Pasta for dinner again? You bet. But we’re not talking about the same old spaghetti and meatballs. These creative pasta recipes will break routine and make dinner feel a little more exciting without a ton of effort.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
A classic Italian dish with just five ingredients, bucatini cacio e pepe uses Pecorino Romano cheese for a rich, creamy meal that’s both simple and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This lemon ricotta pasta is quick and light, with ricotta bringing a creamy texture and basil keeping things fresh. Great for when you need dinner in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
This quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta brings together lemon, spinach, and feta for a refreshing meal. It’s perfect on its own or with a protein boost.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Lentil Bolognese
Lentil bolognese is a hearty, budget-friendly option. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a vegetarian spin on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese
Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta
This fall pasta is loaded with roasted butternut squash and broccoli rabe, tossed in a creamy almond butter sauce, and topped with a garlic cracker crumble for extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta
Lamb Bolognese
Lamb bolognese simmered with red wine, fresh herbs, and veggies is perfect for a cozy night in. Served with tagliatelle, it’s comfort food done right.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
Fall vibes are strong with this creamy pumpkin garlic pasta. It’s packed with flavor and a hint of seasonal spices that makes it a great choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
Soba Noodle Pasta
Soba noodles, onions, and a soft-boiled egg come together in this simple, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for a quick slurp-worthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
This lentil pasta recipe is paired with garlicky lemon kale for a dinner that’s easy but packed with flavor. Top it with cheese, and it’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground beef and any pasta you have on hand come together in this quick skillet meal. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
These spicy udon noodles come together in under 30 minutes, packing a punch with a ginger-garlic sriracha sauce. Ground beef and udon make this one feel like takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
A healthier spin on the classic, this Greek yogurt mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and light. Perfect for when you want comfort food without the heavy feeling.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Ready in under 30 minutes, this bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes makes for a great, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Instant Pot Bolognese
A faster way to get that rich, meaty bolognese using your Instant Pot. You’ll have a great Italian dinner on the table in less time, but with all the flavor intact.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
A grown-up version of your favorite childhood meal, this one-pot turkey mac and cheese is ready in 30 minutes, loaded with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
This 20-minute farfalle dish is a great go-to when you want something quick but hearty. Peas and crispy prosciutto make it a standout for dinner tonight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Sausage Mac and Cheese
This sausage mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s cheesy, velvety, and a surefire hit for both kids and adults at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Rigatoni tossed with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce and spinach, all ready in less than 30 minutes. This meatless pasta is great for midweek comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and nuts blended into a quick summer sauce for pasta that’s fresh and vibrant. A perfect go-to on hot days.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Sweet potato puree, almond milk, and two kinds of cheese make this mac and cheese creamy but healthier, sneaking in some spinach without missing any of the fun.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
With only six ingredients, this Brussels sprouts pasta is done in just 25 minutes. Add bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes for extra punch.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta