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15 Shortcuts to Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home

Making pasta at home is excellent, but it can often feel like a second job. You’ll be excited to learn there are tricks to transforming your pasta cooking game. Whether getting that perfect al dente texture or crafting sauce like a pro, these shortcuts will have people thinking you’ve been taking lessons from an Italian chef. Skip the reservations; create the kind of pasta that makes your kitchen table the hottest spot in town. Your friends and family won’t just eat; they’ll become your biggest fans and request your pasta at gatherings. Get ready for endless praise without endless effort.

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

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.

Nothing brings comfort like Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese, a dish that’s hard to beat. Think of creamy cheese clinging to tender pasta, creating the ultimate comfort food. It’s straightforward yet incredibly fulfilling, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The gooey cheese sauce paired with perfectly cooked macaroni is irresistible. Achieving that golden, crispy top crust will surely impress anyone.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

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.

Bringing nostalgia to your kitchen, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Combining tender tuna, perfectly cooked noodles, and a creamy sauce, it’s a filling and enjoyable dish. The crunchy topping adds a lovely contrast to the soft, comforting base. This casserole is great for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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

Experience a balance of freshness and richness with Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. The creamy ricotta melds beautifully with the vibrant tomatoes, creating a harmonious dish. It’s a light and flavorful option perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, it’s a fantastic way to mix up your pasta routine. Friends and family will love the refreshing change this dish brings.
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.

Creamy Spinach Orzo is a fantastic way to incorporate greens into a comforting meal. The spinach adds color and nutrition, blending seamlessly into the creamy orzo. It’s a dish that feels hearty yet not too heavy, ideal for any season. Quick to prepare, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. This flavorful recipe will surely become a staple in your home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Baked Feta Pasta

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

Impress everyone with Baked Feta Pasta, an easy yet incredibly flavorful dish. When baked, the feta cheese turns into a creamy delight, while the tomatoes burst with juiciness. Stirring them together creates a rich sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Minimal effort for maximum flavor, making it perfect for a dinner party. Even the pickiest eaters will appreciate this delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Packed with tender chicken pieces and pillowy gnocchi, this soup is hearty and enjoyable. The creamy broth ties everything together, making each spoonful delicious. It’s a fantastic option for cold days or for comfort food. Everyone will relish this comforting and flavorful soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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.

Bring bold flavors to the table with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. The spicy sausage pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter broccoli rabe, creating a delicious contrast. This dish is hearty and filling without being too heavy. Perfect for a lovely dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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.

Enjoy a flavorful twist with Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. The turkey filling is light yet lovely, perfectly complemented by the aromatic pesto. These stuffed shells are a fun mix of textures and flavors. They’re great for a special dinner or a fresh take on your weeknight pasta. This recipe will surely become a requested dish for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining two favorites, Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs is a surefire hit. The tender tortellini pairs perfectly with the hearty meatballs, creating a delicious meal. The rich sauce brings everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for a dinner that impresses without much fuss. This combo will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Pasta e Fagioli Soup offers a comforting blend of pasta and beans in a spicy broth. Each bite is an adorable mix of textures and flavors. It’s a nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a nourishing lunch, this soup is destined to be a household staple.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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

Satisfy your cheesy cravings with Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Each shell is generously filled with a delicious cheese mixture that melts in your mouth. Baked to perfection, they’re gooey inside with a perfect golden crust outside. Great for entertaining or a special family meal, this recipe is an absolute hit for cheese lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Greek Spaghetti

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

Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors with Greek Spaghetti. This vibrant dish combines classic spaghetti with fresh ingredients, bringing a taste of Greece to your table. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for shaking up your pasta routine with something refreshing. Your guests will appreciate the delicious and unexpected twist.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

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 refreshing and rich combination of Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. The soft gnocchi pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and nutty Parmesan, creating a lovely balance. It’s light yet heartwarming, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. This dish is quick to prepare for a weeknight dinner or special meal. Everyone will love the bright flavors in this dish.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

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.

Embrace simplicity with Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes, this dish is both vibrant and flavorful. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes makes it a hit for any pasta lover. Easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. This recipe shows how simple ingredients can create a fantastic meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

Impress your guests with Million Dollar Spaghetti, a rich and hearty pasta dish. With layers of pasta, sauce, and creamy mixtures, every bite feels indulgent. It’s perfect for those special occasions when you want to make a statement. Easy to prepare yet profoundly delicious, it will become a family favorite. This dish takes pasta night to an entirely new level.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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