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19 Pasta Recipes That Won’t Leave You Missing Your Favorite Italian Restaurant

Missing the authentic pasta dishes from your favorite Italian restaurant? No need to make reservations—just grab your ingredients and try 19 recipes that’ll satisfy that craving. Each dish brings the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen. Who needs to wait for a table when you can have restaurant-quality pasta in your own home? Plus, there’s no tip required.

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. 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.

One bite, and you’ll be hooked. Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort, combining soft gnocchi with tender chicken in a creamy broth. It’s rich and hearty, but still light enough for a cozy meal any day of the week. The gnocchi adds a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup base. It’s a great recipe for when you want something filling and comforting without needing to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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.

Whether it’s summer or winter, this salad fits the bill any time of year. Steak & Pasta Salad is a hearty, protein-packed dish that combines tender steak with pasta for a satisfying meal. The steak adds a rich, savory element, while the pasta gives it that perfect carb base. You can enjoy it as a full meal or as a light dinner with a side of greens. It’s perfect for when you want something a little more substantial but still fresh.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

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.

This is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole puts a new spin on the classic dish by turning it into an easy, baked casserole. This meal combines tender chicken with savory ham and melted cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying experience. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something a little more filling but without all the fuss. You get all the flavors you love in a much more convenient and hearty form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You won’t miss the heavy sauces from the restaurant with this bright and fresh option. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is the ultimate light, fresh dish that lets the ingredients shine. This recipe is perfect for when you want something simple but flavorful, letting the natural sweetness of the tomatoes speak for themselves. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

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.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s a go-to dish that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a light yet filling dish, perfect for when you’re craving something fresh and full of flavor. The shrimp adds a nice protein boost, while the Mediterranean ingredients bring a tangy, savory twist to the pasta. It’s an easy and quick recipe that feels special enough for any occasion, from lunch to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand holds a fork with Italian Pot Roast Pasta in a white bowl, topped with grated cheese and herbs.
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavorful meal, Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta is the way to go. This dish lets you set it and forget it, while the slow cooker does all the work. Tender beef, pasta, and a rich sauce come together to create a comforting dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the stress. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta

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.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you need a little extra comfort. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’ll warm you up from the inside out. This version goes beyond the classic with a creamy twist that adds richness without overpowering the flavors. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want something cozy and filling, especially on a chilly day. The noodles soak up all the creamy broth, making every spoonful comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp on a black plate.
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

The perfect balance of spice, seafood, and pasta. Cajun Pasta with Shrimp offers a spicy kick with the smoky flavors of Cajun seasoning and the sweetness of shrimp. If you’re in the mood for something with a little more heat and flavor, this recipe is the perfect choice. The pasta soaks up all the savory goodness, making every bite satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this dish brings a little taste of the bayou to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You can’t go wrong with Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese, a timeless recipe everyone loves. This creamy dish packs the perfect amount of cheesy goodness and comfort, without needing any fancy ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you crave something simple and satisfying. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or enjoy it on its own, and it’ll hit the spot every time. It’s a homemade classic you won’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whether you’re making it for a picnic or a weeknight meal, it’s an effortless option you’ll turn to again and again. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick, easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Using rotisserie chicken as the base, you can whip up a salad that’s both satisfying and packed with freshness. Perfect for a lunch or dinner that’s light yet filling, this pasta salad is a versatile dish you can customize to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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.

It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a simple, filling meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the classic sloppy joe and turns it into a casserole you can enjoy in less time. This dish is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that packs all the familiar flavors of the sandwich but in a comforting, baked form. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers, making it a practical yet tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand lifting a fork with a bite of Italian Pot Roast Pasta on a bowl.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Whether you’re using leftover roast or making it fresh, this recipe will make you feel like you’re dining at an Italian trattoria. Italian Pot Roast Pasta combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked pot roast with hearty pasta for a comforting meal that feels like a Sunday dinner. The tender beef absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, making it a satisfying dish you’ll keep coming back to. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

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.

Perfect for weeknights, and it keeps well in the fridge for leftovers. Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole brings together familiar flavors in an easy-to-make dish. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy night, comforting without being overly complicated. You can whip this up in no time and feed the whole family. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines a savory sauce, tender pasta, and flaky tuna for a satisfying meal.
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.

It’s fresh, healthy, and super simple to pull together. Salmon Pasta Salad offers a light yet filling meal that combines the richness of salmon with the comfort of pasta. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and can be served warm or cold. Perfect for meal prep, it keeps well in the fridge for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. The salmon adds a nice touch of protein, while the pasta makes it satisfying enough to fill you up.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Spaetzle

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

Easy to make and can be customized with a variety of seasonings and toppings. Spaetzle is a German-style dumpling that’s perfect for when you want something a little different from traditional pasta. These tender, chewy bites pair wonderfully with savory sauces or stews. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty stew or as a side dish, Spaetzle brings a unique texture and flavor to your meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

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.

A hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta combines savory sausage with slightly bitter broccoli rabe for a balanced, hearty meal. It’s a great choice when you want something satisfying yet not too heavy. The bitterness of the broccoli rabe cuts through the richness of the sausage, making each bite balanced and flavorful. It’s simple to prepare and packs a punch of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

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

These stuffed shells will quickly become a favorite, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto brings a new take to the classic stuffed shells, using lean turkey and a burst of fresh pesto for flavor. It’s a filling dish that feels light yet satisfying, and the pesto adds a fresh, herby note to balance everything out. It’s great for a dinner that feels special but doesn’t take hours to make.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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

A no-fuss dinner that still feels special. Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a simple, fresh dish that lets the ingredients shine. The ricotta adds a creamy element without being too heavy, while the tomatoes provide a burst of flavor. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something light but still filling. Quick to make, this dish can be enjoyed any night of the week and pairs perfectly with a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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

It’s great for feeding a crowd, and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells is a hearty, filling dish that’s perfect for when you’re craving comfort food. The oversized pasta shells are packed with creamy cheese and a rich filling that melts in your mouth. You won’t miss the restaurant version with how simple yet satisfying this homemade recipe is. Serve it up with a side salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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