44 Pasta Recipes for Nearly Every Pasta Shape

Baked Ziti

Total Time: 1 hour5 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Zitiground beefspaghetti saucericottamozzarella
Level: Beginner

For the best nutty flavorgrate your own Parmesan when making this spectacular baked zitiwhich is also full of mozzarellaricotta and hearty ground beef. To make a vegetarian versionskip the beef and stir in sauteed mushroomsbell peppers and zucchini.

“I enjoy making this dish for family and friends. It’s easy to prepareand I like to get creative with the sauce. For examplesometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoesmushrooms or vegetables.” —Recipe contributor Elaine AndersonAliquippaPennsylvania

Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mostaccioliricottaground beefpasta sauce with meatmeatballs
Level: Beginner

Are you ever torn between making baked pasta or spaghetti and meatballs? You don’t have to choose with this show-stopping meaty mostaccioliwhich also has three types of tasty Italian cheeses. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a sweetpeppery topping.

“When my husband travels for workI make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer GilbertBrightonMichigan

Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: OrecchietteItalian sausageportobello mushroomsSwiss chard
Level: Beginner

Orecchiette is a small ear-shaped pasta that’s traditionally served with sausage and bitter greens. This robust version mixes the pasta with leafy chardrich Italian sausage and earthy portobello mushrooms.

“I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers marketand the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quicklyso serve immediately to guarantee the best texture.” —Recipe contributor Kate StiltnerGrand RapidsMichigan

Fettuccine Alfredo

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fettuccinebutterheavy whipping creamParmigiano Reggiano
Level: Beginner

There are plenty of jarred Alfredo sauce recipesbut this simple dish shows you how easy it is to make from scratch. Add chicken breastsvegetables or seafood to the plate for protein and color. A dash of nutmeg adds a subtle hint of warm spice that brings the whole sauce together.

Fettuccine Alfredo is such an easy classic to make that everyone should have a go-to recipe in their collection. This dish can be eaten just as it is or add sauteed shrimp for a heartier meal. —Recipe contributor Lindsay MattisonHillsboroOregon

Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated tortelliniItalian sausagepasta saucemascarpone
Level: Beginner

The trick to making a thickdecadent cream sauce in mere minutes is mascarpone cheesethe dreamy Italian cheese that also stars in tiramisu. The recipe calls for cheese tortellinibut you can always use a meat-filled version if that’s what you prefer.

“When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don’t have a lot of time to cookthis dish is a lifesaver. It’s fast and yummy and starts with a premade jarred sauce. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order.” —Recipe contributor Gerry VanceMillbraeCalifornia

Garlic Spaghetti

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: SpaghettigarlicparsleyParmesan
Level: Beginner

Since this satisfying garlicky spaghetti has so few ingredientsuse the best olive oil you can get your hands on to give the sauce a bright fruity flavor. If you’re like us and believe there’s no such thing as too much garliccheck out these other recipes for garlic lovers.

“I make this family-favorite garlic spaghetti—or spaghetti aglio e olio—at least a couple of times a month. It’s wonderful with a salad and fresh Italian bread. Add red pepper flakes to give it a bit of heat or finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.” —Recipe contributor Jackie MessinaChardonOhio

Spicy Chicken and Tomato Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken brothtomato saucechicken breastspasta
Level: Beginner

If spicy foods aren’t your thingtake out the cayenne pepper; if you could always go spicieradd a tablespoon of hot chili sauce. The dollop of sour cream on top will help calm the heat.

“I serve this zippy chicken with plenty of sour cream and full glasses of milk to calm the bite. It’s a super way to stay toasty on blustery autumn days. — Donna MichaelisMadisonWisconsin

Cajun Chicken & Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Chicken breastscajun seasoningpennesweet peppersmushroomsheavy cream
Level: Beginner

Peppery Cajun seasoning adds a tasty kick to this robust chicken pastawhich is also fantastic with Andouille sausage. Make your own homemade Cajun seasoning exactly to your tastesand store it in an airtight jar.

