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Channel Your Inner Chef: 12 Perfect Pastas to Impress!


Calling all pasta lovers and culinary adventurers! Ever wanted to wow your dinner guests with a mouthwatering plate of pasta that screams homemade perfection? You’re in luck. We’ve scoured the globe and our own test kitchens to bring you a collection of pasta dishes so delectable, you’ll want to put on your apron and grab a fork before you even finish reading.

From classic Italian favorites to creative twists, this is more than just a list—it’s a journey for your taste buds. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, these recipes are designed to inspire and guide you in crafting pasta dishes that are sure to impress. So dust off those pots, heat up some water, and let’s get cooking!

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Large pasta shells are generously stuffed with a flavorful turkey and pesto mixture, then baked to perfection. The herby, aromatic pesto beautifully complements the tender turkey, making this dish an easy but impressive option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Orzo is a really versatile pasta. I love it in cold pasta salads, or in hot dishes like this Creamy Orzo with Spinach & Tomatoes. It’s a bright and pretty dish, and there’s not a drop of cream in sight!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cool nights call for hot, comfort food, and there’s not much better than this Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. The fresh pop of tomatoes and creamy ricotta play really nicely together in this hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s as good as a side as it is an entree.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This easy-to-make orzo salad is a burst of freshness on your plate. The tiny pasta grains absorb the nutty, herby pesto, making every bite a flavor-packed experience. It’s the perfect side or a light main dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This meaty dish is made with affordable sausage. It’s crumbled up, so it infused the dish with plenty of flavor, and with sausage in every bite, no one will know this is an inexpensive dish.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Two large bowls of tortellini with meatballs on a counter.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in pillowy tortellini pasta paired with homemade, succulent meatballs, all drenched in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, and it’s so simple that anyone can make it for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Savory slices of steak meet tender pasta in this hearty salad. Tossed with fresh greens and a tangy dressing, this dish offers a delicious interplay of flavors and textures that make it ideal for a filling, nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enormous pasta shells act as vessels for a decadent cheese mixture in this comforting dish. Once baked, the shells become crispy at the edges and gooey in the middle, creating an irresistible texture that pairs well with any tomato-based sauce.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Salmon Pasta Salad

Flaky salmon is the star in this nutritious pasta salad. Accompanied by crisp veggies and tossed in a light, lemony dressing, it’s the perfect balance of fresh flavors and hearty comfort.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transport your taste buds to Greece with this unique take on spaghetti. Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a hint of lemon make this pasta dinner unlike any other, balancing tangy and savory in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti in a baking dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This spaghetti dish feels like a million bucks but is surprisingly easy to make. Layers of creamy béchamel, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti combine for a luxurious pasta experience that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Repurpose your leftover rotisserie chicken into this delightful pasta salad. Packed with fresh vegetables, and perfectly al dente pasta, this is a light but satisfying dish that’s perfect for picnics, lunches, or simple dinners.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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