13 pasta dishes that blow away takeout

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Forget about the takeout menu; these 13 pasta dishes are here to transform your meal times into an Italian feast. With everything from comforting classics to innovative new twists, each recipe promises a dining experience that’s both mouthwatering and memorable. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, these pasta creations are designed to impress with minimal fuss.

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ditch the takeout menu and dive into a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors. Best Lemon Pasta is a vibrant, zesty option that’ll brighten up your mealtime. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right kind of tangy, making it a perfect choice for when you want something quick yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning your favorite fast-food burger into a cozy, oven-baked meal, The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the classic cheeseburger elements with pasta for a comforting dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s like having your favorite meal in casserole form, making weeknights a little more exciting. This dish proves that you can have the best of both worlds—fast food flavors with the homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Penne Alla Vodka proves that simple ingredients can create the most luxurious meals. This dish combines tender penne pasta with a creamy, tomato-based vodka sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Easy Walking Taco Casserole

A freshly baked taco casserole garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
Easy Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Takes the flavors you love from a walking taco and turns them into a baked masterpiece. Easy Walking Taco Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with layers of chips, meat, and cheese that bake up beautifully. Perfect for busy nights, this dish brings the party to your pasta bowl with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dive into the rich, nutty flavor of Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta for a meal that’s both unique and comforting. This dish uses a blend of walnuts and herbs to create a sauce that’s undeniably delicious and wonderfully different. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to shake up their pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta in one delicious dish. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for those evenings when you need a little comfort in a bowl. Plus, it’s so simple to make, it’ll become a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This dish is a dairy-free delight that doesn’t skimp on creaminess or taste, thanks to the magic of blended red peppers and cashews. Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta is a vibrant, satisfying option that’ll please vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: .

When you’re craving Italian but want something heartier than soup, Spaghetti Marinara steps up. This dish brings together rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dinner that reminds you of family gatherings and makes a regular Tuesday night feel special.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing the flavors of Olive Garden into your kitchen, this Copycat Ravioli Carbonara is as decadent as it sounds. Filled with creamy sauce, crisp bacon, and tender ravioli, it’s a dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a fall-inspired twist on a classic favorite. This dish blends the creamy texture of pumpkin with the traditional comfort of mac and cheese, creating a dairy-free option that’s full of flavor. It’s a cozy, comforting dish perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kick up the heat with Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, a dish that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and a spicy chipotle sauce for a meal that’s bold and satisfying. Perfect for those who love a little spice in their life, it’s a pasta dish that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Minestrone Soup is more than just a side dish; it’s a hearty, vegetable-packed bowl of goodness. With pasta swimming alongside a variety of veggies and beans, it’s a comforting, nutritious option that makes for a perfect light meal or starter. It’s a taste of Italy in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a rich and satisfying meal that’s completely plant-based, Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff is a dream come true. This dish swaps out beef for mushrooms, creating a creamy, savory stroganoff that’s sure to impress. It’s a luxurious pasta dish that proves vegan food can be just as indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

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