Pasta Recipes That Make Every Dinner Feel Special With 29 Easy Options

Finding the right dinner can sometimes feel like a big task, especially when looking for something a bit special. Then, discovered 29 easy pasta recipes, and suddenly, dinner felt like a celebration every night. Each option brings its own kind of magic to the table, making it hard to choose a favorite.

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

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.

Looking for something easy yet utterly delicious for dinner? You can’t go wrong with Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Cream and sweet corn come together for a comfort food classic. Plus, chicken adds a protein punch. Set the table for an easy yet special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn 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.

Sometimes, all you need is a bowl of something warm and comforting. Minestrone Soup brings veggies and pasta together in a delicious broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl during any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use whatever you have in the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Create an impression with a dish that’s known to charm. Sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce make Marry Me Chicken Pasta stand out. It’s tender, it’s luscious, and it just might seal the deal. Propose a dinner that’s out of the ordinary. Make any night special with this irresistible pasta.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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.

Longing for a taste of Italy but short on time? Whip up Italian Pasta with Salami for a quick culinary trip. Let the salami’s spiciness mix with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an escape to Italy, served up on your dinner plate. Facilitate a little European flair tonight.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

When you need dinner on the table without a fuss, it’s your go-to option. Just toss everything into the dish and let the oven do the work. Easy Chicken Casserole bakes tender chicken pieces with veggies and a creamy sauce under a crispy topping. Relax while dinner cooks itself. Gather around for a family favorite that’s both easy and special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

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.

Let’s throw a twist into your usual pasta night. With Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’re in for a rich and creamy experience. Everything about it screams ‘special occasion,’ yet it’s simple enough for any day. Whip it up and watch the whole family’s eyes light up.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Turn up the heat at dinner tonight with some spice. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta serves up that smoky chipotle flavor. Creamy, smoky, and just the right kick makes it a hit. It whips up quickly for those hectic evenings. Serve it up and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

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.

If you’re aiming for that fancy dinner vibe without the fuss, look no further. Morel Mushroom Pasta combines earthy flavors in a rich, creamy sauce. It definitely brings a touch of elegance to your table. And hey, it’s way easier to make than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Elevated Ramen Noodles

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

Don’t just stick to traditional dishes; get creative in the kitchen. Elevated Ramen Noodles turns a simple dish into a gourmet experience. With some extra ingredients, this ordinary bowl becomes extraordinary. It’s about layering flavors for a memorable dish. Dinner just got a twist, effortlessly elevating any evening.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

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.

Indulge in a dish that’s celebrated for its simple yet bold flavors. Pasta alla Norma features the classic combo of tomatoes and eggplant. It’s a vibrant dish that pays homage to Italian cooking. Perfect for when you want something light but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes, a dish comes along that feels like a heartfelt hug. Creamy, herby, and warming, Marry Me Chicken Soup is just that. Enjoy the flavor of the pasta in a comforting soup form. Each spoonful brings comfort and a promise of a special meal. It’s a soup that might just get someone to pop the question.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

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.

Transform your typical burger night into something more homely. Hamburger Casserole combines ground beef, cheese, and a tangy sauce. It’s a melty, hearty dish that fills you up. Perfect for feeding a large group or a hungry family. Everyone can dig into a piece of comfort tonight.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

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.

Revert to childhood with a classic dish that never gets old. Creamy, cheesy Mac and Cheese is like comfort in a bowl. Perfect for nights when only something familiar will do. It’s uncomplicated, unpretentious, and absolutely delicious. Bring smiles to the table with a dish that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

Get ready to turn a classic favorite into something even more comforting. Spaghetti Casserole layers all you love about spaghetti into a baked, bubbly delight. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. Easy to make, and even easier to love, it’s a sure hit.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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.

Spend some time in the kitchen crafting a classic favorite. Homemade Lasagna requires love and patience, but the result is worth it. Layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce become an expression of coziness. Invite everyone to share a slice of homemade goodness. It’s the very definition of a special dinner made easy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, that’s what comes to mind with Pasta Primavera. It’s all about bringing the freshness of vegetables to your dinner table. Not only is it pleasing to the eye, but it’s also incredibly pleasing. Perfect for those evenings when you need something fresh yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Mushroom Pasta

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

Who doesn’t love a good mushroom dish? Mushroom Pasta is here to win over anyone with its hearty and homey charm. The rich, earthy flavors make it feel like pure comfort in a bowl. It shows that simplicity often leads to the best meals. Seriously, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Spaghetti Marinara

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

Sometimes, going back to basics is exactly what dinner needs. Spaghetti Marinara is simple, straightforward, and simply delicious. Just a few ingredients come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s your go-to for a quick, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Ravioli Casserole

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

Think outside the box with a dish that takes minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Ravioli Casserole layers your favorite ravioli with cheese and sauce, then bakes to perfection. It’s about getting that delicious, bubbly goodness everyone adores. Give it a try, and watch it become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

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.

Why not spice things up tonight with something a bit different? Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini combines the thrill of spice with the comfort of tortellini. It’s a bold move away from the ordinary that pays off in flavor. Gather round for a dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Transport yourself to Italy with a dish that’s bursting with flavors. Tuscan Pasta is all about bringing the rustic and hearty tastes of Tuscany right to your dinner table. With each bite, it’s a mini-vacation in the comfort of your home. It’s as easy as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget spending hours in the kitchen; delicious can be quick. Pasta Carbonara proves just that with its creamy sauce and comforting feel. It’s about enjoying those little moments. Trust me, it’ll become a go-to for those ‘what’s for dinner?’ nights.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

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.

Think lasagna, but with a twist that’s perfect for spooning up. Spicy Lasagna Soup brings all the beloved lasagna flavors into a slurp-worthy form. With a kick of spice, it’s a cozy meal for cooler evenings. It’s lasagna, but not as you know it, and you’ll love it.
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.

Ever thought about turning a favorite fast food into a home-cooked meal? The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole does just that. It’s a unique blend of all things you love about cheeseburgers, transformed into a comforting casserole. Dive in and enjoy a creative twist on classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Penne Alla Vodka

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

Add a little excitement to your pasta routine. Penne Alla Vodka comes with a slightly tangy, creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s that sort of dish that makes an ordinary night feel special. And the best part? It’s so easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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

Introduce a lighter, yet still utterly indulgent version of a classic. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is all about layers of creamy ricotta, spinach, and pasta. It’s a vegetarian twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for making any dinner special.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Tortellini Soup

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

Enjoy a bowl of pure comfort with a soup that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Tortellini Soup pairs delicious tortellinis with a rich and hearty broth. It’s a soup that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. Perfectly wholesome for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

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.

Embrace the heart and soul of Italian cooking with a classic. Spaghetti Bolognese brings together rich, meaty sauce and tender pasta. It’s a match made in heaven and a hit with all ages. Pull up a chair and enjoy a dish that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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.

Indulge in the ultimate cheese experience with a dish that’s all about the melt. Three Cheese Manicotti is generously stuffed with a trio of cheeses, wrapped in tender pasta. It’s baked to perfection and guaranteed to please anyone who loves cheese. Just right for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *