Forget takeout: 21 pasta dishes to die for

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Who needs takeout when you can whip up something amazing at home? Seriously, making your own pasta can be a breeze and way more satisfying. You’ll impress yourself, and probably everyone else, with how good it turns out. And let’s be honest: after you try these 21 pasta dishes to die for, you’ll forget all about ordering!

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma in a Dutch oven.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in the mood for a pasta dish to die for, this one’s a no-brainer. You’ve got eggplant and ripe tomatoes coming together under a shower of salty ricotta salata cheese. It’s a classic straight from the heart of Sicily. Honestly, it’s like a mini Italian getaway in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need a veggie-friendly pasta dish to die for? Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is the superhero in the pasta world. This dish proves that green stuff and cheese are a match made in heaven. It’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to score big with dinner guests.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: .

Ever crave something so simple yet so perfect? Spaghetti Marinara has got your back. It’s just ripe tomatoes, sweet garlic, and fresh basil doing the tango on your taste buds. Try this pasta dish to die for, and you’ll understand why it’s a classic.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food, meet your match – Easy Chicken Casserole is here. It’s a one-dish wonder combining chicken, pasta, and creaminess in a way that’s downright addictive. Busy night? No problem. This pasta dish is not only easy to whip up, it’s so good you’d happily choose leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes you want that one pasta dish to die for, and that feels a bit fancy. Penne Alla Vodka to the rescue! The sauce is creamy, with just enough vodka to make it interesting. Each penne is bathed in a rich, tomatoey goodness – it’s like a hug for your stomach.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The Best Lemon Pasta might just be the refreshing twist you need. Tangy lemon zest pairs up with pasta for that bright, zingy taste. It’s light, quick, and doesn’t skimp on flavor. When life gives you lemons, whip up this pasta dish to die for!
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Easy Walking Taco Casserole

A freshly baked taco casserole garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
Easy Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Transform taco night with the Easy Walking Taco Casserole! This dish turns the fun of tacos into a casserole that’s a no-brainer hit. With every scoop, you get the taste of tacos and the heartiness of pasta. For a fun dinner that doubles as a delicious pasta dish to die for, this one’s got your name on it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For something sweet, smoky, and completely vegan, Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta is a winner. It’s proof that blended red peppers can be the base of something truly tasty. Grab your favorite pasta and let this sauce do the talking. It’s a pasta dish to die for, especially when you’re looking to keep things light.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Say hello to The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole, where your favorite burger gets a pasta twist. It’s cheesy, beefy, and downright indulgent. For a pasta dish to die for that satisfies those fast-food cravings in a home-cooked way, you can’t go wrong here. Just add pickles!
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Prepare to be surprised with the Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Crunchy walnuts create a sauce that’s not just creamy but has a bite. It’s a dish that stands out from the crowd, bringing you a hearty serving of “Where have you been all my life?” Definitely a pasta dish to die for if you’re after something different.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kick back with some kick! Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta mixes tender chicken with a smokey chipotle twist. It’s the kind of dish that fires up your evening and satisfies big appetites. When you’re asking for excitement on your plate, this pasta dish is to die for – and it delivers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who says mac and cheese can’t be vegan and still be a pasta dish to die for? Creamy pumpkin sauce takes charge here, wrapping pasta in a rich, golden goodness. It’s a spin on the classic that’s unexpected but totally welcome. No guilt, just pure plant-based pleasure in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Cacio e Pepe

A plate of spaghetti with parmesan cheese on a green cloth.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This pasta dish is as straightforward as it gets, yet it’s a total knockout. Picture pasta with a generous toss of cheese and a pinch of black pepper – simple, yet mind-blowingly good. It’s food’s answer to the perfect little black dress: it doesn’t need much to stand out. A plate of this, and you’re in Rome without the jet lag.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Here’s a plant-based spin on a comfort classic! Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff is where it’s at when you want that rich and hearty flavor. Silky sauce, earthy mushrooms, and pasta blend for a mouth-watering meal. It’s a must-try pasta dish to die for, and it’s all vegan to boot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Trust Minestrone Soup to be more than just soup – it packs all the comfort of a pasta dish into a bowl. Loaded with veggies and pasta, it’s like the best of the garden in one cozy package. A steaming bowl of this is instant comfort. And let’s be real, it’s a soup that’s a pasta dish to die for on a chilly day.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Pasta alla Sorrentina

Pasta in a bowl with cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Pasta alla Sorrentina. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dive into a dish that’s comfort food royalty – Pasta alla Sorrentina will take your taste buds home. Tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil get all cozy together, hugging every noodle. After a bake in the oven, it’s a bubbly, golden feast for the eyes. And if you’re craving a pasta dish to die for, here it is.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Sorrentina

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Can’t get to Olive Garden? Make this Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara at home. It’s got all the creamy texture and smoky bacon you know and love. Turning pasta into carbonara is always a cause for celebration. It’s the pasta dish to die for when you need a little indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Penne Arrabiata

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Penne Arrabiata. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s turn up the heat with a plate of Penne Arrabiata, truly one of those pasta dishes to die for. Spicy tomato sauce clings to every bite of penne, promising a kick. It’s not just a meal, it’s a statement. When you need a little fire in your day, this is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Penne Arrabiata

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad in a bowl with fresh tomatoes by the side.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On days when you need a fresh, no-fuss meal, the Caprese Pasta Salad is everything. It tosses pasta with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella – think of it as summer in a bowl. Perfect for picnics or a quick refuel. Plus, it’s a pasta dish to die for, especially when you need a break from the heavy stuff.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A delicious and simple pasta recipe topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s beauty in simplicity with a dish like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. It’s all about the golden garlic dancing in olive oil with a sprinkle of chili flakes. Each twirl of spaghetti is a forkful of Italian magic. No need for a pile of ingredients when this pasta dish is enough to die for.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Four Cheese Lasagna

A casserole dish with a slice of cheese on it.
Four Cheese Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re after a pasta dish to die for, the Four Cheese Lasagna doesn’t disappoint. Just picture layers of cheese melting together – it’s comfort in every slice. It’s the stuff of family gatherings and the answer to the cheesiest dreams. Bust out this dish when you really want to bring the wow.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Lasagna

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