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17 Pasta Dishes That Eat Like a Full Meal

Craving a meal that gets you from post-lunch hunger to pre-sleep satisfaction? These pasta creations are designed to make you look like a kitchen whiz while being straightforward. Transitioning into shorter days and cooler evenings, a bowl of hearty pasta uniquely makes you feel at home. Whether a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, these meals are a breeze, offering dinnertime satisfaction without the gourmet fuss. Consider these dishes a secret weapon when you want full flavors fast for those weeknights. So, break out those pasta pots and prepare for a season full of simple yet fulfilling dishes.

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

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

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

Embrace fall flavors with Cajun Pasta with Shrimp, a dish that’s as warming as it is hearty. With bold spices and tender shrimp, every bite brings pampering goodness. This pasta dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when a lighter meal won’t do. Easy to prepare but loaded with flavor, it’s equally great for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Enjoy a meal that turns a regular night into a memorable occasion.
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.

Cozy up to a classic fall favorite with Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Rich, creamy cheese envelops every noodle, hitting all the right notes for comfort food lovers. This timeless dish is perfect for family dinners, providing a straightforward yet wholesome meal. The gooey texture and familiar taste make it a crowd-pleaser and easy to whip up any day of the week. Plunge into this warm, filling bowl that stands the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keep warm this fall with a hearty helping of Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This Italian staple combines pasta, beans, and a rich broth, creating a full-bodied meal in a bowl. It is ideal for meal prepping or a cozy night in and delivers both convenience and complex flavors. The medley of ingredients ensures each spoonful is bursting with nutrients. Comforting and nutritious, it’s a go-to dish for the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole brings nostalgia to the dinner table with its creamy, lovely layers. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday meal, this dish is simple yet delicious. The tender noodles and tasty tuna create a filling meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Enjoy a dish that warms the heart and the belly, making it an excellent choice for fall evenings. Effortless and fulfilling, it’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a twist to your pasta night with Greek Spaghetti, a dish packed with robust flavors from the Mediterranean. Perfect for breaking the monotony of traditional pasta dishes, it offers layers of taste that are refreshing yet hearty. This meal can be assembled quickly, making it ideal for those busy fall evenings. Combining ingredients brings a well-rounded meal to your table, making you happy. Enjoy this lovely dish as a welcome change.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

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.

Enjoy the comfort and elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, which marries tender chicken, ham, and pasta in one dish. The creamy sauce ties it all together, making it a luxurious option for fall menus. It is perfect for entertaining or a lavish family meal, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor and richness. It’s a modern twist on a classic that comes together with ease and sophistication. Make any meal special with this hearty casserole.
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.

Keep it light yet fulfilling with Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. This dish celebrates the simplicity of fresh ingredients but provides the warmth and satisfaction required as the weather cools. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something wholesome without much fuss. The fresh tomatoes burst with flavor, making this dish a go-to for a fresh yet hearty meal. Simple, delicious, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience a fun twist with Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce, blending soft, pillowy gnocchi with a tangy, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for fall, offering a light but fulfilling meal option. The unique flavor combination stands out, making it a refreshing change from the usual pasta fare. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for any busy schedule. Enjoy a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

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.

Warm up from the inside with Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for crisp fall days. This soup blends tender chicken, noodles, and a creamy broth, offering nutrition and comfort. Ideal for meal prepping or a quick dinner, it’s both filling and soothing. The combination of textures and flavors makes each spoonful a delight. Relish a classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

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.

Shake up your weeknight dinners with Sloppy Joe Casserole, bringing the beloved flavors of a sandwich into a hearty, comforting dish. This casserole is perfect for cooler evenings when you need warming and filling. It’s easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, providing all the familiarity of the original Sloppy Joe in a new form. Great for family dinners, it combines convenience with taste—a surefire way to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Baked Feta Pasta

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

Upgrade your pasta game with Baked Feta Pasta, combining the richness of baked feta with the simplicity of pasta. This dish is perfect for busy fall nights when you need something quick yet indulgent. The baked feta brings a new texture and depth of flavor, turning a simple meal into something special. It’s easy to prepare but looks and tastes gourmet. Enjoy a meal that’s both straightforward and wildly flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

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.

Experience restaurant-quality dining at home with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This dish combines rigatoni pasta with a creamy vodka sauce, offering a rich, lovely meal perfect for the fall season. It is ideal for date nights or an impressive family dinner and combines simplicity with sophistication. The creamy sauce clings to every rigatoni, ensuring each bite is delicious. Bring a touch of Italian flair to your table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Feel like royalty with Million Dollar Spaghetti, a dish that layers pasta, cheese, and sauce for a luxurious meal. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd on those chilly fall evenings. The blend of flavors and textures creates a dining experience that’s both filling and memorable. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, it truly lives up to its name. Get ready for a dinner that’s worth every bite.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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

Discover the simplicity and richness of Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. This dish combines creamy ricotta with fresh tomatoes for a light yet fulfilling meal. Perfect for busy fall evenings, it comes together in no time yet offers considerable satisfaction. The blend of fresh and creamy elements makes it a hit for kids and adults. Enjoy a comforting pasta dish that doesn’t overcomplicate things.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Liven up your fall dinners with Creamy Spinach Orzo, a nutritious and comforting dish. Combining orzo pasta with a creamy spinach sauce offers a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. This meal is easy to prepare and feels like a special treat. Ideal for busy evenings, it brings both convenience and delectable taste. It’s like a warm hug on a crisp fall night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Tortellini Soup with Sausage in a white bowl.
Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cozy up with Tortellini Soup with Sausage, offering a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for fall. Combining cheese-stuffed tortellini with tasty sausage, each spoonful is a delicious delight. This soup is easy to prepare but feels like an actual labor of love, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It’s a meal offering all the warmth and comfort you need this season. Experience a soup that’s as lovely as it is simple.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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

Indulge your love for cheesy goodness with Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells, a dish where every bite is heavenly. This pasta is perfect for fall gatherings, combining giant shells filled with gooey cheese and a robust sauce. It’s a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s guaranteed to impress, whether for a casual family dinner or a more formal affair. Treat yourself to some wholesome comfort.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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