13 pasta dishes that will have your guests scraping the dish

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Pasta is always a hit when you’re feeding a crowd, and these dishes are no exception. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, there’s something about a plate of pasta that leaves everyone satisfied. From rich, creamy sauces to lighter, veggie-packed options, these recipes are sure to please. Your guests will be scraping the dish clean, eager for seconds.

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegan Pasta Primavera

Overhead of pasta with mushrooms and green goddess sauce.
Vegan Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegan Pasta Primavera takes about 30 minutes to make and is a refreshing, veggie-packed dish. It features a medley of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini tossed with a light, herby tomato sauce. The vegetables add crunch, while the pasta absorbs the savory flavors, giving you a simple yet satisfying bite. Your guests won’t leave a scrap behind when they taste this vibrant meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

A plate of pasta with mushrooms and sprigs of dill.
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel, a savory twist on a traditional dish, comes together in about 45 minutes. With earthy mushrooms, tender leeks, and al dente pasta baked to perfection, it’s comforting and flavorful. The golden, crispy top contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy filling. It’s the kind of dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Homemade Tomato Sauce for Canning (Sugo)

Spaghetti with tomato sauce on a white plate.
Homemade Tomato Sauce for Canning (Sugo). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Homemade Tomato Sauce (Sugo) takes about 1 hour to make and is a versatile staple. The rich combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil creates a hearty sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. You can use this for any pasta dish, and it pairs beautifully with fresh basil or parmesan. Guests will scrape the dish clean, savoring every drop.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tomato Sauce for Canning (Sugo)

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce.
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta is ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner. Seared scallops and nutty brown butter are tossed with fresh herbs and tender pasta, creating a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of sage. The scallops provide a delicate, sweet bite, while the pasta ties everything together. Your guests will definitely want more.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Feta Pasta, a viral favorite, takes about 40 minutes to whip up. Creamy feta melts into a delicious sauce when combined with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, giving the pasta a tangy, savory taste. The tomatoes burst with flavor, and the feta adds a rich creaminess that makes this dish stand out. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Gluten-Free and Vegan Pasta Primavera

overhead view of casserole dish with pasta primavera
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Gluten-Free and Vegan Pasta Primavera takes about 30 minutes to make and offers a fresh, allergy-friendly twist on a classic. Packed with colorful vegetables like asparagus and carrots, it’s tossed in a light olive oil-based sauce. The pasta is gluten-free, but no one will notice with the flavorful mix of veggies. Your guests will love this wholesome and vibrant meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free and Vegan Pasta Primavera

Pasta with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

A plate with pasta and peas on it.
Pasta with Tangy Yogurt Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pasta with Tangy Yogurt Sauce is a 20-minute dish with a refreshing twist. Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh herbs create a tangy, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The sauce adds a zesty flavor, balancing out the richness of the yogurt and making the dish light but satisfying. Your guests will appreciate this unique and unexpected combination.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans.
Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad is a light, refreshing dish that’s ready in about 25 minutes. Featuring orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s the perfect side or main for a hot day. The vegetables add crunch, while the lemon gives it a bright, tangy kick. It’s a dish that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli, taking around 1 hour to prepare, is a cozy, autumnal dish with a rich, sweet filling. Butternut squash and sage provide the perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, wrapped in tender pasta. The brown butter sauce adds a nutty depth that makes each bite unforgettable. Your guests will rave about this elegant homemade pasta.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce

A close up of spaghetti with meat and basil.
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce, ready in about 35 minutes, is a hearty, meatless option. The savory mushrooms bring a rich umami flavor to the tomato-based marinara sauce, making it a satisfying choice for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The sauce clings to the spaghetti, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. It’s a comforting dish that will leave your guests satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Two stuffed manicotti pasta shells with ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, garnished with a basil leaf.
Spinach Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls are a baked pasta dish that takes around 50 minutes to make. Filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, these rolled-up lasagna noodles are topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection. The flavors of spinach and cheese blend beautifully, creating a classic, comforting taste. These rolls will be a hit at your next dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a hands-off dish that takes about 4 hours in the slow cooker. Chicken, Italian dressing, and cream cheese create a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The slow-cooked chicken is tender and flavorful, making this a comfort food favorite. It’s a dish that will leave your guests feeling warm and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta, ready in about 20 minutes, is a light and zesty dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. The combination of spinach, lemon juice, and feta creates a tangy, fresh flavor that’s balanced by the tender pasta. The lemon brightens up the dish, while the feta adds a creamy, salty finish. Your guests won’t be able to resist this refreshing pasta.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

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