Carbs get a lot of chat for all the energy they offer, and pasta plus rice dishes truly stand at the heart of comfort food. Warm, filling bowls of noodles and grains have that kind of charm that wraps you up like a snug blanket on a cool evening. Each dish, with its own blend of simple elements, brings a sense of home to the table, making every meal a time to gather and share a laugh. It’s about welcoming each other, swapping stories, and fueling up with foods that keep us going strong.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
When you’ve got leftover chicken and a craving for something creamy, mix them up for a chilled surprise. Ours brings together all that’s comforting about pasta with the convenience of precooked chicken. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone, making your meal prep both quick and satisfying. Perfect for lunch boxes or picnics, it combines ease and taste in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs
Imagine firing up the grill and cooking something that’s not your usual barbecue fare. That’s right, pasta and meatballs meet the great outdoors with this unique twist. This one uses tortellini that gets a bit of char and meatballs that simmer in sauce, all on a flat top grill. It’s a fun way to bring Italian flavors into your backyard cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs
Steak & Pasta Salad
Who says salads are just for veggies? We sure don’t. Toss in some seared steak with your pasta, and you’ve got a meal that speaks to the heart of every meat lover. It’s a bold move that pays off with a dish that’s as hearty as it is refreshing, making it perfect for those looking for a substantial yet easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Introduce your favorite comfort food to the smoker. Smoking mac and cheese infuses it with a depth of flavor that oven-baked versions can only dream of. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to up their barbecue or potluck game. This twist on a classic proves that sometimes, a little smoke is all you need to spark up a dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Salmon Pasta Salad
For those who love their pasta with a side of Omega-3s, here’s a dish that combines the best of both worlds. Adding chunks of pink, flaky salmon to a pasta salad boosts the nutritional value and turns it into a full-on meal. It’s light yet fulfilling, perfect for those summer days when you want something fresh but substantial. A true celebration of flavors and health on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Arroz Verde
Bright, vibrant, and utterly delicious, this rice dish brings a pop of color to your table. Its green hues make it a visual and gastronomical departure from your everyday rice. It beautifully complements any main, adding a refreshing twist. Not just a pretty side, it packs a punch of flavor that’ll make it the star of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Pesto Orzo Salad
Look no further for those craving a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Combining orzo with pesto’s fresh, vibrant taste, this salad is a light yet flavor-packed choice for any occasion. It’s a versatile dish that serves well both warm and cold, making it a hit for gatherings or solo lunches. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens deliciously.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Spaetzle
If you’re in the mood for something comforting yet different, this could be your next go-to. This traditional doughy delight, often enjoyed as a side, offers a delightful change from the usual pasta or rice dishes. Its unique texture and capacity to soak up flavors make it a versatile companion to various sauces. It’s comforting food that brings a touch of tradition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
There’s something to be said about simplicity in a dish that focuses on bringing out the fresh flavors of its components. Mixing pasta with creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes creates a meal that’s both light and fulfilling. It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a meal memorable. Easy to put together, it’s ideal for those nights when time is of the essence but flavor can’t be compromised.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Baked Spanish Rice
Taking a staple grain and baking it with a twist of Spanish flair results in a side that could easily steal the show. This isn’t just any rice; it’s a fiesta in a dish, ready to accompany your main with gusto. Perfect for when you’re looking to bring some warmth and vibrancy to the dinner table. It’s about making an ordinary ingredient extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
When you pair the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe with the savory goodness of sausage in a pasta dish, magic happens. This meal is all about balancing flavors to create something that’s both bold and comforting. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right ingredients, pasta can be turned into an unforgettable meal. Perfect for nights when you’re craving something with a bit of edge.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Greek Spaghetti
Sometimes, taking the road less traveled by with your pasta can lead to delicious places. This dish infuses Mediterranean flavors into spaghetti, turning it into a meal that’s both familiar and wonderfully novel. It’s a light yet satisfying way to dine, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself. The fusion of flavors here makes every bite an adventure.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Elevate your pasta game by stuffing shells not with the usual suspects, but with lean, flavorful turkey, and coating it with a verdant pesto sauce. This twist not only makes the dish more interesting but also adds a whole new layer of taste. It’s perfect for those looking to experiment with traditional recipes while keeping things scrumptious. A surefire way to bring some excitement to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Craving that restaurant-quality pasta without the desire to leave your house? We’ve got you covered with a version that rivals the one from your favorite Italian place. Creamy, hearty, and with just the right kick, this pasta dish makes any night feel like a special occasion. It’s about bringing the sophistication of dining out right to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
There’s something undeniably fun about taking a classic and giving it a supersized twist. Filling giant pasta shells with cheese turns an ordinary meal into a feast for the senses. This dish is all about indulgence and satisfaction, ensuring that you get a mouthful of cheesy goodness with every bite. It’s a fun, filling, and flavorful way to enjoy pasta in a whole new light.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells