19 Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Want to Make Tonight

Pasta is endlessly versatile, moving from creamy comfort dishes to fresh and tangy salads. These recipes combine bold flavors, simple techniques, and ingredients you might already have on hand. From quick weeknight dinners to make-ahead meals, each dish highlights a different style of pasta preparation. Here is a variety of options to add excitement to your pasta repertoire.

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

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Roasted red peppers are blended into a smooth, creamy sauce for the pasta. Garlic and spices add depth and flavor. The sauce clings to each noodle, creating a rich coating. It is a satisfying vegan option that still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Steakhouse Pasta

Plate of spaghetti with sliced steak, spinach, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, served with a fork and spoon on a round, white plate. — Steakhouse Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Tender strips of steak mix with pasta in a savory sauce. Mushrooms or caramelized onions enhance the dish. Each bite is hearty and full of flavor. It is a great choice for a dinner that feels a little more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Pasta

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.

Flaked salmon combines with pasta and fresh vegetables. A light dressing brings everything together without overpowering the fish. The salad can be served cold or at room temperature. It is quick to make and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

Leftover taco-seasoned meat is added to pasta with a cheesy sauce. The dish is flavorful and comforting, perfect for using up extras. Each bite has a spicy and savory kick. Topping with fresh herbs or tomatoes adds brightness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

Supreme Pasta Salad

Colorful vegetables, pasta, and a flavorful dressing come together in this salad. Cheese or olives can be added for extra layers of taste. It is easy to prepare ahead of time. Each bite is crisp and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Supreme Pasta Salad

Mushroom leek pasta kugel

A plate of pasta with mushrooms and sprigs of dill. — Mushroom leek pasta kugel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tender noodles are baked with mushrooms, leeks, and a creamy mixture. The top becomes lightly golden during baking. It is a hearty dish with savory and earthy flavors. Slices hold together nicely for serving.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom leek pasta kugel

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl. — Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Smoked sausage adds smoky richness to the pasta. Vegetables or peppers can be added for variety. The sauce brings everything together into a cohesive dish. Cooking is straightforward and quick.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Caprese Pasta Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are tossed with pasta. A light drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar completes the salad. Each bite is bright and flavorful. It is a simple, refreshing choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci – Cheesecake Factory Copycat

Pasta is cooked with a creamy, flavorful sauce inspired by the restaurant classic. The Instant Pot makes it fast and convenient. Ingredients like chicken, garlic, or herbs enhance the dish. It is indulgent yet easy to prepare at home.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci – Cheesecake Factory Copycat

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A pan full of spaghetti and tomatoes on a tablecloth. — Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies create a bold, tangy sauce for the pasta. Garlic and chili add aroma and mild heat. Each bite is full of Mediterranean flavor. It comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

Taco-seasoned ingredients and pasta cook together in the slow cooker. The result is creamy and flavorful with minimal effort. It is a hands-off option that delivers bold flavors. Cheese or fresh toppings can be added before serving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Chicken, pasta, and caprese ingredients bake together on a single sheet pan. The pasta absorbs juices and flavors during baking. Fresh basil or balsamic drizzle finishes the dish. Cleanup is minimal, making it simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Pasta Salad without Mayo

This salad uses a light vinaigrette or oil-based dressing instead of mayo. Vegetables and pasta remain fresh and crisp. It is easy to prepare in advance. Each bite is flavorful without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

A white bowl of pasta topped with grated cheese and parsley, with a fork resting on the side, placed on a white napkin and tiled surface. — Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Butter and lemon create a bright, silky sauce that coats the pasta. Garlic or Parmesan adds a hint of richness. The dish is simple yet elegant. It comes together in minutes for a fresh-tasting meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Crispy tofu and pasta are tossed with a balsamic dressing. Vegetables can be added for extra color and texture. The tangy sauce enhances the flavors of the tofu and pasta. It is a filling and satisfying plant-based option.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta with shredded cheese and herbs, next to a fork on a white dish. An onion and parsley are in the background. — One Pot French Onion Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Caramelized onions and pasta cook together in a savory sauce. Cheese and herbs add richness and depth. The dish is hearty and flavorful. Cooking everything in one pot keeps it simple.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

A black skillet filled with rigatoni pasta, shredded meat, spinach, grated cheese, and fresh basil leaves, on a light surface. — Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Italian sausage is cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce. The flavors are rich and bold. Pasta absorbs the sauce for a cohesive dish. It is a comforting option that feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

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.

Sautéed sausage pairs with slightly bitter broccoli rabe and pasta. Garlic and chili enhance the flavors. The dish is savory and hearty. Each bite balances richness and freshness.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Salmon Pasta Salad

A black pot filled with creamy pasta and salmon, garnished with dill, sits on a grey surface next to black plates, cutlery, and a lemon-patterned cloth. — Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chilled salmon mixes with pasta, vegetables, and a light dressing. The flavors are fresh and slightly tangy. It is quick to prepare and can be made ahead. Each forkful is satisfying and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad