Pasta isn’t boring; it’s just misunderstood. From adding unexpected textures to upgrading with pantry staples you forgot you owned, there are at least 19 ways to turn plain noodles into an award-worthy dish. Think of it as giving your pasta a glow-up—it’s not about reinventing the wheel, just putting better tires on it. Whether it’s an extra kick of spice or a twist on classic sauces, the possibilities go way beyond red and white.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you’re craving something cozy and filling, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just the thing. The soft gnocchi combined with tender chicken makes for a hearty, satisfying soup that doesn’t need much to impress. It’s creamy without feeling too heavy, perfect for a chilly evening. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a comforting meal you’ll turn to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Salmon Pasta Salad
If you want a pasta salad with a bit more depth, Salmon Pasta Salad is the way to go. The flakiness of the salmon adds richness while the pasta brings comfort, making this salad satisfying yet refreshing. It’s an excellent choice when you’re craving something more than just a basic pasta salad. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover salmon or make a more elegant meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Add your favorite herbs and enjoy the warmth and depth this classic brings to the table. Pasta e Fagioli Soup combines hearty beans and rich broth for a comforting meal that doesn’t need much to shine. The simplicity of the dish lets the pasta soak up the flavors, making each spoonful filling and satisfying. With its savory base, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that can easily turn a quick dinner into something special.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This is one that both kids and adults will look forward to digging into. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings the classic flavors of the iconic dish into a one-pan dinner. Combining crispy, creamy, and cheesy, it takes your go-to pasta comfort food to the next level. It’s an easy recipe to assemble that packs a punch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Pesto Orzo Salad
Perfect for meal prep or a quick picnic dish. Pesto Orzo Salad is light and fresh, with just enough flavor to make you want to go back for more. The orzo’s texture makes it a little more interesting than your usual pasta salad. Tossed in pesto, it’s a quick dish that’s easy to love and can be eaten warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
A great choice for when you want something comforting but easy to make. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins give you all the comfort of the original without needing to leave home. The hearty, tender chicken pairs perfectly with soft dumplings for a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s a simple recipe that has all the flavors you want in a cozy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Steak & Pasta Salad
Take your pasta salad to the next level with Steak & Pasta Salad. The combination of grilled steak with the pasta makes it feel hearty and filling, not just a side dish. A great option for when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. It’s got all the elements: protein, carbs, and fresh veggies, making it a balanced, tasty meal in one.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Baked Feta Pasta
A great option when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Baked Feta Pasta took the internet by storm for a reason—it’s creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. The feta melts into a rich sauce that coats every noodle, making this dish comforting but not overly heavy. It’s an easy way to get the flavors of a restaurant meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
This one’s a keeper for potlucks or meal prep days. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect when you need a meal that’s easy, filling, and full of flavor. Using leftover chicken, it brings together the convenience of store-bought with the satisfaction of homemade. Toss in your favorite veggies, and you’ve got a salad that feels fresh but substantial.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
A quick cook, yet bold in flavor, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a great way to showcase sweet, fresh tomatoes. This dish relies on the brightness of the tomatoes, turning them into a rich sauce that clings to each noodle. It’s simple but feels like something you’d find at a cozy local restaurant. Great for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch when you need something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
When you want to treat yourself to something rich but quick, this dish won’t disappoint. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings all the rich flavors of the restaurant dish to your own kitchen. The creamy sauce and succulent shrimp combine to make every bite indulgent but satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that you can whip up without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
For a light but flavorful dish, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a fresh option. The couscous works as a great base, and the smoky tomatoes bring a depth of flavor that upgrades the dish. It’s an easy salad to throw together but feels special with its Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Perfect for a warm-weather meal or a side at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Creamy, tangy, and smooth—Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a pasta twist you never knew you needed. It’s quick but feels indulgent, with every bite balancing richness and brightness. The gnocchi’s light texture combined with the sauce’s sharpness makes this a dish that demands attention. A perfect option when you want something familiar but just a little different.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Pizza Pasta Salad
Perfect for meal prepping or a fun weeknight meal. Pizza Pasta Salad takes all your favorite pizza flavors and packs them into a pasta salad that’s quick and easy to make. It’s great for parties, barbecues, or anytime you want to enjoy pizza flavors without the heat of the oven. This salad is filling but light enough for a warm day, with all the bold flavors you expect from pizza in a new form.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
When you need something hearty but lighter, Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto hits the mark. The pesto adds a burst of flavor while the turkey filling makes it feel substantial. This dish is both familiar and fun, offering a new twist on a classic. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Perfect when you need a comforting dish but don’t want to fuss in the kitchen. Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a simple yet satisfying dish, combining creamy ricotta with a burst of fresh tomatoes. It’s a quick and easy way to turn pasta into something flavorful without much work. The ricotta adds richness while the tomatoes bring a touch of brightness, making it a well-balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Hearty, savory, and bold, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta brings big flavor with every bite. The bitterness of the broccoli rabe balances perfectly with the richness of the sausage, making this a well-rounded dish. It’s a quick dinner option that feels like a special meal, even though it comes together fast. If you’re looking to switch up your pasta routine, this one is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Spaetzle
Spaetzle brings a unique twist to your pasta collection, with its soft, dumpling-like texture. It’s the perfect way to try something different but still feels familiar enough to love. This German-style pasta makes for a satisfying dish that can hold its own against bold sauces or stand-alone with a bit of butter. Great for when you want to switch up your pasta routine and try something new.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Greek Spaghetti
It’s the kind of pasta dish you can make on repeat without ever getting bored. Greek Spaghetti takes the simple pasta you know and turns it into a Mediterranean masterpiece. The combination of fresh flavors and light ingredients makes this dish feel both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an easy recipe that surprises you with how much flavor comes from the simplest of additions.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti