When it comes to comfort food, few things can rival the allure of pasta. Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or filled with fresh vegetables, pasta has a recipe to suit every taste. Today, we bring you a collection of 44 pasta recipes for dinner that are guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and inspire your culinary creativity. From classic Italian dishes to innovative new takes, these pasta recipes will add a new dimension to your dinner plans.
So grab a fork and get ready to dive into a world of delightful pasta dishes!
Top 44+ Delicious Pasta Recipes for Dinner To Make A Difference On The Table
Some of our favourite pasta recipes to make a spice up the table include;
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Start your journey with a simple yet flavorful dish. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is made with just garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, creating a light yet satisfying pasta experience. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to elevate the flavors.
2. Classic Carbonara
No list of pasta recipes for dinner would be complete without the classic Carbonara. Made with eggs, pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper, this Roman dish is creamy, savory, and downright delicious. The key to a great Carbonara is to toss the hot pasta with the egg mixture quickly to create a silky sauce.
3. Pesto Penne
Basil pesto brings a vibrant, herby flavor to this penne dish. Toss the pasta with homemade pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella for a delightful, summery meal. The combination of nuts, cheese, and basil makes it one of the most refreshing pasta recipes for dinner.
4. Baked Ziti
For a comforting, cheesy delight, baked ziti is an excellent choice. Layers of pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are baked to perfection, creating a golden crust and a gooey interior. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
5. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Transport yourself to Italy with a creamy Tuscan chicken pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce with fettuccine or your favorite pasta. The balance of flavors makes this one of the more indulgent pasta recipes for dinner.
6. Seafood Linguine
Seafood lovers, rejoice! This linguine dish is loaded with shrimp, mussels, and clams, all tossed in a garlic white wine sauce. The fresh flavors of the sea come together beautifully in this light yet satisfying dish, making it a perfect pasta recipe for dinner on a warm evening.
7. Rigatoni alla Norma
Rigatoni alla Norma is a Sicilian classic made with eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata. The combination of tender eggplant and tangy tomato sauce with the firm texture of rigatoni makes this dish irresistible. This recipe offers a hearty, vegetarian option among pasta recipes for dinner.
8. Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
Mushrooms take center stage in this comforting stroganoff pasta. This recipe swaps beef for a variety of mushrooms, creating a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with wide egg noodles or pappardelle. It’s one of those pasta recipes for dinner that brings warmth and coziness to your table.
9. Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Light, creamy, and tangy, lemon ricotta pasta is an excellent choice for a refreshing dinner. The combination of ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley creates a delightful, zesty flavor that’s perfect for spring or summer meals.
10. Sausage and Kale Orecchiette
If you’re looking for a balanced meal that combines protein and greens, try sausage and kale orecchiette. The small, ear-shaped pasta cradles the savory sausage and slightly bitter kale perfectly, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat.
11. Vegan Alfredo with Cashew Sauce
A creamy pasta dish without the dairy? Yes, please! This vegan Alfredo uses a rich cashew sauce, blended with garlic and nutritional yeast, to mimic the creamy texture of traditional Alfredo. Toss it with fettuccine and steamed broccoli for a guilt-free, delicious dinner.
12. Linguine with Clam Sauce
Linguine with clam sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that combines fresh clams with garlic, white wine, and a touch of butter. The delicate flavor of the clams complements the linguine perfectly, making this dish a must-try among seafood pasta recipes for dinner.
13. Chicken Alfredo Bake
For those who love creamy pasta bakes, this chicken Alfredo bake is a winner. Layer fettuccine with a rich Alfredo sauce, cooked chicken, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s one of the most comforting pasta recipes for dinner you can make.
14. Spicy Arrabbiata Penne
Arrabbiata, which means “angry” in Italian, is a spicy tomato sauce that will add some heat to your dinner. Made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes, this sauce is fiery and full of flavor. Toss it with penne for a quick, satisfying meal.
15. Pumpkin Sage Ravioli
Pumpkin and sage create a wonderful flavor combination in this ravioli dish. The creamy pumpkin filling, combined with a buttery sage sauce, offers a cozy and comforting meal. It’s a unique take among pasta recipes for dinner that is perfect for fall.
16. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Shrimp scampi is a delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a hint of white wine. Tossed with linguine, this light and refreshing pasta dish is perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
17. Four-Cheese Lasagna
Indulge in layers of gooey cheese with this four-cheese lasagna. Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone melt together to create a cheesy heaven. Combined with a rich marinara sauce and layers of lasagna noodles, this dish is an unforgettable addition to your pasta recipes for dinner repertoire.
18. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a celebration of fresh vegetables. This dish features a variety of seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and peas, all tossed with your favorite pasta in a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
19. Cacio e Pepe
A minimalist’s dream, Cacio e Pepe is made with just pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The heat of the pasta melts the cheese, creating a creamy sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti. It’s a simple yet delicious addition to your pasta recipes for dinner collection.
20. Beef Ragu Pappardelle
Slow-cooked beef ragu is a robust and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with wide pappardelle noodles. Simmered with tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic herbs, the beef becomes tender and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in.
21. Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Inspired by the popular dip, this spinach and artichoke pasta is creamy and comforting. It combines sautéed spinach, artichokes, and a luscious cream sauce with your favorite pasta for a unique twist among pasta recipes for dinner.
22. Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce
While technically not pasta, gnocchi are potato dumplings that are too delicious to leave out. This recipe pairs gnocchi with a simple brown butter sage sauce that highlights the rich flavor of the dumplings.
23. Vegan Puttanesca
A twist on the traditional puttanesca, this vegan version is made with capers, olives, tomatoes, and chili flakes, providing a burst of Mediterranean flavors. It’s a quick and easy addition to your vegan pasta recipes for dinner.
24. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
For a classic combination, try chicken and broccoli Alfredo. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli create a balanced meal that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
25. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This roasted red pepper pasta sauce is smoky, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious. Blended with garlic, onion, and a touch of cream, this sauce is perfect for penne or rigatoni, adding a unique flavor profile to your pasta recipes for dinner.
26. Creamy Goat Cheese and Tomato Pasta
Goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy twist to a traditional tomato pasta. This dish is quick to prepare, with a sauce made from goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
27. Pasta alla Vodka
A creamy tomato sauce with a hint of vodka makes this dish stand out. The vodka helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a velvety texture that clings beautifully to penne or rigatoni. It’s one of those pasta recipes for dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward to make.
28. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
For a spicy kick, try this creamy Cajun chicken pasta. With blackened chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a Cajun-spiced cream sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to impress.
29. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
A twist on the classic, this mac and cheese uses butternut squash to create a creamy, slightly sweet sauce that is perfect with elbow macaroni. It’s a healthy, delicious alternative to traditional pasta recipes for dinner.
30. Spinach Pesto Ravioli
Ravioli filled with ric
otta and spinach are coated in a vibrant spinach pesto sauce. The combination of fresh greens and creamy cheese makes this a refreshing and delicious pasta recipe for dinner.
31. Shrimp Fra Diavolo
A spicy seafood pasta, shrimp fra diavolo features shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. Tossed with spaghetti or linguine, this dish packs a flavorful punch and is a great way to spice up your pasta recipes for dinner.
32. Baked Feta Pasta
Made famous by TikTok, baked feta pasta combines feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, baked until bubbly and then tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that adds a modern twist to pasta recipes for dinner.
33. Eggplant Parmesan Pasta
Combine two Italian classics into one with this eggplant Parmesan pasta. Breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and spaghetti are layered and baked with mozzarella cheese for a comforting, hearty meal.
34. Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
Creamy Alfredo sauce meets succulent garlic shrimp in this decadent dish. Perfect for a special occasion, this pasta recipe for dinner is sure to wow your guests.
35. Sicilian Anchovy Pasta
Anchovies, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes create a deeply flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti. It’s a traditional dish from Sicily that showcases the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
36. Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Orecchiette
The slight bitterness of broccoli rabe contrasts with the savory sausage in this orecchiette dish. Add garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a delicious, balanced meal.
37. Pasta alla Gricia
One of the four classic Roman pastas, pasta alla Gricia combines guanciale (Italian cured pork), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful addition to your pasta recipes for dinner.
38. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
This vegetarian lasagna features layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, ricotta, and marinara sauce. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that makes a great centerpiece for a family meal.
39. Fettuccine with Truffle Oil
Elevate your dinner with fettuccine tossed in a light truffle oil sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs. This dish is simple yet luxurious, perfect for a special night in.
40. Spaghetti with Anchovy and Breadcrumbs
Anchovies, garlic, and toasted breadcrumbs create a unique, flavorful topping for spaghetti. This Sicilian dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can make one of the most delicious pasta recipes for dinner.
41. Gorgonzola and Walnut Pasta
A creamy Gorgonzola sauce with toasted walnuts adds a rich, nutty flavor to your pasta. This dish is perfect for blue cheese lovers and makes a bold statement at the dinner table.
42. Thai Peanut Noodles
Take a trip to Asia with Thai peanut noodles. This dish combines spaghetti with a creamy peanut sauce, fresh vegetables, and a hint of lime, offering a unique twist on pasta recipes for dinner.
43. Pasta with Braised Lamb Ragu
Braised lamb ragu is slow-cooked to perfection, creating a rich, tender sauce that pairs wonderfully with wide pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner.
44. Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. This dish is both comforting and flavorful, making it a great option among pasta recipes for dinner.
With these 44 pasta recipes for dinner, you now have a world of options to explore. Whether you’re a fan of creamy sauces, hearty bakes, or fresh and zesty flavors, there’s something on this list for every palate. So, fire up your stove, grab your favorite pasta, and get ready to enjoy some of the most delicious dinners you’ve ever had! Bon appétit!
Conclusion
Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort, joy, and endless variety to your dinner table. From the rich and indulgent flavors of a classic Carbonara to the light and refreshing taste of lemon ricotta pasta, these 44 pasta recipes for dinner showcase just how versatile and delightful pasta can be.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, these recipes provide a mix of quick, easy meals and more elaborate dishes to suit any occasion. So, embrace the wonderful world of pasta, try out these recipes, and discover new favorites that will undoubtedly become staples in your mealtime routine. With a pantry full of possibilities, dinner will never be boring again!
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