12 Pasta Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make
Pasta is one of those go-to dishes that never disappoints, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd. But sometimes, we find ourselves stuck in a pasta rut, making the same old recipes over and over. If you’re looking to mix things up, we’ve got you covered with pasta recipes you’ll actually want to make. Say goodbye to boring pasta nights and hello to something new!
Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

This rich and creamy mac and cheese brings together the best of comfort food with a steakhouse touch. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s a straightforward dish that pairs well with any meal. The combination of creamy cheese and tender pasta ensures you’ll be coming back for seconds. It’s a great choice when you want something that’s both filling and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Taco Spaghetti Skillet
A fun twist on traditional spaghetti, this taco-inspired dish blends classic flavors with pasta. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The seasoned ground beef and melted cheese make this a hearty, comforting option for the whole family. It’s a great way to change up your pasta routine with a flavor-packed dish.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful meal, ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of shrimp, garlic, and a buttery sauce makes this dish both light and satisfying. It’s an ideal choice for busy nights when you crave something with a little extra flair. Perfect for seafood lovers, this pasta is both easy to prepare and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Bucatini with garlic shrimp is a flavorful pasta dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with a garlic-rich sauce. The bucatini holds the sauce perfectly, giving each bite a burst of flavor. This quick and easy dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a pasta dish that’s both satisfying and simple. It’s a great option when you want a light, yet hearty, meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta combines tender scallops with a rich brown butter sauce, creating a decadent meal that’s simple to prepare. The brown butter adds a nutty depth of flavor, making it a standout dish. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for a special meal that doesn’t take long to prepare. Perfect for seafood lovers, this pasta is both easy and luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The ground beef is seasoned perfectly and combined with pasta for a filling meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great go-to when you want something quick, filling, and straightforward. This dish is an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spaghetti Arrabbiata is a classic pasta dish that’s both bold and flavorful, thanks to its spicy tomato sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The heat from the red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, making it a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. This is a great choice when you want a pasta meal that’s simple, yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Alfredo Steak Pasta
Alfredo Steak Pasta is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender steak with a creamy alfredo sauce. The pasta absorbs the sauce, creating a filling meal that’s perfect for steak lovers. It’s an excellent choice when you want a comforting dish that combines the best of steak and pasta. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
A refreshing twist on pasta, this lemon feta spinach dish brings brightness with its tangy feta and fresh spinach. It’s a light yet satisfying option that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal. The lemon adds a refreshing zing that makes this dish feel like a treat. A quick cook time makes it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Meatball Pasta Bake
This meatball pasta bake is an easy, comforting dish that combines pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese. It’s great for feeding a crowd or for leftovers throughout the week. The combination of pasta and tender meatballs creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s a great go-to when you’re in need of something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
A classic Roman dish, Bucatini Cacio e Pepe is simple but full of flavor, thanks to its cheese and black pepper sauce. Bucatini pasta holds the sauce perfectly, giving each bite a creamy and peppery taste. This is a great option when you want an easy yet flavorful pasta dish with few ingredients. It’s fast to prepare, making it a quick meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. This one-pan dish combines a block of feta cheese with tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for those who love comforting, baked pasta meals. The minimal prep makes it a no-fuss option for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta