13 evening feasts with classic Italian pasta plates for friends

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It’s here – the perfect excuse to gather your friends for a delicious evening of feasting! Your evenings will be filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of 13 classic Italian pasta dishes wafting through the air. From creamy and comforting to boldly flavorful, these evenings are a toast to friendship and the simple joy of sharing delectable bites. So, why not bring everyone together, set the table, and experience the finest Italian pasta plates? You are in for a treat, and your friends will be thanking you for these unforgettable evenings!

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s get into Pesto Orzo Salad—a refreshing choice for your evening feast. Imagine the kick of pesto dancing with the comforting texture of orzo. It’s like a flavor fiesta that’s simple, yet oh-so-delicious. This dish is your passport to an uncomplicated, joy-filled gathering with friends, where each bite is a celebration of good times and great flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Salmon Pasta Salad that effortlessly combines the elegance of flaky salmon with the down-to-earth charm of pasta. It’s a medley of textures and tastes that’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends. This dish brings sophistication to your pasta feast, creating an atmosphere where simplicity meets sophistication, and every forkful is an invitation to enjoy the moment.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transport your senses to sun-kissed shores with Greek Spaghetti. Think of it as a simple, hearty spaghetti infused with Mediterranean flavors. The beauty lies in its unpretentious nature; it’s comfort food that speaks the language of friendship. Your evening with friends is about to get a dash of Mediterranean charm, making it an unforgettable exploration through the simplicity of good food and great company.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to familiar comfort, the Sloppy Joe Casserole steals the show. It’s like the classic Sloppy Joe, but in a cozy casserole form that oozes nostalgia. Picture a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone to the table, reminiscent of home-cooked goodness. It’s the kind of comforting creation that turns an ordinary evening with friends into a warm, flavorful experience that everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the heartiness of Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells—an ode to gooey, cheesy indulgence. These shells cradle a generous serving of melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and soul-pleasing. Imagine the delight on your friends’ faces as they discover the cheesy surprise within each shell. It’s a standout choice for your gathering—a crowd-pleaser that perfects your evening feast with a touch of comforting, cheesy perfection.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Two large bowls of tortellini with meatballs on a counter.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Prepare your senses for a savory moment with Blackstone Tortellini and Meatballs. It’s the meeting point of succulent meatballs and simple, delicious tortellini. This dish speaks a language of robust flavors, each bite a testament to the rich, fulfilling experience of a well-crafted pasta feast. It’s a hearty option that promises to be a standout, turning your evening with friends into a flavorful exploration that satisfies and leaves everyone smiling.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of elegance to your feast with Steak & Pasta Salad—a marriage of hearty steak and the freshness of a salad. Picture succulent steak slices mingling with pasta in a dish that’s both hearty and light. This combination adds a touch of sophistication to your gathering, making it an evening where simple pleasures meet elegance. It’s a lovely surprise for your friends, creating an atmosphere where every forkful is a blend of flavors and shared laughter.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s add a unique twist to your feast with Turkey Stuffed Shells featuring a hint of pesto. Imagine seasoned turkey nestled in pasta shells, creating a dish that’s familiar yet surprising. The subtle notes of pesto add a distinctive touch, making each bite a delicious exploration through unexpected flavors. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversations, turning your pasta-themed evening with friends into a memorable exploration of diverse tastes and shared enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Smoked Mac & Cheese

A skillet filled with Smoked Mac & Cheese.
Smoked Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Prepare to indulge in a classic favorite with a smoky twist—Smoked Mac & Cheese. Picture rich and creamy macaroni, elevated by subtle smokiness, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing. It’s like your favorite mac and cheese, but with a flavorful upgrade that turns every bite into a celebration. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, ensuring your evening with friends is filled with the warmth of good company and the simplicity of a well-loved classic.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keep it simple yet worthwhile with Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad—a dish that combines tender rotisserie chicken with the comforting appeal of pasta. Imagine the ease of tossing these simple ingredients together for a filling and approachable dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, creating a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is on shared enjoyment and the joy of good food with friends. Your pasta-themed evening just got a whole lot tastier.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the simplicity of Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes—an uncomplicated dish highlighting the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes and the creamy goodness of ricotta. It’s like a canvas where each ingredient shines in its simplicity. This dish is perfect for a laid-back evening of pasta feasting with friends, where the focus is on savoring the straightforward yet delicious combination of flavors that make every bite a moment to enjoy and remember.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Delight in the velvety texture of Creamy Spinach Orzo—a dish that effortlessly blends the earthy notes of spinach with the comforting appeal of orzo pasta. It’s like a warm hug for your senses, a creamy creation that promises a delicious addition to your Italian pasta feast with friends. Picture a dish that’s both simple and indulgent, where every forkful is a journey through the richness of flavor and the joy of sharing good food with great company.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Savor the robust flavors of Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta, where the boldness of sausage meets the hearty bite of broccoli rabe. It’s a dish that brings a delicious and flavorful element to your pasta-themed evenings, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Imagine the perfect balance of savory sausage and the slightly bitter crunch of broccoli rabe, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting—a standout choice for an evening filled with good friends and great flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

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