Perfecting pasta feels like a rite of passage for any home cook, and there’s no better guide than Nonna’s time-tested recipes. Each recipe has tips to make cooking a breeze and impress even those who claim they’ve had the best spaghetti. These dishes bring a sense of tradition, marrying hearty flavors with approachable steps. Whether prepping for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, you can count on these meals to steal the spotlight. The recipes cover a range of sauces and styles, ensuring variety and excitement in your meal planning.
Greek Spaghetti
Combining fresh vegetables and feta cheese, Greek Spaghetti brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. This dish includes black olives, cherry tomatoes, and spinach mixed with al dente pasta. Tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce, it offers a healthy and vibrant meal option. You’ll appreciate how quickly and easily it comes together for weekday dinners. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to perk up their pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Tortellini Soup with Sausage
If you need a warming and hearty meal, Tortellini Soup with Sausage guarantees satisfaction. Italian sausage adds depth to the rich broth, while cheese-filled tortellini provides a comforting bite. Vegetables like spinach and carrots enrich the soup and make it nutritious. Ideal for colder months, this soup can be made in one pot and served to a hungry crowd. It’s a perfect go-to when you want a hearty, one-dish meal.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Smoked Shotgun Shells
Unconventional yet irresistible, Smoked Shotgun Shells redefine stuffed pasta. Using manicotti shells filled with seasoned ground beef and wrapped in bacon, this dish gets a smoky flavor from the grill. A BBQ glaze brushed on top makes it extraordinary. Whether hosting a barbecue or just craving something new, this recipe adds flair to your cooking repertoire. Your friends and family are sure to be impressed.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells
Spaetzle
Originating from Germany, Spaetzle are small, eggy dumplings that pair perfectly with various dishes. Easy to make, they only require basic ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk. Once boiled, they can be sautéed in butter and topped with herbs for extra flavor. They are versatile enough to serve as a side or a main dish. Exploring new textures and tastes, this recipe enriches your meal options.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Nostalgia takes center stage with Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Combining egg noodles, canned tuna, and a creamy sauce, it’s a straightforward, fulfilling meal. The golden breadcrumb topping introduces an enjoyable crunch. This budget-friendly dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or weekly meal prep. A touch of peas and carrots makes it even more wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Highlighting fresh ingredients, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce celebrates simplicity and flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness and are complemented by garlic and basil. The light sauce perfectly coats every strand of pasta. Quick to make, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a romantic meal at home. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for the finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Putting a creamy spin on classic comfort food, Chicken Gnocchi Soup marries tender chicken with soft, pillowy gnocchi. The thick broth is enriched with spinach, carrots, and celery. This filling soup can be served as a starter or a main course. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with some crusty bread for an even heartier meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Baked Feta Pasta
Social media sensation Baked Feta Pasta lives up to the hype with its rich and tangy flavors. A block of feta cheese bakes alongside cherry tomatoes until it becomes a creamy sauce. It’s a simple yet impactful dish mixed with pasta and fresh herbs. With minimal ingredients but maximum taste, it’s a winner for any occasion. Quick preparation makes it ideal for a last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Combining elements of French cuisine, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers a sophisticated yet easy meal. Layers of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese are baked to perfection with a creamy sauce. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture and flavor. Perfect for a family gathering or special dinner, every bite delivers a taste of comfort and elegance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
A creamy delight, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes merges the smooth texture of ricotta with the vibrant taste of tomatoes. Fresh basil and garlic add layers of flavor to this simple yet enjoyable dish. It can be prepared quickly, making it ideal for a midweek meal. The light but rich sauce clings to every strand of pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful. It is an excellent choice for when you want both simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto combine spicy ground turkey with a bright, aromatic pesto sauce. Large pasta shells are filled and baked to golden perfection. The rich flavors of turkey and cheese contrast beautifully with the fresh pesto. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it great for entertaining guests. It is also make-ahead friendly, simplifying hosting duties.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe pasta brings together robust flavors. It offers a pleasurable mix of spicy sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. Garlic and chili flakes enhance the overall taste. The dish is hearty and balanced, providing a complete meal in one. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a comfort food option with a bit of a kick.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Taking a classic sandwich to a new level, Sloppy Joe Casserole combines ground beef, tangy sauce, and pasta. Layers of cheese make it extra indulgent. Easy to prepare and serve, it’s a family-friendly meal that children and adults alike will adore. Perfect for busy weeknights. This casserole encapsulates the comforting flavor of Sloppy Joes in a new and exciting format.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Creamy Spinach Orzo
Creamy Spinach Orzo is an exceptional side dish or main course offering a velvety texture. Spinach adds a nutritional boost and a rich green color. Parmesan cheese and heavy cream make the dish luxuriously creamy. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various proteins or can stand alone.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo
Pastitsio
Traditional Greek flavors are the centerpiece of Pastitsio, a baked pasta dish layered with ground meat, tomatoes, and béchamel sauce. Similar to lasagna but with a unique spice profile, it features hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd and reheats beautifully. The layers meld together in the oven, creating a rich and complex flavor. Served with a simple salad, it makes a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio