15 Pasta Dishes Everyone Will Be Asking For

If pasta is your love language, you’re in the right place. This roundup brings together comforting baked dishes, fresh and flavorful pasta salads, and cozy bowls that work just as well for busy weeknights as they do for casual gatherings. With a mix of classic flavors and modern twists, these recipes are satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re craving creamy, zesty, or veggie-packed dishes, there’s plenty of pasta inspiration waiting for you.

Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

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This dish uses the Instant Pot to cook everything efficiently in one pot. The lemon adds brightness while the butter creates a rich base. Zucchini and squash blend smoothly with the pasta and chicken. It is a comforting meal with a fresh finish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A plate of rotini pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, garnished with grated cheese and chopped herbs, with a fork on the side. — Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated, savory flavor to this pasta. A simple sauce coats each noodle evenly. Garlic and herbs round out the dish without overpowering it. This recipe works well as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Using rotisserie chicken keeps prep time short and simple. The chicken adds hearty texture throughout the pasta. A creamy dressing ties all the ingredients together. It is well suited for make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Paccheri Pasta

A plate of baked pasta shells stuffed with cheese and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. — Paccheri Pasta. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Paccheri noodles create a bold presentation with their large shape. Sauce clings to the pasta, filling each piece with flavor. This dish highlights the pasta itself as much as the sauce. It feels substantial and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri Pasta

White Wine Chicken Pasta

A skillet filled with bowtie pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, viewed from above. — White Wine Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

White wine adds depth and subtle acidity to the sauce. Tender chicken pieces are cooked until juicy and well seasoned. The pasta absorbs the sauce for a cohesive dish. It pairs well with simple sides.
Get the Recipe: White Wine Chicken Pasta

Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Cool cucumbers bring freshness to this creamy pasta salad. Ranch dressing adds a familiar and comforting flavor. The pasta provides structure while the vegetables add crunch. It is a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta al Forno

A white baking dish filled with baked rigatoni pasta in tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh basil. — Pasta al Forno. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This baked pasta dish is layered with sauce and cheese. Baking allows the flavors to meld together. The top becomes lightly crisp while the inside stays tender. It is a classic comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta al Forno

Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl

A bowl of macaroni pasta salad with chickpeas, red onion slices, chopped parsley, and a fork on the side. — Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Chimichurri sauce adds bold herbs and heat to the pasta. Chickpeas provide a hearty bite throughout the bowl. The sauce coats the pasta evenly for strong flavor in each forkful. It is vibrant and filling.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl

Creamy Gochujang Pasta

A pan of ramen noodles with mushrooms, greens, and a creamy sauce, served with chopsticks. — Creamy Gochujang Pasta. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Gochujang brings a deep, savory spice to this creamy sauce. The pasta balances the bold flavors smoothly. Each bite offers warmth without overwhelming heat. This dish blends comfort with global flair.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A baked pasta casserole topped with chopped green onions sits in a square dish on a blue patterned cloth, with a serving on a plate nearby. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo sauce adds tang and heat to this baked pasta. Chicken is mixed evenly throughout the dish. Baking creates a cohesive texture with layers of flavor. It is a crowd-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Pasta with Eggplant

A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, eggplant chunks, and herbs, with a fork lifting a bite; fresh tomatoes and seasonings in the background. — Pasta with Eggplant. Photo credit: Amira’a Pantry.

Eggplant becomes tender and rich as it cooks with the sauce. The pasta absorbs the savory notes from the vegetables. Simple seasonings allow the ingredients to stand out. It is a satisfying plant-forward dish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Eggplant

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This pasta salad brings tangy dill pickle flavor to every bite. A creamy base balances the sharpness of the pickles. The texture stays firm and refreshing. It is a conversation-starting side dish.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pasta Amatriciana

A bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and basil leaves, placed on a table with a napkin, fork, and dishes of chili flakes and cheese in the background. — Pasta Amatriciana. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This traditional pasta relies on a bold tomato-based sauce. The flavors are rich and well balanced. The pasta carries the sauce evenly throughout. It is simple but deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Amatriciana

Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie

A baked pasta pie with rigatoni noodles standing upright, topped with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil, on a white surface with a side of greens. — Edible Shots by Melissa LLC

Rigatoni is filled and arranged to create a striking baked dish. Sauce and cheese hold everything together. Each slice reveals layers of pasta and filling. It feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

A white bowl of rotini pasta with green edamame, shredded cheese, prosciutto, and herbs, next to a fork on a textured surface. — Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pasta uses a tomato-based pesto with nuts and herbs. The sauce is slightly chunky and full of flavor. It coats the pasta evenly without being heavy. The result is fresh and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese