45 Pasta Recipes for Nearly Every Pasta Shape

Baked Ziti

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Ziti, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, ricotta, mozzarella
Level: Beginner

For the best nutty flavor, grate your own Parmesan when making this spectacular baked ziti, which is also full of mozzarella, ricotta and hearty ground beef. To make a vegetarian version, skip the beef and stir in sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers and zucchini.

“I enjoy making this dish for family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. For example, sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables.” —Recipe contributor Elaine Anderson, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mostaccioli, ricotta, ground beef, pasta sauce with meat, meatballs
Level: Beginner

Are you ever torn between making baked pasta or spaghetti and meatballs? You don’t have to choose with this show-stopping meaty mostaccioli, which also has three types of tasty Italian cheeses. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a sweet, peppery topping.

“When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Orecchiette, Italian sausage, portobello mushrooms, Swiss chard
Level: Beginner

Orecchiette is a small ear-shaped pasta that’s traditionally served with sausage and bitter greens. This robust version mixes the pasta with leafy chard, rich Italian sausage and earthy portobello mushrooms.

“I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture.” —Recipe contributor Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Quick Fettuccine Alfredo

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fettuccine, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, Romano, egg
Level: Beginner

There are plenty of jarred Alfredo sauce recipes, but this simple dish shows you how easy it is to make from scratch. Add chicken breasts, vegetables or seafood to the plate for protein and color. A dash of nutmeg adds a subtle hint of warm spice that brings the whole sauce together.

“This simple fettuccine Alfredo recipe combines heavy whipping cream Parmesan and Romano cheese or a creamy, cheesy sauce that’ll come together in minutes.” —Recipe contributor Jo Gray, Park City, Montana

Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated tortellini, Italian sausage, pasta sauce, mascarpone
Level: Beginner

The trick to making a thick, decadent cream sauce in mere minutes is mascarpone cheese, the dreamy Italian cheese that also stars in tiramisu. The recipe calls for cheese tortellini, but you can always use a meat-filled version if that’s what you prefer.

“When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don’t have a lot of time to cook, this dish is a lifesaver. It’s fast and yummy and starts with a premade jarred sauce. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order.” —Recipe contributor Gerry Vance, Millbrae, California

Garlic Spaghetti

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, garlic, parsley, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

Since this satisfying garlicky spaghetti has so few ingredients, use the best olive oil you can get your hands on to give the sauce a bright fruity flavor. If you’re like us and believe there’s no such thing as too much garlic, check out these other recipes for garlic lovers.

“I make this family-favorite garlic spaghetti—or spaghetti aglio e olio—at least a couple of times a month. It’s wonderful with a salad and fresh Italian bread. Add red pepper flakes to give it a bit of heat or finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.” —Recipe contributor Jackie Messina, Chardon, Ohio

Spicy Chicken and Tomato Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken broth, tomato sauce, chicken breasts, pasta
Level: Beginner

If spicy foods aren’t your thing, take out the cayenne pepper; if you could always go spicier, add a tablespoon of hot chili sauce. The dollop of sour cream on top will help calm the heat.

“I serve this zippy chicken with plenty of sour cream and full glasses of milk to calm the bite. It’s a super way to stay toasty on blustery autumn days. — Donna Michaelis, Madison, Wisconsin

Cajun Chicken & Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cajun seasoning, penne, sweet peppers, mushrooms, heavy cream
Level: Beginner

Peppery Cajun seasoning adds a tasty kick to this robust chicken pasta, which is also fantastic with Andouille sausage. Make your own homemade Cajun seasoning exactly to your tastes, and store it in an airtight jar.

“This kicked-up pasta dish is a family favorite and my most-requested recipe. It’s easy to adapt too. Substitute shrimp for the chicken, add your favorite veggies and adjust the spice level to your family’s taste—you can’t go wrong!” —Recipe contributor Dolly Kragel, Sloan, Iowa

Vegetable Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, summer squash, zucchini, vegetable broth, lasagna noodles, egg, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

Simmering vegetables in a simple homemade tomato sauce takes this golden brown lasagna to the next level. Turn it into an even cheesier (and time-saving) ravioli lasagna by using store-bought ravioli instead of lasagna noodles.

“I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It’s absolutely packed with veggies.” —Recipe contributor Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas

Shrimp Pasta Primavera

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Angel hair, jumbo shrimp, asparagus, mushrooms
Level: Beginner

This light and lively shrimp spaghetti comes together in just 15 minutes, and is one of our favorite seafood recipes. If you can’t find angel hair at the grocery store, opt for capellini, which is just slightly thicker than angel hair.

“They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So when I invite that special guy to dinner, I like to prepare something equally wonderful. This well-seasoned pasta dish has lots of flavor, and it won’t hurt your budget!” —Recipe contributor Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, ground beef, pasta sauce, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate

When you don’t have time to prep a full tray of lasagna, these four-ingredient roll-ups are a breeze. To get the noodles pliable enough to roll, you’ll need to boil them first.

“My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mostaccioli, bacon, mushrooms, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

Earthy mushrooms add a satisfying umami kick to this creamy twist on carbonara. This recipe calls for jarred mushrooms, but feel free to swap in your favorite type of mushroom from the store. You can also use pancetta, which is a more authentic type of bacon used in carbonara.

“I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal.” —Recipe contributor Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated fettuccine, mushrooms, baby spinach, Alfredo sauce, prosciutto
Level: Beginner

Refrigerated fresh noodles from the supermarket instantly upgrade this creamy pasta dish. Whether you go with jarred Alfredo sauce or make homemade alfredo, you really can’t go wrong. Swap in chopped bacon if you don’t have prosciutto on hand, and enjoy the touch of smokiness.

“I’m always looking for dinners that I can put together quickly. I re-created a favorite pasta dish from an Italian restaurant by using grocery store convenience products. Add crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal.” —Recipe contributor Christine Ward, Austin, Texas

Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Basil, lemon, spaghetti, shrimp, asparagus
Level: Beginner

This green, herby spaghetti is also delicious when made with gluten-free pasta or spaghetti squash. The meal is dairy-free as is, but if you don’t have an issue with dairy, we won’t stop you from adding freshly grated Parmesan.

“Fresh basil and dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively shrimp pesto pasta.” —Recipe contributor Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia

Favorite Baked Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, pasta sauce, cottage cheese
Level: Intermediate

Give this comforting baked pasta a punchy puttanesca flare by cooking a tablespoon of minced garlic with the ground beef mixture. Once the meat is browned, add rinsed and drained capers, one cup coarsely chopped black olives, three finely chopped anchovy fillets and a dash of red pepper flakes.

“This is my grandchildren’s most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months.” —Recipe contributor Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland

Sausage-Stuffed Shells

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Italian sausage, tomato sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, egg, pasta shells
Level: Intermediate

Cottage cheese adds so much creaminess (and lots of protein!) to these irresistible stuffed shells with Italian sausage. To make the pasta even more decadent, use full-fat ricotta.

“I wanted to make manicotti one day but was out of the noodles. So I came up with this recipe, using jumbo shells instead. They were much easier to work with.” —Recipe contributor Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

Shrimp Alfredo

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fettuccine, butter, heavy cream, shrimp, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

When it comes to pairing pasta with sauce, thick fettuccine is the perfect match for soaking up creamy Alfredo. Other wide pastas like pappardelle and tagliatelle also make great substitutes.

“Instead of buying a jar of sauce, make it from scratch for this easy shrimp Alfredo recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Best Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, ground beef, crushed tomatoes, egg, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

If you have one showstopping dinner party recipe in your repertoire, let it be this gorgeous lasagna. Round out your spread with garlic bread and a simple side salad.

“Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can’t go wrong with this deliciously rich and meaty lasagna. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too.” —Recipe contributor Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

Zucchini Tomato Pasta

Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Onions, tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, pasta
Level: Beginner

Zucchini is one of those ingredients that blends seamlessly into so many kinds of recipes, from baked goods to raw salads. This garden-fresh pasta sauce is wonderfully chunky, so use a larger pasta shape that can stand up to its thickness, like rigatoni.

“I came up with this recipe after planting too many zucchini plants in our vegetable garden. My husband loved it the first time I served it and now we make it quite often.” —Recipe contributor Joy Turner, Amherst, Ohio

Turkey Sausage with Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey sausage, green pepper, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, spiral pasta, mozzarella
Level: Beginner

This robust spiral pasta with turkey sausage and veggies is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner for the whole family. For a more elegant topping, use creamy burrata cheese instead of shredded mozzarella.

“If you’re looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You’ll be craving what’s good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu.” —Recipe contributor Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

Shrimp Marinara

Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Diced tomatoes, uncooked shrimp, spaghetti, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

Rich marinara sauce is cooked low and slow before succulent fresh shrimp joins the mix. Feel free to use canned marinara sauce if you’d like to cut the cooking time in half.

“Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtime, toss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up.” —Recipe contributor Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin

Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, shrimp, pasta sauce, Alfredo sauce
Level: Beginner

Our secret to the perfect blush sauce that comes together in minutes? One jar of tomato sauce plus one jar of Alfredo sauce. Voilà!

“People love this creamy pasta and think it’s complicated, but jarred sauces make it so quick to prepare. It feels special enough for festive occasions.” —Recipe contributor Cassandra Gourley, Williams, Arizona

Loaded Spaghetti Bake

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, cheddar, cream of chicken soup, Alfredo sauce, cornflake crumbs
Level: Intermediate

This hearty, cheesy pasta bake made with loads of pantry ingredients is a genius way to use up leftover protein (like rotisserie chicken in place of the beef) and any veggies you have on hand. This crispy, golden-brown topping is one of many creative ways to use cornflakes.

“Make this loaded pasta recipe your own, everyone loves it! It’s also great made with leftover chicken from the previous night’s dinner. You might prefer another hard cheese for the Parmesan…or just go with the cheddar and cornflake crumbs.” —Recipe contributor Marian Pappas, Lake Stevens, Washington

Tortellini with Tomato-Cream Sauce

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Frozen tortellini, canned tomatoes, frozen spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

Frozen tortellini has a permanent spot on our supermarket shopping list because of recipes like this one, which tosses the stuffed pasta in a veggie-filled cream sauce. To add more protein, brown some ground beef or turkey sausage to mix into the sauce once it’s cooked.

“This tortellini with tomato cream sauce is mouthwatering. Put spinach, tomatoes and other pantry staples to use in this warm and satisfying dish.” —Recipe contributor Barbra Stanger, West Jordan, Utah

Caramelized Onion & Garlic Pasta

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butter, onions, grape tomatoes, angel hair, balsamic, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

This sweet and savory angel hair recipe gets a pleasant hit of smokiness from chopped bacon. Swap in Italian pancetta or chopped prosciutto for even more richness and pork flavor. Be sure to stir the caramelizing onions every once in a while so they don’t burn, and keep the heat low.

“This full-flavored recipe is the result of my mother’s love of pasta and our love of cooking together. With a bit of pepper heat and smoky bacon, the entree is excellent alone or paired with grilled chicken.” —Recipe contributor Lacy Jo Matheson, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Penne alla Vodka

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, prosciutto, canned tomatoes, vodka, whipping cream
Level: Beginner

This decadent, saucy pasta is one of our favorite penne pasta recipes to make when we’re in the mood for comfort food. Serve it with a crunchy Italian chopped salad and lots of extra Parmesan.

“This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it.” —Recipe contributor Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas

Cheese-Stuffed Shells

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Italian sausage, frozen spinach, cream cheese, egg, mozzarella, cheddar, cottage cheese, Parmesan, pasta shells, tomato sauce
Level: Intermediate

Who doesn’t love a piping hot plate of cheesy, meaty stuffed shells? This crowd-pleasing stuffed pasta features five different types of cheese, so it comes out of the oven bubbly and beautiful. The best part is that the recipe makes two casseroles worth of food. Enjoy one and freeze the other for next time!

“When I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I’m happy to share it with you.” —Recipe contributor Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon

Tortellini with Tomato Spinach Cream Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Diced tomatoes, frozen spinach, heavy cream, frozen tortellini
Level: Beginner

Frozen spinach practically melts into this rich blush sauce. Make sure to squeeze it dry before mixing it in so it doesn’t make the dish soggy.

“I enjoy all things pasta, and tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husband, who hates pasta of any kind, loves it! It’s a great recipe for non-spinach fans to try, too.” —Recipe contributor Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

Manicotti

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, manicotti shells
Level: Intermediate

This extra-cheesy baked manicotti calls for marinara, that simple sauce made of tomato, garlic, crushed red pepper and basil. So many fantastic Italian-American recipes start with a jar of marinara sauce, from calzones to spaghetti and meatballs.

“Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husband, and all these years later, he still enjoys it!” —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Hearty Ragu Bolognese

Total Time: 4 hours, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mirepoix, ground beef, Italian sausage, white wine, beef broth, chicken breasts, heavy cream, pasta
Level: Beginner

Bologna, Italy is the birthplace of bolognese sauce, a hearty ragu that’s traditionally served over fresh egg noodles like tagliatelle. This simple version requires just 20 minutes of prep before cooking low and slow.

“My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It’s even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread.” —Recipe contributor Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, New York

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tomato paste, tomato sauce, soft bread cubes, milk, Parmesan, ground beef, spaghetti
Level: Intermediate

Great spaghetti and meatballs start with great sauce, so choose a jarred pasta sauce you love. If you’d prefer to bake your meatballs instead of frying them, pop them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

“One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

Mostaccioli

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Mostaccioli, Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, egg, ricotta, mozzarella, Romano
Level: Beginner

This decadent Italian-American comfort dish calls for Italian-inspired side dishes and bright, simple green salads. If you can’t find mostaccioli at the store, swap in penne or your favorite medium-sized pasta shape.

“Even though we’re not Italian, this rich, cheesy pasta dish is a family tradition for holidays and other special occasions. It tastes just like lasagna without the layering work.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Mundhenke, Kinsley, Kansas

Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, pasta, chicken broth, milk, cream cheese, spinach, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes
Level: Beginner

Pressure-cooker recipes are game changers on busy nights. This breezy pasta turns out creamy, indulgent, restaurant-worthy noodles in under 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for the protein.

“After the chicken and pasta cook and the milk and cream cheese are added, the mixture will look liquidy. Just continue to cook and stir and the dish will come together.” —Recipe contributor Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

Total Time: 50 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Ziti, marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, provolone, Romano, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

If you have meat-lovers in your family, they’ll adore this decadent baked ziti with jarred meat sauce in place of the marinara. The dish is rich and filling, so serve it with simple vegetable sides like lemon pepper roasted broccoli or a crisp Mediterranean salad.

“After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal.” —Recipe contributor Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

Pasta Napolitana

Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bacon, ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, chicken broth, red wine, mushrooms, pepperoni, spaghetti, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

Check out all of our copycat recipes from The Cheesecake Factory (there are tons!) for restaurant-style feasts you can whip up at home. Stay on theme and serve this meaty pasta with The Cheesecake Factory pumpkin cheesecake and the restaurant’s famous brown bread.

“This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory’s pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well.” —Recipe contributor John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Total Time: 30 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Cashews, macaroni, nutritional yeast, lemon
Level: Beginner

This luscious mac and cheese proves that you don’t need dairy to create a creamy pasta. Blending raw cashews with water makes an ultra-creamy base that’s the star in a few other vegan pasta sauces.

“The combination of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast creates a savory sauce for this vegan mac and cheese. The cashews don’t blend up completely smooth, but will have a fine texture even after processing, which helps the sauce cling to the noodles.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shrimp Orzo with Feta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Orzo, tomatoes, lemon, shrimp, feta
Level: Beginner

This nutritious and bright orzo with fresh cilantro and tangy feta is a wonderfully balanced meal for any season. Orzo is a versatile tiny pasta that really absorbs the flavors of any dish it’s in, from Greek tomato soup to pasta skillets.

“Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp.” —Recipe contributor Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Skillet Lasagna

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, cream of onion soup, cottage cheese, no-cook lasagna noodles, mozzarella
Level: Beginner

This showstopping no-bake skillet lasagna has a secret ingredient: cream of onion soup, which adds extra rich and savory flavor to the layer of cottage cheese. To mix things up, use any of your favorite condensed soups here—even a homemade cream of chicken soup.

“This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Multi-Cooker Cheddar Gruyere Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, half-and-half, cheddar, Gruyere, Ritz crackers
Level: Beginner

This cheesy macaroni uses a pressure cooker and air fryer. But that doesn’t mean you need to grab two appliances. The Ninja Foodi multi-cooker has two separate lids for each function. So if you have one, then this really is a one-pot meal.

“You can’t beat this rich and creamy Ninja Foodi mac and cheese. This multi-cooker recipe is a new twist on the original.” —Recipe contributor Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, lemon, linguine
Level: Beginner

Cooking shrimp in a mix of butter and olive oil helps achieve a balanced flavor and sear. We love linguine with garlic sauces, and if you have homemade noodles in the freezer to use up, consider fresh pasta vs. dry pasta.

“The Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menu, but I always seem to order their delicious fresh and citrusy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with pasta. I’d enjoyed it enough times that I was confident I reproduce it to share with friends and family. I think I hit it spot on! When I have fresh basil from the garden I use that instead of parsley.” —Community Cook Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Pressure-Cooker Penne with Meat Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, green pepper, penne, pasta sauce
Level: Beginner

The electronic pressure cooker was made for meat sauces: In just a few minutes, it turns ground beef, seasoning and a few vegetables into a robust ragu that tastes like it was cooked for hours. Consider investing in a few of these Instant Pot accessories to make the most of your appliance.

“This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy. I like to serve it with a chopped salad and Italian dressing.” —Recipe contributor Virginia Butterfield, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Soup Mix Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spiral pasta, ground beef, heavy cream, onion soup mix, Gruyere, Swiss
Level: Beginner

Soup mix, how we love thee! Forget rooting around in your spice cabinet for multiple seasonings and flavor your pasta with savory onion soup mix combined with beef, cheese and cream. You’ll want to make soup mix recipes for the rest of the week.

“This delicious pasta sauce originated after I noticed a box of onion soup packets in my cupboard. I could not believe how much flavor the mix added as a seasoning blend! To my delight, my whole family gave this dish rave reviews, including my infamously picky children. Now it is my go-to dinner when I want to serve an easy, comforting dish after an especially difficult week or when the weather is cold and dreary.” —Recipe contributor Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona

Million-Dollar Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, pasta sauce, cream cheese, ricotta
Level: Intermediate

This crowd-pleasing baked spaghetti is quick to assemble. It’s a smart (and comforting) freezer meal to have on hand for busy nights. Make it vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.

“My family loves this old school spaghetti bake with a layer of baked cheeses. Perfect for a potluck or family gathering.” —Recipe contributor Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida

Pesto Ravioli

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cheese ravioli, baby spinach, pesto, tomatoes
Level: Beginner

Whether you make pesto from scratch or go with store-bought pesto, this simple ravioli will be satisfying and colorful. Top it with grilled chicken or sauteed shrimp for more protein.

“This easy pesto ravioli comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Instead of plum tomatoes, you could use whole grape tomatoes or drained diced tomatoes. If you’d like a bit of extra flavor and crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pesto Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour + standing
Main Ingredients: Mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, lasagna noodles, pesto, frozen spinach
Level: Intermediate

You can make this impressive vegetarian baked pasta with any kind of pesto, like arugula pesto or spinach pesto. Serve this with summery veggie sides, like heirloom tomato salad or grilled zucchini.

“The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna. Paired with a rich cheese sauce and layers of noodles, it’s a potluck dish that will have guests asking you for the recipe.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pasta Recipes FAQ

How do you know when pasta is done cooking?

Every pasta shape takes a different amount of time to cook (check your box!), but we recommend cooking all of them al dente. What does al dente mean? It literally means “to the tooth,” meaning the noodle has a bit of bite and is a little chewy. You’ll definitely want to cook your pasta al dente if you’ll be adding it to a stovetop sauce where it will cook even more.

One to two minutes before the recommended cook time ends, taste a noodle to make sure it’s not too soft. Tasting your pasta is the best way to gauge its doneness. Check out our full guide on how to cook pasta to become a real pro.

How long is pasta good for in the fridge?

Store leftover pasta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days, ideally with the sauce separate from the noodles so they can preserve their texture. Former Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor James Schend has a tip for making sure your pasta doesn’t dry out in the fridge: “Toss the warm pasta with a few tablespoons of olive oil. I know this is a no-no for normal serving, but the oil helps keep the pasta from drying out when you store it in the fridge.”

Can you freeze cooked pasta?

Yes, you can! Similar to fridge storage, you’ll want to freeze pasta separate from the sauce. Stuffed and baked pastas hold up best in the freezer because you can cook them from frozen and they don’t require assembly post freezing. If you’re freezing long, thin and delicate noodles, like fettuccine or angel hair, toss the pasta in olive oil before freezing, just like we recommend doing before refrigerating.