I Prepped 29 of My Favorite Pasta Recipes in One Go
Batch-prepping 29 kinds of pasta is a bold move, especially for someone who can’t usually decide what to eat. The good news is, every craving now has backup. Spaghetti, penne, spirals, there was no noodle left behind, and no shelf in the fridge left empty. If meal prep had a competitive league, this would probably get a trophy shaped like a colander.

Hamburger Casserole

When you need something filling that pleases all ages, nothing hits the spot quite like a big pan of Hamburger Casserole. This one layers familiar flavors, so everyone can dig in for seconds without much thought. It’s easy to scoop, serve, and even easier to eat. People ask for leftovers before you pack it up.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Penne Alla Vodka

Creamy, rich sauces always get a crowd’s attention at dinnertime. Plates of Penne Alla Vodka shine with that perfect balance between classic comfort and something a little special. It’s a pasta dish that feels right for both family meals and special gatherings. Every forkful gets a nod of approval.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Pizza Casserole

Sometimes picking a meal for a big group feels tough, but something like Pizza Casserole makes things simple. It brings together those favorite flavors everyone already knows, just with a new twist. No one can ever seem to turn down a second helping. You’ll see the pan empty before you even get comfortable.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Cheeseburger Pasta

Friends always lean in for another bowl when they hear that Cheeseburger Pasta is on the menu. Combining comfort food elements in one pot, this recipe works any night of the week. It appeals to grown-ups and kids alike, especially when they’re hungry. Even picky eaters go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta
Gnocchi

Soft and pillowy, Gnocchi brings something lighter and a bit more unique to the table. People love talking about the texture difference from the usual noodles. It matches with any sauce or addition you might have around. This one turns a simple dinner into something everyone remembers.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Homemade Lasagna

Layered, hearty, and smelling great straight from the oven, Homemade Lasagna is a block party classic. It somehow always feeds more than you think and leaves everyone full. Watching the first square be cut makes people smile. Every batch goes faster than expected, no matter how large the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Anyone who enjoys restaurant classics gets excited for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Bringing bold flavor and a mix of textures, it keeps the meal entertaining. Guests pile their plates with it for both lunch and dinner. It’s the type of dish people talk about for days after.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
Elevated Ramen Noodles

When plain noodles won’t do, Elevated Ramen Noodles can be a real game changer. Dress them up, and suddenly everyone wants seconds. It’s a fast way to turn the ordinary into something special. Even seasoned pasta lovers are pleasantly surprised by this one.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles
Mac and Cheese

Few meals draw people to the kitchen like a big pot of Mac and Cheese. Thick, creamy, and always crowd-pleasing, this one is usually gone by the time dinner wraps up. It’s just as welcome at a kid’s party or a grown-up get-together. Most folks want to scrape the bottom of the pan for every last bit.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Having friends over feels easier when Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is on the menu. It captures everything people love about restaurant meals but with extra heart. Easy to portion out and appealing to many palates, it vanishes fast. Guests never mind a second serving of this one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Add a little heat at dinner with Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. It’s got enough kick to make things interesting but still keeps folks coming back for more. Those looking for bold meals often find this their new favorite. Every bite brings something different without masking the pasta goodness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Million Dollar Spaghetti

Everyone leans closer for a plate of Million Dollar Spaghetti. Big, bold flavors and a crowd-sized baking dish make it perfect for family gatherings. The blend of creamy sauce and tender noodles gives you something to look forward to after a long day. Leftovers, if there are any, make a super lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Meal prep feels extra special once Marry Me Chicken Orzo is packed and ready to go. Mixing hearty grains with tender pieces, this pasta works for both solo nights and group dinners. Creamy, simple, and ready ahead of time, it fits every busy schedule. Friends always ask where you got the idea.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Chicken Ramen

Hitting all the notes for comfort, Chicken Ramen balances quick prep with full flavor. People looking for a lighter meal that still feels filling love this bowl. Adjust it any way you like, and it still works for work lunches or relaxed weekend meals. There’s a reason it pops up on so many tables worldwide.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen
Mushroom Pasta

