats beautifully. This one’s great when you need something sturdy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheeseburger Pasta bridges the gap between pasta and comfort food, hitting all the right notes. It’s like turning a classic sandwich into a bowl—but with pasta. With its creamy texture, this dish is more filling than you’d expect. It’s quick and kid-friendly, making it a weeknight go-to.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Gnocchi

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

Soft pillows of dough combine perfectly in Gnocchi, a staple that can be built into any dish. It’s all about the slightly chewy bite in each piece. This one works well with a variety of sauces, depending on your mood. It’s simple yet versatile, making every serving feel like you made it special.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Think layered goodness but with a creamy twist—Chicken Alfredo Lasagna takes lasagna in a new direction. The sauce is the centerpiece here, coating everything in a smooth, creamy finish. It’s indulgent enough for a comfort meal yet flexible for occasions. Keeps well, so leftovers are a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Tortellini Soup

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

This takes rich broth and combines it with tender, stuffed pasta. The stuffed tortellini adds surprises in every spoonful. Tortellini Soup works well as a cozy one-pot meal. Perfect for when you want something that feels slow-cooked but takes much less time.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

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.

Italian Pasta with Salami blends bold flavors of spiced meat with pasta. It’s a cold dish that works for meals or a quick snack. The salami brings a savory layer that makes the dish stand out. It has a balance of textures that keeps it interesting bite after bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

This focuses all its energy on stuffed pasta with an assortment of creamy cheeses. The filling is the star, locked inside tender pasta shells that melt in your mouth. Three Cheese Manicotti is definitely on the indulgent side and pairs well with bread. Leftovers feel just as rich as the first plate.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This recreates a restaurant favorite with a combination of creamy sauce, spaghetti pasta, and well-cooked chicken. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta is a balanced plate that doesn’t skim on flavor. It hits that sweet spot between date night and weeknight dinner. Definitely less effort than dining out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

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.

Packed with pasta and other hearty ingredients, Minestrone Soup covers all the bases when you need a low-effort meal in a bowl. It’s one of those dishes where every spoonful feels different. The pasta gives it just enough bulk to work as a main. It’s even better reheated for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

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.

Nothing beats layers of pasta, from noodles to fillings, in Homemade Lasagna. Everything bakes together, creating a soft texture that satisfies without overcomplication. This one serves a crowd with ease or saves for the week ahead. The classic format here keeps it timeless and loved by all.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Close-up of a chicken noodle casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Taking the best of noodles and combining them with protein, Chicken Noodle Casserole is easy to put together. The soft noodles soak up the flavors and keep the dish comforting. As a one-pan idea, it’s low effort but stays rewarding. Perfect for leftovers, especially on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco Pasta Salad mixes pasta with the idea of taco flavors, making everything feel fun and new. It’s just as good as a side for bigger meals as it is for a stand-alone snack. You get a little bit of everything in every bite. The cold pasta twist makes it refreshing and convenient for prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Morel Mushroom Pasta

A bowl of cavatappi pasta with morel mushrooms, garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Morel Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It leans on earthy mushrooms and pairs them with hearty pasta. The mushrooms bring a rich, slightly chewy bite in every forkful. Morel Mushroom Pasta is a simple dinner idea built around enjoying those textures. Definitely a good pick if you want something light but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re in the mood for a little kick, Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta hits the spot. The spice brings heat without overwhelming the balance of flavors. It’s bold but still feels fresh and inviting. A super quick choice for nights when you need something exciting yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Cheese Ravioli

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

Cheese Ravioli focuses the attention right on the stuffed filling in each bite. The soft pasta surrounding the cheese makes it feel like a warm embrace of texture. It’s super adaptable to whichever sauce you prefer to pour over the top. Whether fresh or frozen, it’s always in rotation for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

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.

Everyone knows Mac and Cheese as the go-to comfort meal, balancing creaminess with stretchy pasta textures. It’s a no-fail crowd-pleaser, especially with kids or picky eaters. Whether baked or stovetop, it’s reliable and requires minimal cleanup. Easy to finish in one sitting or reheat for later.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of thick, creamy sauce tie together chicken and pasta in Marry Me Chicken Casserole. It’s a dish you can rely on when you don’t want to make multiple sides. Each bite has a home-cooked simplicity that warms you up. The leftovers are just as easy to throw in the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Refreshingly simple, Pasta Primavera brings together baked pasta and ingredients that feel light and satisfying. It’s colorful but also straightforward with its flavors. Something about it works great as a weeknight or weekend meal. It’s a flexible base if you’re short on fridge ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Serving up comfort in a bowl, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta lets pasta tie together a slightly sweet and hearty mix. The corn adds a pop of texture you don’t expect. This can be either cozy or fun, depending on how you serve it. Leftovers reheat well, making it practical for multiple days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

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 pizza and pasta had a baby, Pizza Casserole would definitely come to mind. The oven-baked parts bring a soft but slightly crisp texture at the edges. It’s customizable, so everyone can throw their twist on it. A little indulgent, but you only need one deep serving to fill up.
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.

Combining restaurant taste with home kitchen ease, Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara stacks up as a fancy but fast meal. The creamy sauce coats the ravioli fully without drowning out the flavors. It’s rich without being overwhelming, perfect for dinners. You could serve it to guests or keep it for yourself!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner gets cozy with Marry Me Chicken Orzo, a mix between soup, pasta, and casserole all in one. The orzo adds a tiny, chewy texture that makes every spoonful feel exciting. It’s straightforward but deeply fulfilling in a good way. Reheating works perfectly, so prep extra if you can.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Mushroom Pasta

Close-up of fusilli pasta with mushrooms, garnished with rosemary and black pepper.
Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

All about keeping things simple, Mushroom Pasta relies on earthy flavors that pair naturally with soft noodles. It’s not about overdoing things but reflecting how a few key parts come together. The mushrooms add tenderness that makes it enjoyable without being bulky. Great choice for a quiet evening.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining classic salads with pasta, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad gives you the best of both worlds on one fork. It’s light enough for summer but filling enough anytime. The pasta soaks up the flavors from the mix, leaving nothing wasted. Easy to pack for busy lunches or small parties.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ravioli Casserole

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

Turning stuffed pasta into baked comfort, Ravioli Casserole builds on ravioli with layers that bake together beautifully. It’s less work than layering lasagna, but just as satisfying. You still get that soft interior with a baked, chewy exterior. Convenient when you’re craving baked pasta without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

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.

Classic Creamy Beef Stroganoff nails that mix of pasta with hearty chunks of beef in a creamy sauce. It’s a reliable dinner option without too many steps to bring it together. One bowl will more than hold you over while still keeping you interested in going back for seconds. Definitely makes the kitchen smell amazing while cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

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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