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.

Birria Ramen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
