15 noodle sensations that’ll make you a pasta aficionado

Photo of author

| Updated:

Ready to level up your noodle game? These 15 noodle sensations will have you twirling your fork in pure joy. Whether you’re a pasta newbie or on your way to becoming a pasta aficionado, there’s something here that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about noodles. Get ready to slurp, twist, and twirl your way to noodle nirvana—no passport required!

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a go-to. It combines soft potato dumplings with tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth that’s both rich and comforting. This soup is perfect for those chillier days when all you want is something fulfilling and nurturing. Each spoonful promises to be a blend of flavors and textures that bring instant contentment.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a dish that’s both elegant and easy to whip up, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo stands out. It’s all about perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce, hugged by tender pasta. This one’s for evenings when you’re feeling fancy but not up for a restaurant visit. It brings the beloved dining experience right to your table, no reservation required.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is your ticket to a quick and nutritious meal, ideal for both packed lunches and light dinners. With chunks of rich salmon mingled among fresh veggies and pasta, it’s a joyful celebration of flavors and textures. This salad’s charm lies in its simplicity and the feeling of eating something that’s both good for you and utterly delicious. It’s a straightforward dish with no compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing a Sicilian classic to your kitchen, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup offers a taste of Italy without the plane ticket. It’s a robust and hearty soup that combines chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth. Perfect for those days when you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug. Every bite is a nod to tradition and home-style cooking, promising to transport you straight to Sicily.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you love the flavors of pizza but are after something a little different, Pizza Pasta Salad might just be your new favorite dish. It merges all the beloved pizza toppings with pasta in a fresh, inviting way. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a side dish, it’s versatile and packs a punch. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy the essence of pizza in a novel form.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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.

Sloppy Joe Casserole turns a classic favorite into a new, exciting dish that’s bound to become a weeknight staple. It layers flavors of the traditional sloppy joe with pasta and cheese, creating a casserole that’s both familiar and novel. Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day, it’s comfort food at its finest. This dish is a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something light yet utterly fulfilling, Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a fantastic choice. This dish highlights the pillowy gnocchi in a bright, citrusy sauce, dusted generously with Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether as a main dish or a side, it promises to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dreaming of a pasta dish that’s both extravagant and comforting? Million Dollar Spaghetti could be what you’re looking for. It layers cheese, pasta, and sauce in a way that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Think of it as the comfort food that’s dressed up for a special occasion, guaranteed to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light, refreshing, yet incredibly fulfilling, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a stellar choice for those who appreciate the flavors of the Mediterranean. It combines orzo pasta with fresh shrimp, veggies, and a dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Ideal for warm weather meals or as a standout side, it’s a dish that promises freshness in every bite. With minimal effort, you get a meal that feels like a breeze by the seaside.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Feta Pasta became an internet sensation for a reason. It’s a straightforward dish where a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta come together in the oven to create something truly special. Ideal for when you’re short on time but craving something heartwarming and full of character. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. This version takes the classic you know and love and adds a creamy twist that enriches every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for cold days, sick days, or any day you need a bit of comfort. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring a little nostalgia to your table with a modern touch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

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.

For a dish that’s savory, slightly bitter, and delicious, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a winner. It marries bold sausage flavors with the distinctive taste of broccoli rabe, tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick and full of flavor. This dish shows that simple ingredients can make memorable meals.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Greek Spaghetti

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

Greek Spaghetti takes the traditional tomato-based pasta and infuses it with a medley of Greek-inspired ingredients like olives, feta, and oregano. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and intriguingly different. Perfect for when you want a dinner that’s quick, easy, and breaks from the norm. It’s a great way to add a little Mediterranean flair to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

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.

This recipe combines tender pasta shells with a flavorful turkey and cheese filling, all topped with bright, herby pesto. Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto is a creative twist on classic stuffed shells and a great way to make weeknight dinners exciting again. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with flavors that work together harmoniously. This dish is sure to become a requested favorite among family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Last but not least, Pasta e Fagioli Soup offers a comforting bowl of Italian tradition that’s both nourishing and deeply flavorful. This soup blends pasta, beans, and veggies in a tomato-based broth for a meal that’s fulfilling in its simplicity. It’s perfect for those days when you want something warming but also packed with nutrition. Every spoonful is a reminder of the power of simple, good-quality ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.