20 Pasta Dishes You Likely Haven’t Made
This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosure policy.
I love pasta, but sometimes the same old dishes start to feel repetitive. That’s why I like trying new versions that bring a fresh twist to the table. These recipes are simple, creative, and perfect for when you want something different without straying too far from what you already enjoy.
Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese brings restaurant comfort to your home with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a rich, hearty side or main dish that feels special without being hard to make. The blend of textures and flavors makes it stand out from typical mac and cheese recipes. It’s a great pick when you want to try something different yet familiar.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Taco Spaghetti Skillet
Taco Spaghetti Skillet mixes classic taco flavors with spaghetti for a fun twist on two favorites. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The bold flavors and simple prep make it an easy way to change up your pasta routine. This recipe proves that pasta can go well beyond traditional Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta became popular for a reason—it’s simple, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The melted cheese blends with roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s an easy dish that feels new while still using familiar ingredients. This recipe is perfect when you want something quick but different from the usual pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta combines fresh, juicy tomatoes with tender shrimp for a light but filling meal. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something flavorful without much effort. The mix of seafood and pasta gives a nice change from heavier cream-based dishes. It’s a simple way to bring variety to your pasta nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Alfredo Steak Pasta
Alfredo Steak Pasta is a hearty and rich meal that pairs tender steak with creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting but different from the usual chicken or shrimp versions. The combination of protein and pasta creates a filling, restaurant-style meal at home. This recipe is a great way to mix up your usual pasta dinners with something new.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake adds a bold, tangy flavor to creamy baked pasta for a fun twist on comfort food. It’s simple to prepare and works well for family dinners or game-day meals. The balance of creamy sauce and spicy chicken makes it stand out from standard pasta bakes. It’s a great option when you want to break away from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Salmon Alfredo Pasta offers a smooth blend of creamy sauce and tender salmon for a balanced, flavorful dish. It’s a bit more refined than typical Alfredo recipes but just as easy to make. The rich sauce complements the flaky fish perfectly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour. This dish is a great way to bring something new to your pasta lineup.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Penne Pasta Bake
Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting dish layered with sauce, cheese, and pasta that’s baked until bubbly and golden. It’s easy to prepare ahead and works well for family dinners or gatherings. The familiar ingredients make it approachable, while the baked texture gives it something special. It’s a reliable go-to for anyone wanting a pasta dish that feels a little different from the usual stovetop version.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet flavorful Italian classic made with cheese and pepper for a creamy, peppery finish. It’s ready in minutes and makes a great choice for quick weeknight meals. The thick bucatini noodles give it a unique texture that sets it apart from other pasta dishes. It’s an easy way to experience something new with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is a straightforward dish made with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes for a punch of flavor. It’s fast to prepare and relies on pantry staples, making it perfect for busy days. The light, flavorful sauce lets the pasta shine without needing anything fancy. This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something different and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta combines juicy shrimp and a buttery garlic sauce for a dish that feels both easy and special. It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for quick dinners. The blend of seafood and pasta adds variety to your weekly meal rotation. This recipe is a good pick when you want something simple but out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick, family-friendly meal packed with hearty flavor and easy ingredients. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple and fast. The combination of pasta, beef, and sauce makes it a dependable dinner that’s still a little different from the usual spaghetti. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting but with a new twist.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spaghetti Arrabbiata is bold and full of character, featuring a spicy tomato sauce that wakes up your taste buds. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. The touch of heat gives it something different from standard marinara dishes. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a pasta with a little more kick.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Lobster Ravioli Sauce
Lobster Ravioli Sauce pairs rich seafood-filled pasta with a creamy, flavorful sauce that feels special yet easy to prepare. It’s great for date nights or dinners when you want something more than the usual spaghetti. The sauce enhances the lobster without overpowering it, creating a well-balanced dish. This recipe brings a refreshing change to your regular pasta lineup.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Ravioli Sauce
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta combines the sweetness of seared scallops with nutty brown butter for a warm, rich meal. It’s elegant yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The contrast of tender seafood and buttery sauce makes it stand out from more traditional pasta dishes. It’s perfect when you want something that feels a bit special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp brings together thick, chewy noodles and tender shrimp in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s quick to make and feels fresh with every bite. The unique pasta shape gives it a different texture from other shrimp pastas. This dish adds a fun twist to your usual seafood dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Meatball Pasta Bake
Meatball Pasta Bake layers pasta, sauce, cheese, and juicy meatballs into a hearty baked dish. It’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. The baked finish gives it a rich, comforting flavor that’s different from the usual spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a dependable choice when you want a filling meal with something extra.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta makes dinner simple with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s full of comforting flavor. The slow cooking process gives it a rich texture that feels homemade. This is a great option when you want an easy pasta dish that’s a little different from your usual go-tos.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta
Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta combines bright lemon flavor with tender chicken and pasta for a light yet comforting dish. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The balance of tangy sauce and rich pasta gives it a refreshing twist on traditional cream-based recipes. It’s a great way to try something fresh and flavorful without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta is bright, creamy, and full of fresh flavor from simple ingredients. It’s easy to make and works well for lunch or dinner. The combination of lemon and feta gives it a unique twist that feels different from the usual pasta dishes. It’s perfect when you want something quick, light, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta