Pasta recipes that are more than just noodles and sauce

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Exploring the world of pasta and noodles can lead to some deliciously creative meals that go well beyond the basic spaghetti and marinara sauce. These recipes showcase the versatility of pasta, from the comforting depths of a creamy soup to the robust flavors of a skillet meal. Whether incorporating leftovers into a new gourmet dish or dressing up tortellini in a fresh and vibrant salad, each recipe brings something special to the table. Perfect for those looking to add a twist to their pasta night, these dishes are designed to satisfy cravings for something a bit out of the ordinary.

A skillet filled with mushrooms and spinach.
Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Tortellini Salad

A bowl of tortellini salad.
Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Venture beyond traditional pasta salads with this colorful Tortellini Salad, featuring cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. It’s a versatile dish that serves as a perfect side or a standalone meal, bringing a burst of flavor and texture to your table. Ideal for picnics or as a refreshing dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Creamy Tortellini Soup

A dutch oven full of creamy tortellini soup.
Creamy Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy Tortellini Soup offers comfort in a bowl, with cheese-stuffed tortellini, rich broth, and hearty vegetables all coming together in a velvety blend. It’s a warming dish for cool evenings, effortlessly combining the simplicity of pasta with the depth of traditional soup. Each spoonful is a testament to comfort and taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tortellini Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup

A spoon holidng sausage and tortellini soup over a bowl of soup.
Sausage Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Sausage Tortellini Soup mixes the heartiness of sausage with the beloved cheese tortellini in a savory broth, creating a robust and satisfying meal. It’s a flavorful journey with each bite, perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something to warm you up from the inside out. This soup promises to be a hit with its bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Bacon ranch macaroni salad with peas, bacon, and a ranch dressing.
Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is a standout side dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the creamy tanginess of ranch dressing. Add in some crunchy vegetables for texture, and you’ve got a macaroni salad that’s a step above the rest. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your summer barbecues or a fresh twist for a lunchtime meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
BLT Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

The BLT Pasta Salad takes the classic sandwich components—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—and tosses them into a pasta delight. The addition of a creamy dressing and the pasta of your choice makes for a fulfilling dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s like a summertime picnic in every bite, great for gatherings or a quick family meal.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shell in a spoon with mozzarella cheese stretching.
Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed Shells are a delightful offering, filled with a rich blend of cheeses and possibly spinach or meat, then baked in a savory marinara sauce. They present a beautiful dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making for a special dinner option. It’s a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings the comfort of pasta to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells

Leftover Prime Rib and Gnocchi Skillet

A plate of gnocchi with beef, vegetables, and grated cheese.
Prime Rib Gnocchi Skillet. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Transform your leftover prime rib into an exquisite meal with this Gnocchi Skillet recipe. Combined with pillowy gnocchi and a flavorful sauce, this dish turns leftovers into a gourmet experience. It’s a clever and delicious way to repurpose prime rib, perfect for a luxe weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Prime Rib and Gnocchi Skillet

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup with a spoon in it.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting concoction, combining tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vegetables in a rich broth. It’s the perfect blend of nourishing and satisfying, ideal for those cooler spring or fall nights. A bowl of this soup is like a warm hug, promising comfort and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken and Noodles

A bowl of chicken and noodles.
Chicken and Noodles. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken and Noodles is a classic comfort dish, featuring tender chicken and soft noodles simmered in a savory broth. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something hearty but straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Noodles

Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet

A pan of creamy mushrooms and gnocchi.
Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

For a dish that’s both comforting and quick to make, the Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet can’t be beaten. It features soft gnocchi enveloped in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, delivering a mouthful of flavor with every bite. Ideal for those evenings when you want something deliciously satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet

Beef and Noodles

A bowl of beef and noodles.
Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Beef and Noodles is a hearty and comforting dish, with tender pieces of beef and wide noodles bathed in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside, ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave something with a bit more substance. This dish is a testament to the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles

Turkey Noodle Soup

A ladle full of turkey noodle soup.
Turkey Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska..

Turkey Noodle Soup is a wonderful way to use leftover turkey, combining it with noodles and vegetables in a clear, soothing broth. It’s a comforting and light meal that’s perfect for after the holidays or whenever you’re in the mood for a gentle, warming soup. Each spoonful brings nourishment and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

A bowl of chicken and noodles next to a tureen of soup.
Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

For a quick, comforting meal, the Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is a winner. It combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vegetables in a savory broth, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights, delivering homemade comfort in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

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