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19 Pasta Recipes Worth Buying the Fancy Parmesan For

When pasta recipes call for parmesan, these 19 are sending you a formal invitation to splurge. They don’t do anything halfway, and the cheese better not either. Creamy sauces, savory bakes, and rich finishes all need that top-shelf parmesan that crumbles like a dream and tastes like it actually came from Italy. Trust these dishes: they’ll turn even a cheese skeptic into a believer.

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

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, hearty, and loaded with comforting vibes, Chicken Gnocchi Soup deserves parmesan that melts perfectly into every spoonful. The dish offers a rich experience that feels both filling and sophisticated. It’s the kind of soup that demands you linger, with layers of flavor enhanced by top-tier cheese. This is not a time to skimp—your parmesan should match the luxurious textures. Serve it up and watch it become everyone’s favorite soup night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to creamy and tangy flavors, Baked Feta Pasta delivers in spades. The dish balances savory richness with a smooth texture that’s perfect for elevating an ordinary meal. This is not the time for shortcut cheeses—the parmesan here deserves to be the star. Bring out the good stuff, because this pasta works hard to earn it. Think comforting yet bold, proving simple combinations can create unforgettable results.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

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Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Decadent and smooth, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is everything a pasta lover craves. The sauce clings to every rigatoni, creating a rich canvas for premium parmesan. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience creamy pasta at its best. Treat it with the care it deserves—starting with cheese that’s up to the task. This is indulgence redefined, with parmesan taking a starring role.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cheese lovers, prepare to be amazed. Pizza Pasta Salad blends the best of two worlds into one dynamic dish, with parmesan as the secret to its bold character. This recipe brings playful flavors that pair beautifully with high-quality cheese. It’s a go-to for gatherings, offering versatility while still feeling indulgent. If you want to impress, swap the pre-grated for a block you can shred fresh—it makes all the difference.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Creamy and indulgent, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo proves why parmesan is the backbone of flavor. This dish leans into rich, bold textures that only the best cheese can support. It’s a restaurant favorite for a reason, and going fancy with your cheese ensures the same magic at home. Each bite blends luxury with a touch of comfort, balancing decadence with approachability. For that authentic finish, don’t hold back on the parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort food gets a fresh twist with Sloppy Joe Casserole, a dish that packs bold, hearty flavors. The parmesan here isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a critical player in creating that perfect cheesy top layer. This is a meal that screams family favorite but feels upgraded with just the right touch of fancy. No one will guess how easy it was with such an impressive result. Cheese fans, get ready to swoon.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There are no cutting corners when recreating Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins—this comfort classic shines with high-quality parmesan. The cheese adds a savory finish that ties the dish together, making it as close to the original as possible. It’s a plate that delivers nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite. With the right cheese, this dish becomes more than a meal—it’s a trip down memory lane with an upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrade your pasta salad game by going premium with your parmesan—it’s worth it. Steak & Pasta Salad combines hearty and fresh in a way that feels both satisfying and light. The parmesan ties the flavors together, offering richness without overpowering the balance. This salad brings sophistication to the table while staying approachable for weeknights. It’s a dish that highlights the magic of great cheese in unexpected places.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top-down shot of Tuna Noodle Casserole on a dish with a small portion on a black plate.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Nostalgic and satisfying, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole takes comfort food to the next level. Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor that turns this family favorite into something truly memorable. It’s the kind of dish where quality cheese makes all the difference, enhancing every layer. Simple to make but hard to forget, this casserole earns its spot at the table. Splurge on the good stuff—it’s worth it.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy meets fresh in Salmon Pasta Salad, a dish where every ingredient plays its role perfectly. The parmesan brings a nutty sharpness that transforms this salad into a complete meal. It’s ideal for those moments when you want something light yet packed with flavor. Use the good cheese here—your tastebuds will appreciate the investment. This pasta salad proves that simple doesn’t mean boring when the ingredients are top-notch.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With each bite, it proves why it’s worth every effort. Pastitsio brings layered flavors to life with a creamy and hearty finish that demands premium parmesan. This Greek-inspired dish is all about balance—savory, rich, and perfectly textured. The parmesan plays a key role, adding a nutty sharpness that complements the sauce. Skip the bargain cheese, and let the good stuff shine through.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Comfort food just reached a new level. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup turns a classic into something rich and satisfying, with parmesan at the heart of its flavor. This dish is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s an experience. The parmesan adds a savory depth that transforms it from simple to unforgettable. Choose the fancy cheese for this one; the results are worth the splurge.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Pesto Orzo Salad

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

Packed with flavor and texture, Pesto Orzo Salad shines brightest when paired with high-quality parmesan. The cheese brings richness to the herbaceous base, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. Whether it’s a potluck or a quiet dinner, this salad delivers something memorable. The parmesan’s role here is undeniable—don’t settle for anything less than the best. One bite, and you’ll see why premium cheese matters so much.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty and comforting, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is a meal that feels like a warm hug. Parmesan is essential here, adding a creamy finish that balances the flavors beautifully. This soup works for any season, bringing richness without being overly heavy. Go for the high-end cheese—it’s worth every shred. Serve it up, and let the parmesan do the talking.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright and bold, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp makes a case for keeping premium parmesan on hand. The cheese balances vibrant flavors, creating a dish that feels both light and indulgent. It’s a salad that works for any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant dinners. With top-quality parmesan, each bite becomes a perfect blend of textures and flavors. When it comes to making a statement, this dish delivers.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Decadent layers of flavor define Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, with parmesan as the glue that holds it all together. This is comfort food upgraded, combining hearty textures with cheesy goodness. The dish demands a parmesan that melts just right, offering both taste and texture in every bite. It’s easy to make, but the result feels anything but ordinary. Treat yourself to the good cheese—this casserole is worth it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Spaetzle

A plate of Authentic German Spaetzle garnished with parsley.
Spaetzle. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skip the shaker and grab the good block of cheese—you’ll taste the difference. Spaetzle takes humble noodles and transforms them into something rich and crave-worthy, especially with the right parmesan. A rustic favorite, this dish pairs beautifully with high-quality cheese that adds depth to every bite. It’s about texture, warmth, and a slight nuttiness that the parmesan brings to life. More than a side, it’s a dish that celebrates bold, hearty comfort.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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

In Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes, every bite feels like a celebration of creamy and tangy elements coming together. It’s all about layering flavors that demand the highest quality parmesan to shine. This isn’t just a side—it’s a pasta that holds its own as a main act. Its elegance hides its simplicity, delivering a meal worth savoring slowly. Go fancy with your cheese because anything less won’t do this dish justice.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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.

One taste, and you’ll realize why your cheese should come with a premium price tag. Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta strikes the perfect balance between bold and fresh, making it a powerhouse on any table. The parmesan brings a sharp edge that complements the hearty mix of flavors. It’s a dish that makes midweek meals feel like a special occasion. Forget subtlety; this pasta knows how to make a statement.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

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