29 Favorite Pasta Dishes to Cook This Week

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This pasta dish is a symphony of flavors, combining the richness of cream with the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Tossed with garlic and herbs, it’s a quick recipe that can elevate any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan, 3 cloves garlic (minced), salt, pepper, and parsley for garnish.
Instructions: Cook fettuccine according to package directions. In a skillet, sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil, add heavy cream, and simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Combine with pasta and serve garnished with parsley.

2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Simple yet satisfying, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a staple in Italian cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, 6 cloves garlic (sliced), ½ cup olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, and salt.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Add red pepper flakes, then combine with drained pasta. Toss with parsley before serving.

3. Pasta Primavera

Bring the garden to your table with Pasta Primavera! This colorful dish features seasonal vegetables and a light sauce, making it a perfect option for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and Parmesan for topping.
Instructions: Cook penne and set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté vegetables, and season with Italian seasoning. Toss with pasta and serve topped with Parmesan.

4. Classic Bolognese Sauce

This rich and hearty Bolognese sauce is perfect for those cold evenings. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 cans crushed tomatoes, and herbs.
Instructions: In a pot, brown the ground beef, then add chopped vegetables. Cook until soft, add tomatoes, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine.

5. Pesto Pasta

Bright and fresh, pesto pasta is a delightful dish that can be whipped up in no time. The vibrant green pesto can be made from basil or even spinach, making it versatile and delicious.

Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice, 2 cups fresh basil, ½ cup pine nuts, 1 cup olive oil, 1 cup Parmesan, and garlic.
Instructions: Cook pasta. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Gradually add olive oil. Toss pesto with pasta and serve with extra Parmesan.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

No list of pasta dishes would be complete without the comforting classic, macaroni and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, it’s a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients: 8 oz macaroni, 2 cups cheddar cheese, 2 cups milk, ¼ cup butter, and flour for thickening.
Instructions: Cook macaroni. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk slowly until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Combine with macaroni and serve.

7. Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

This zesty pasta dish is a perfect marriage of seafood and citrus. The lemon butter sauce elevates the shrimp, making it a quick yet elegant meal.

Ingredients: 8 oz linguine, 1 lb shrimp (peeled), 4 tbsp butter, 2 lemons (juiced), garlic, and parsley.
Instructions: Cook linguine. In a skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, and add shrimp. Cook until shrimp is pink, then add lemon juice. Toss with pasta and garnish with parsley.

8. Lasagna

Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese make lasagna a beloved dish that is perfect for family gatherings. It’s a wonderful make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles, 1 lb ground beef, 2 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
Instructions: Cook noodles. In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

9. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delightful way to enjoy pasta, filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and cheese.

Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells, 2 cups ricotta, 2 cups spinach (cooked), 1 cup marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
Instructions: Cook shells and set aside. Mix ricotta and spinach, stuff shells, and place in a baking dish. Top with marinara and cheese, then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

10. One-Pot Mushroom Stroganoff

This comforting dish is quick to prepare and uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce create a cozy meal.

Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles, 1 lb mushrooms (sliced), 1 onion (chopped), 3 cups vegetable broth, and sour cream.
Instructions: In a pot, sauté onions and mushrooms until tender. Add broth and noodles, cooking until noodles are done. Stir in sour cream before serving.

11. Carbonara

This classic Roman dish is known for its deliciously creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese, combined with crispy pancetta for a flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, 4 oz pancetta, 2 eggs, 1 cup Parmesan, and black pepper.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. In a bowl, whisk eggs and cheese. Combine pasta with pancetta and remove from heat. Quickly mix in egg mixture and serve.

12. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a versatile dish perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Toss in your favorite vegetables and dressing for a refreshing meal that can be served cold.

Ingredients: 12 oz rotini, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumbers, ½ cup olives, and Italian dressing.
Instructions: Cook rotini and let cool. Combine with chopped vegetables and toss with dressing. Chill before serving.

13. Vodka Sauce Pasta

This creamy tomato sauce with a hint of vodka is an indulgent treat. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or when you want to impress guests.

Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup vodka, and Parmesan.
Instructions: Cook penne. In a skillet, combine tomato sauce, vodka, and cream. Simmer, then toss with pasta and serve with Parmesan.

14. Pasta e Fagioli

This hearty Italian soup features pasta and beans, making it a filling option that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s comforting and nutritious!

Ingredients: 1 cup ditalini pasta, 1 can cannellini beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning.
Instructions: In a pot, combine broth, beans, tomatoes, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, add pasta, and cook until tender. Serve hot.

15. Fettuccine Alfredo

This creamy and rich dish is a favorite for its simplicity and indulgent flavors. It’s a go-to for a special meal or when you just need a little comfort food.

Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine, ½ cup butter, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup Parmesan, and pepper.
Instructions: Cook fettuccine. In a skillet, melt butter, add cream, and simmer. Stir in cheese until melted. Combine with pasta and serve.

16. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

This pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that’s perfect for a crowd!

Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 2 cups Alfredo sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
Instructions: Cook penne and combine with chicken and Alfredo sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

17. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This elegant dish features succulent shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with pasta for a special weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti, 1 lb shrimp (peeled), 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup white wine, and parsley.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a skillet, sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp and wine, and cook until shrimp are done. Toss with pasta and garnish with parsley.

18. Thai Peanut Noodles

For a fusion twist, try Thai peanut noodles! This dish combines traditional pasta with a flavorful peanut sauce, making it a unique and satisfying meal.

Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti, ½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and veggies of choice.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey. Toss with pasta and add veggies for crunch.

19. Beef and Broccoli Pasta

This quick stir-fry-inspired dish combines pasta with tender beef and broccoli, coated in a savory sauce that’s sure to please.

Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti, 1 lb beef (sliced), 2 cups broccoli, soy sauce, and garlic.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a skillet, stir-fry beef and broccoli, adding garlic and soy sauce. Toss with pasta and serve.

20. Caprese Pasta

Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this pasta dish combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients: 12 oz rotini, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
Instructions: Cook rotini. Toss with halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving.

21. Pasta with Tuna and Olives

This quick and satisfying pasta dish is packed with protein from the tuna and a briny punch from olives, making it a perfect pantry meal.

Ingredients: 12 oz fusilli, 1 can tuna, ½ cup olives, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Instructions: Cook fusilli. In a bowl, mix tuna, sliced olives, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss with pasta and serve chilled or warm.

22. Pumpkin Pasta

For a seasonal twist, pumpkin pasta is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for fall. It’s a unique dish that will warm you up!

Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup heavy cream, sage, and Parmesan.
Instructions: Cook fettuccine. In a skillet, combine pumpkin, cream, and sage. Heat through, then toss with pasta and serve with Parmesan.

23. Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

This dish is a wonderful way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with pasta.

Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice, 2 cups assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots), olive oil, and herbs.
Instructions: Roast vegetables with olive oil and herbs at 400°F until tender. Cook pasta and toss with roasted vegetables before serving.

24. Spaghetti with Clam Sauce

This dish brings a taste of the sea to your table, featuring tender clams in a savory sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, 1 can clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a skillet, sauté garlic, add clams and white wine, and simmer. Toss with pasta and garnish with parsley.

25. Pasta with Goat Cheese and Spinach

This fresh and flavorful dish combines creamy goat cheese with sautéed spinach for a delightful and easy meal.

Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 4 oz goat cheese, 2 cups spinach, garlic, and olive oil.
Instructions: Cook penne. In a skillet, sauté garlic and spinach, then add goat cheese until melted. Toss with pasta before serving.

26. Pasta with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is bursting with flavor, combining artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes for a unique pasta experience.

Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice, 1 can artichoke hearts, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Instructions: Cook pasta. In a skillet, sauté garlic, add artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes, then combine with pasta and herbs before serving.

27. Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

This hearty dish features flavorful sausage and colorful peppers, making it a filling and satisfying meal any night of the week.

Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 1 lb sausage (sliced), 1 bell pepper (sliced), onion, and marinara sauce.
Instructions: Cook pasta. In a skillet, brown sausage and sauté peppers and onion. Add marinara and combine with pasta before serving.

28. Zucchini Noodles with Marinara

For a healthier twist, try zucchini noodles! This low-carb option is light and refreshing, topped with your favorite marinara sauce.

Ingredients: 4 large zucchinis, marinara sauce, and Parmesan.
Instructions: Spiralize zucchinis. Sauté lightly until tender, then top with warm marinara and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

29. Pasta with Bacon and Peas

This dish is quick, easy, and delicious! The combination of crispy bacon and sweet peas creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love.

Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, 6 oz bacon (chopped), 1 cup peas, and Parmesan.
Instructions: Cook spaghetti. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, add peas, and combine with pasta. Serve topped with Parmesan.

Conclusion

With these 29 favorite pasta dishes, you’ll have a delicious and varied menu for the week ahead. Each recipe offers its own unique twist on pasta, ensuring that you never get bored with your meals. From creamy classics to fresh and vibrant options, there’s something to satisfy every craving. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the joy of cooking!