16 Pasta Dishes That Will Elevate Your Dinner Game

Pasta night doesn’t have to mean the same old jar of sauce and noodles. These pasta dishes are here to help you level up—think bold flavors, creamy sauces, and satisfying textures that go way beyond basic.

Treat yourself to something special with these recipes that will add a little flair to your dinner routine without a lot of fuss.

Garlic Butter Pasta

Sometimes all you need is a simple, buttery bowl of pasta to make your day better. This Garlic Tomato Butter Pasta brings together mellow roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in a rich, flavorful sauce that coats delicate angel hair perfectly. Get the recipe

Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect creamy pasta dish when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. It comes together quickly with tender shrimp, garlicky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. This one’s great for a cozy dinner at home that still feels a little fancy. Get the recipe

Dirty Martini Pasta

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and love a good martini, this Dirty Martini Pasta is going to grab your attention. It takes all the briny, zesty notes from the cocktail and transforms them into a creamy, savory pasta dish. It’s simple, quick, and totally unexpected in the best way. Get the recipe

Creamy Tomato & Spinach Tortellini

Creamy Tomato & Spinach Tortellini is one of those easy weeknight dinners that feels like comfort food but comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s rich and creamy, packed with cheesy tortellini, and has a nice tang from the tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Get the recipe

Penne all’Arrabbiata

If you’re in the mood for a quick and flavorful pasta dish, this classic Italian Penne all’Arrabbiata is one of our all-time favorites. It’s known for its bold flavors, featuring a spicy tomato sauce that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delicious. Get the recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, comforting, and sure to impress. It has a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken and penne pasta, making this dish hard to resist. The Marry Me Chicken recipe has been popular for a while, so we decided to give it a pasta twist. Get the recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor. This meal brings together savory sausage, tender rigatoni, and a velvety, cream-based sauce that clings to every bite. Get the recipe

Spicy Sausage Pappardelle

Spicy Sausage Pappardelle is a hearty pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of spicy Italian sausage with the aromatic notes of fennel and Calabrian chilis, all enveloped in a creamy tomato sauce. The fresh pappardelle adds a fantastic texture that complements the bold ingredients perfectly. Even with the peppers, it’s not too spicy. It’s just a perfect plate of pasta. Get the recipe

Creamy Pancetta Pasta with Edamame

This Creamy Pancetta Pasta with Edamame recipe combines crispy pancetta with tender pasta, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce that’s enhanced by the vibrant pop of fresh edamame. The combination of savory pancetta and the slight sweetness of edamame creates a perfect balance, making this dish a standout for any dinner table. Get the recipe

Elevated Mac & Cheese with Spinach & Bacon

This isn’t your typical kids Mac & Cheese. We’re elevating this beloved dish to adult status by incorporating large shells, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. This Elevated Mac & Cheese is a gourmet twist on the classic comfort food still has all that rich cheesy goodness, and bacon! Get the recipe

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this Chicken Piccata with Lemon Parmesan Pasta recipe. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are smothered in a tangy lemon-caper sauce and served atop a bed of rich, creamy pasta. Get the recipe

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas

This delightful Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas recipe combines creamy ricotta cheese with zesty lemon juice and bright green peas, creating a vibrant sauce that beautifully coats this gorgeous pasta. The freshness of the peas and the tanginess of the lemon elevate the simple ingredients, making each bite full of flavor. Get the recipe

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

You won’t be able to resist this Buffalo Chicken Pasta that combines your favorite pasta with chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, and cream cheese, to make the dreamiest, creamiest pasta ever.  Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Get the recipe

Chicken Caprese Pasta

This Chicken Caprese Pasta is made with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese, then piled on top of a bed of spaghetti for a super simple weeknight meal. Use baked chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil and shredded mozzarella over spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of Parmesan cheese on top. Perfection. Get the recipe

Creamy Cajun Pasta

Creamy Cajun Pasta is the perfect blend of spicy and creamy, delivering a satisfying kick with every bite. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth, while the creamy sauce balances it with rich, velvety goodness. Get the recipe

Five-Cheese Penne al Forno

Penne al Forno is baked pasta with a creamy five-cheese sauce, extra melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs on top. Al Forno is Italian for “in the oven” and refers to baking food. Add the aromatic cheesy, tomatoey sauce, baked to perfection, it’s a dish you can’t resist. Get the recipe