We Tried 23 Pasta Recipes And Kept All Of Them

When nothing sounded appealing, having 23 seafood recipes ready was a lifesaver. It was like opening a menu for moods nobody could name and still finding something that worked. Some days called for comfort, others needed quick fixes, and somehow the list managed to cover it all.

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.

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.

Something about adding ground beef to pasta layers makes this recipe unforgettable. Hamburger Casserole is all about combining hearty meat flavors and baked comfort. Each bite blends pasta, meat, and sauce into a well-balanced dish. It’s an option that works for family meals or casual gatherings every time.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple ingredients deliver bold flavors in this classic dish. Aglio e Olio focuses on a straightforward pairing of pasta tossed with sautéed garlic. The flavors fuse perfectly, making it a go-to choice for quick meals. It’s an impressive recipe despite its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

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.

Comfort food takes center stage in this hearty recipe. Chicken Noodle Casserole combines chicken pieces and tender noodles in one creamy dish. It’s easy to make ahead, making it ideal for busy days. No one resists going back for seconds when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Baked Ziti

A spoon scoops baked ziti pasta covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce from a casserole dish.
Baked Ziti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bubbly, cheesy layers make this one of the most popular choices for weeknight dinners. Baked Ziti features pasta coated in sauce with all the cheese you’d want in one dish. Every forkful oozes with gooey texture and hearty flavor. It’s a lovely option when you need something that will feed everyone.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Chicken Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with minced meat, spinach, sliced scallions, half a soft-boiled egg, and noodles in broth, garnished with sesame seeds and pepper.
Chicken Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Transform a simple dish into something you’ll want often. Chicken Ramen adds depth to an otherwise common noodle favorite. With the right toppings, it has the perfect mix of textures and flavors. It’s proof that even quick meals can feel complete and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen

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.

Bringing home a restaurant feel, this recipe nails the balance of cream and bold flavors. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara stands out because of how indulgent it feels. The ravioli and the sauce together turn into something familiar yet special. It’s a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves Italian-inspired pasta.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

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.

Dinner feels a bit more special with this creamy, layered dish. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna switches up the usual lasagna approach with a white sauce and tender chicken. The recipe feels like it belongs at both a weekday table and a celebration. No plate stays full for long once this dish is served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Gnocchi

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

This soft, pillowy pasta makes for a different kind of meal. Gnocchi delivers something unique in both texture and flavor that’s hard to compare with other pasta. The simplicity of the dish highlights how versatile it is for sauces or toppings. It’s one of those dishes worth trying if you’re in the mood for something different.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

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.

A rich, meaty option that brings the warmth of home cooking every time. Creamy Beef Stroganoff coats tender pieces of beef with a sauce perfect for pairing with pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels just right when you want something traditional yet flavorful. A reliable choice that never fails to impress at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Elevated Ramen Noodles

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

Taking convenience-style noodles and giving them a flavor upgrade works wonders. Elevated Ramen Noodles turns an ordinary base into an exciting, well-rounded dish. What’s great is how easily it can be customized with add-ins to make it your own. You’ll forget this meal started as something so basic once you try it.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

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.

Layers of sauce, pasta, and richness come together in this classic recipe. Homemade Lasagna remains one of those recipes everyone loves at first bite. The recipe works equally well for weekdays or big family celebrations. It’s a dish worth having in your rotation if you love traditional pasta creations.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Italian Pasta Salad

Bowtie pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze in a green bowl.
Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some recipes are best served cold, and this option is one you’ll want again and again. Italian Pasta Salad balances pasta with light, fresh ingredients to create variety in every bite. It’s one of the most reliable options for barbecues or packed lunches. This dish keeps everything simple while still feeling like something you’ll want to share.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

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.

The ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style, this recipe delivers on flavor. Mac and Cheese pairs pasta with a creamy cheese base everyone recognizes and loves. It’s versatile enough to be a side dish or a meal on its own. Nobody turns this down when they see it at the table.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

Warm, hearty, and easy to enjoy, this soup stands out among pasta-forward dishes. Minestrone Soup combines pasta with flavorful additions for extra variety. It’s a recipe designed to fill you up while keeping things light on a cold evening. One sip and every spoonful feels balanced and complete.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

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.

A recipe that makes mushrooms feel like the main star. Morel Mushroom Pasta highlights tender pasta combined with earthy textures and flavors. It’s a perfect recipe for experimenting with something slightly different. Every ingredient works together to create a memorable meal you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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

For anyone craving layers with a lighter twist, this recipe delivers. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna swaps out heavier meat for something a little more versatile. The spinach and creamy textures combine in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s one of those dishes that works well as a standout meal or alongside other plates.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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.

Few things feel as reliable as a generous plate of pasta covered in sauce. Spaghetti Bolognese delivers a hearty flavor with its combination of pasta and its unique sauce. It’s a go-to recipe for anyone who loves traditional dinners. From kids to adults, everyone seems to love how classic this dish feels.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Mushroom Pasta

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

Soft pasta paired with mushrooms makes for a balanced and satisfying main dish. Mushroom Pasta keeps everything straightforward while delivering bold flavors in each bite. It’s easy to put together while still feeling like you’re serving something complete. A consistent choice for mushroom lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Spicy Udon Noodles

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, including carrots, green beans, and chopped red peppers, garnished with sesame seeds. Chopsticks are picking up some noodles.
Spicy Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For something with a little more kick, this dish knows how to deliver. Spicy Udon Noodles takes an everyday option and gives it an edge with stronger flavor. The thicker noodle texture really stands up well to the boldness of this dish. It’s great for someone who likes their pasta to pack a little punch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles

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.

Cheese lovers take notice of this rich and gooey recipe. Three Cheese Manicotti brings together a mix of flavors in a creamy, baked dish that feels indulgent every time. The delicate shells hold a filling that complements the sauce perfectly. It’s worth every bite if you’re looking for something a little cheesier.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Tortellini Soup

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

Warm, comforting, and quick, this dish comes together with pasta stuffed and floating in a flavorful broth. Tortellini Soup adds variety in texture and the option to adapt for different tastes. It’s definitely one to have on hand when you want something light but filling. People enjoy it because of its flexibility and straightforward appeal.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

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.

Flavors in this recipe feel inspired from start to finish. Tuscan Pasta combines pasta with other bold additions that blend into one cohesive dish. Great for when you want something a little more complex while still simple enough to enjoy at home. It always feels inviting whenever you plate it.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

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.

Lasagna gets an unexpected twist by turning it into a warm, spicy bowl of soup. Spicy Lasagna Soup transforms traditional ingredients into a dish that feels complete yet approachable. There’s a combination of boldness and comfort in every serving. It’s definitely for someone looking to shake up their regular pasta picks.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

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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