On nights when meat isn’t on the menu, try bringing out a hearty plate of Mushroom Pasta. Earthy, rich, and easy to love, this dish brings together fans of all ages. The texture keeps things interesting from start to finish. Make extra, because this one seems to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta
Ravioli Casserole

Combining comfort with convenience, Ravioli Casserole gives traditional pasta a new homey twist. Big groups are happy to dig in scoop by scoop, with no need for extra sides. Hearty enough as a main, it also slides easily onto a busy plate. You’ll be asked to make it again soon after.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Morel Mushroom Pasta

Bring a touch of something special when you serve up Morel Mushroom Pasta. It stands out thanks to its interesting texture combination. The flavor holds up even in a big spread, so everyone gets to enjoy at least a bite. This is one of those dishes that makes even simple dinners memorable.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta
Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic comfort dishes have to include Spaghetti Bolognese. Crowd-friendly and beloved across the board, it brings everyone together at the table. With a rich sauce and twirls of pasta, it feels both familiar and special. Even kids scrape their plates clean for just one more spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese
Cacio e Pepe

Simple, to the point, and always a hit, Cacio e Pepe shows off that you don’t need a long ingredient list to impress. Every bite is packed with both comfort and just enough kick. It appeals to true pasta lovers who appreciate honest dishes. This is where less really becomes more.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Minestrone Soup

Sometimes, a big bowl of Minestrone Soup is what everyone needs, especially after a busy day. With pasta, vegetables, and a rich broth, there’s something for both hearty eaters and those after something lighter. It works both as a starter and a main meal. Make a big pot and let folks help themselves.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Spaghetti Marinara

Meals at home often start with something as comforting as Spaghetti Marinara. Plates get filled up quickly, and it pairs well with just about anything you might have left in your fridge. No one ever leaves hungry when this is on the table. It’s a classic for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Spicy Udon Noodles

Looking for a quick dinner with a little extra character? Bring out a bowl of Spicy Udon Noodles. Thick noodles soak up every bit of bold sauce, making it a go-to for fast meals. This also works well when you’re after something different but don’t want to fuss around.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles
Taco Pasta Salad

Mixing up dinner with something unexpected can be a win for everyone. Plates of Taco Pasta Salad bring together fresh crunch and all those popular flavors in each scoop. It’s easy to pack up for get-togethers or weekday meals. Kids and grown-ups both reach for an extra helping.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
Three Cheese Manicotti

Cheese fans always light up when Three Cheese Manicotti is served at dinner. Large shells hold in layers of creamy filling, perfect for soaking up sauce. It’s a tradition at many big gatherings and for good reason. People almost race to get the last piece before it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti
Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Those hunting for favorites will be happy to see Marry Me Chicken Casserole come out of the oven. Comfort food like this delivers on flavor every single time. Large groups run through it slice by slice. It’s special without feeling like any trouble at all.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Cheese Ravioli

Simple comfort is easy to find in a dish of Cheese Ravioli. Pocketed pasta filled with goodness never fails to bring everyone together for second servings. It’s a kid favorite that plenty of adults enjoy too. Add a little sauce if you feel like mixing things up.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli
Macaroni Salad

Cold dishes often help balance out bigger meals, and Macaroni Salad fits right in every time. Tangy, creamy, and always crowd-friendly, it goes just as well with hot mains as it does on its own. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and meal prep. You might need to make a double batch next time.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

When hearty options are needed, The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole makes every plate look better. This recipe blends burger-inspired flavor with the heartiness of pasta, so you get the best of both. It’s good enough for a busy weeknight or a weekend crowd. Clean plates speak for themselves at the end.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Balancing comfort with a touch of green, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna gets both kids and grown-ups eating more veggies without complaint. Each layer offers something creamy, cheesy, and a little bit different than everyday pasta. It’s perfect for meal prepping ahead. You won’t have leftovers to deal with.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
About the Author

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.
