Emilee Unterkoefler
Pull out those comfy pants, people! Jeans just won’t cut it after you indulge in any of these 10 comforting pasta recipes. From rich butternut alfredo sauce to palate-pleasing pesto, there’s plenty to go around!
Whether it’s a bubbly hot casserole you love or an herb-infused pesto dish that makes your taste buds sing, we’ve got ’em. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunches the rest of the week!
Table of Contents
Swedish Meatballs with Pasta
Swedish Meatballs is one of those classic dishes that’s long gone before leftovers, so be sure to make extras. The rich beef gravy doused over your pasta (or noodles) combined with homemade meatballs makes this a memorable meal.
For a veggie addition, throw in sauteed baby bellas! Be sure to serve this with warm crusty bread, too, so you have something to scrape up the extra sauce.
Get the Recipe: Damn Delicious
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Chicken alfredo is one of those special meals the entire family will adore. The rich buttery flavor of alfredo sauce clings just right to pasta, and the chicken adds exactly the right touch of heartiness.
After making that lovely cream-based sauce, you’ll mix in cooked pasta and cubed (cooked) chicken breast, and voila. Enjoy each gratifying mouthful, and don’t sweat the extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Dinner at the Zoo
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Hello Taco Tuesday! We found a pasta version that goes well with all the taco fixings you love. The ground beef combined with gooey cheddar cheese and salsa work flawlessly with shell pasta in this one-of-a-kind meal.
If you are craving the crispy crunch of hard-shelled tacos, be sure to finish this dish with Fritos or tortilla strips on top. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Dinner then Dessert
Butternut Squash Alfredo with Cavatappi
This subtly sweet and rich butternut squash sauce is to die for! Filled with fresh flavors of sage leaves, nutty parmesan, and just a touch of Dijon, this sauce delivers delicious results.
The bacon and tenderly shredded chicken really take this fancy dish to the next level! So, be sure to click print; this is a recipe you don’t want to skip.
Get the Recipe: Damn Delicious
Baked Penne with Sausage and Spinach
Here’s a recipe you’ll love to make time and again. Garlic-covered sausage and spinach coated in a fresh marinara sauce, low-carb rigatoni, and a ricotta cheese concoction are all layered just right.
It’s comforting, healthy, and easy to prep ahead of time then bake later. Plus, it freezes well, so you can double up and enjoy the same dish next month.
Get the Recipe: Skinny Taste
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
If you follow any food blogs on Pinterest, then your eyes may have already gazed upon this Million Dollar spaghetti recipe! While there are plenty of versions for this saucy spaghetti casserole, we love Sabrina’s from Dinner then Dessert because it’s freezer friendly.
In this recipe, you’ll whip up a quick meaty marinara then toss it in with the spaghetti. From there, you’ll layer up with a cream cheese and mozzarella combo. After baking for 30 minutes, you’ll have before you a bubbly hot casserole the entire family will devour.
Get the Recipe: Dinner then Dessert
Penne Alla Vodka
Vodka sauce is a silky smooth combination of tomato paste, cream, and vodka that clings perfectly to penne and other pastas. Many recipes use additional aromatics like onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil, and you can add crushed tomatoes for a heartier bite! Enjoy this easy recipe with a side salad and a glass of vino.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Lavender
Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both easy to make and quick to vanish. An authentic carbonara dish uses guanciale or pancetta, but you’ll find most American versions (like this one) uses bacon.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure you don’t overcook (or scramble) the eggs. Once finished, the spaghetti should be completely coated with a rich and flavorful sauce you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Dinner at the Zoo
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This recipe takes little to no effort, according to Well Plated by Erin. It takes advantage of freezer shortcuts, quick-cooking shrimp, and simple ingredients like lemon zest, shallots, and garlic for flavor.
After tossing everything together, you’ll have a new favorite weeknight meal to make any time.
Get the Recipe: Well Plated by Erin
Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
Pesto has a way of maximizing flavor and bringing so many dishes to life. The basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and EVOO work without flaw to create an incredibly fresh and flavorsome sauce.
Just add roasted grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal packed with Mediterranean flavors that are just yum!
Get the Recipe: The Mediterranean Dish
Pasta always hits the spot and then some. Next time you’re craving some penne, or you just need to make a dish large enough to feed your army, serve up one of these yummy dishes. And don’t forget to pair it with a much-deserved glass of wine.