“This kicked-up pasta dish is a family favorite and my most-requested recipe. It’s easy to adapt too. Substitute shrimp for the chickenadd your favorite veggies and adjust the spice level to your family’s taste—you can’t go wrong!” —Recipe contributor Dolly KragelSloanIowa

Vegetable Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mushroomssummer squashzucchinivegetable brothlasagna noodleseggricottamozzarellaParmesan
Level: Intermediate

Simmering vegetables in a simple homemade tomato sauce takes this golden brown lasagna to the next level. Turn it into an even cheesier (and time-saving) ravioli lasagna by using store-bought ravioli instead of lasagna noodles.

“I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery storewhere I work part-time. It’s absolutely packed with veggies.” —Recipe contributor Sam HunsakerLawrenceKansas

Shrimp Pasta Primavera

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Angel hairjumbo shrimpasparagusmushrooms
Level: Beginner

This light and lively shrimp spaghetti comes together in just 15 minutesand is one of our favorite seafood recipes. If you can’t find angel hair at the grocery storeopt for capelliniwhich is just slightly thicker than angel hair.

“They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So when I invite that special guy to dinnerI like to prepare something equally wonderful. This well-seasoned pasta dish has lots of flavorand it won’t hurt your budget!” —Recipe contributor Shari NeffTakoma ParkMaryland

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lasagna noodlesground beefpasta saucemozzarella
Level: Intermediate

When you don’t have time to prep a full tray of lasagnathese four-ingredient roll-ups are a breeze. To get the noodles pliable enough to rollyou’ll need to boil them first.

“My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lee ThomasLogansportIndiana

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: MostacciolibaconmushroomsParmesan
Level: Beginner

Earthy mushrooms add a satisfying umami kick to this creamy twist on carbonara. This recipe calls for jarred mushroomsbut feel free to swap in your favorite type of mushroom from the store. You can also use pancettawhich is a more authentic type of bacon used in carbonara.

“I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal.” —Recipe contributor Cindi BauerMarshfieldWisconsin

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated fettuccinemushroomsbaby spinachAlfredo sauceprosciutto
Level: Beginner

Refrigerated fresh noodles from the supermarket instantly upgrade this creamy pasta dish. Whether you go with jarred Alfredo sauce or make homemade alfredoyou really can’t go wrong. Swap in chopped bacon if you don’t have prosciutto on handand enjoy the touch of smokiness.

“I’m always looking for dinners that I can put together quickly. I re-created a favorite pasta dish from an Italian restaurant by using grocery store convenience products. Add crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal.” —Recipe contributor Christine WardAustinTexas

Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Basillemonspaghettishrimpasparagus
Level: Beginner

This greenherby spaghetti is also delicious when made with gluten-free pasta or spaghetti squash. The meal is dairy-free as isbut if you don’t have an issue with dairywe won’t stop you from adding freshly grated Parmesan.

“Fresh basil and dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively shrimp pesto pasta.” —Recipe contributor Gloria Jones GrengaNewnanGeorgia

Favorite Baked Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hour25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Spaghettiground beefpasta saucecottage cheese
Level: Intermediate

Give this comforting baked pasta a punchy puttanesca flare by cooking a tablespoon of minced garlic with the ground beef mixture. Once the meat is brownedadd rinsed and drained capersone cup coarsely chopped black olivesthree finely chopped anchovy fillets and a dash of red pepper flakes.

“This is my grandchildren’s most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months.” —Recipe contributor Louise MillerWestminsterMaryland

Shrimp Alfredo

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fettuccinebutterheavy creamshrimpParmesan
Level: Beginner

When it comes to pairing pasta with saucethick fettuccine is the perfect match for soaking up creamy Alfredo. Other wide pastas like pappardelle and tagliatelle also make great substitutes.

“Instead of buying a jar of saucemake it from scratch for this easy shrimp Alfredo recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Best Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour50 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Lasagna noodlesItalian sausageground beefcrushed tomatoeseggricottamozzarellaParmesan
Level: Intermediate

If you have one showstopping dinner party recipe in your repertoirelet it be this gorgeous lasagna. Round out your spread with garlic bread and a simple side salad.

“Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can’t go wrong with this deliciously rich and meaty lasagna. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdaystoo.” —Recipe contributor Pam ThompsonGirardIllinois

Zucchini Tomato Pasta

Total Time: 1 hour20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Onionstomatoeszucchinigarlicpasta
Level: Beginner

Zucchini is one of those ingredients that blends seamlessly into so many kinds of recipesfrom baked goods to raw salads. This garden-fresh pasta sauce is wonderfully chunkyso use a larger pasta shape that can stand up to its thicknesslike rigatoni.

“I came up with this recipe after planting too many zucchini plants in our vegetable garden. My husband loved it the first time I served it and now we make it quite often.” —Recipe contributor Joy TurnerAmherstOhio

Turkey Sausage with Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey sausagegreen peppermushroomsdiced tomatoesspiral pastamozzarella
Level: Beginner

This robust spiral pasta with turkey sausage and veggies is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner for the whole family. For a more elegant toppinguse creamy burrata cheese instead of shredded mozzarella.

“If you’re looking for recipes with turkey sausagestop here. This has the perfect blend of meatyveggie and cheesy goodness. You’ll be craving what’s good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu.” —Recipe contributor Mary TallmanArbor VitaeWisconsin

Shrimp Marinara

Total Time: 3 hours45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Diced tomatoesuncooked shrimpspaghettiParmesan
Level: Intermediate

Rich marinara sauce is cooked low and slow before succulent fresh shrimp joins the mix. Feel free to use canned marinara sauce if you’d like to cut the cooking time in half.

“Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtimetoss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up.” —Recipe contributor Sue MackeyJacksonWisconsin

Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penneshrimppasta sauceAlfredo sauce
Level: Beginner

Our secret to the perfect blush sauce that comes together in minutes? One jar of tomato sauce plus one jar of Alfredo sauce. Voilà!

“People love this creamy pasta and think it’s complicatedbut jarred sauces make it so quick to prepare. It feels special enough for festive occasions.” —Recipe contributor Cassandra GourleyWilliamsArizona

Spaghetti Pie Casserole

Our spaghetti casserole recipe features layers of tender spaghettirich meat sauceand a creamy cheese blend. Perfect for family dinners or potlucksthis easy-to-make dish can be prepared ahead and offers delicious variations to suit every taste.

Tortellini with Tomato-Cream Sauce

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Frozen tortellinicanned tomatoesfrozen spinachheavy creamParmesan
Level: Beginner

Frozen tortellini has a permanent spot on our supermarket shopping list because of recipes like this onewhich tosses the stuffed pasta in a veggie-filled cream sauce. To add more proteinbrown some ground beef or turkey sausage to mix into the sauce once it’s cooked.

“This tortellini with tomato cream sauce is mouthwatering. Put spinachtomatoes and other pantry staples to use in this warm and satisfying dish.” —Recipe contributor Barbra StangerWest JordanUtah

Caramelized Onion & Garlic Pasta

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butteronionsgrape tomatoesangel hairbalsamicParmesan
Level: Beginner

This sweet and savory angel hair recipe gets a pleasant hit of smokiness from chopped bacon. Swap in Italian pancetta or chopped prosciutto for even more richness and pork flavor. Be sure to stir the caramelizing onions every once in a while so they don’t burnand keep the heat low.

“This full-flavored recipe is the result of my mother’s love of pasta and our love of cooking together. With a bit of pepper heat and smoky baconthe entree is excellent alone or paired with grilled chicken.” —Recipe contributor Lacy Jo MathesonSault Ste. MarieMichigan

Penne alla Vodka

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penneprosciuttocanned tomatoesvodkawhipping cream
Level: Beginner

This decadentsaucy pasta is one of our favorite penne pasta recipes to make when we’re in the mood for comfort food. Serve it with a crunchy Italian chopped salad and lots of extra Parmesan.

“This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it.” —Recipe contributor Cara LangerOverland ParkKansas

Cheese-Stuffed Shells

Total Time: 1 hour25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Italian sausagefrozen spinachcream cheeseeggmozzarellacheddarcottage cheeseParmesanpasta shellstomato sauce
Level: Intermediate

Who doesn’t love a piping hot plate of cheesymeaty stuffed shells? This crowd-pleasing stuffed pasta features five different types of cheeseso it comes out of the oven bubbly and beautiful. The best part is that the recipe makes two casseroles worth of food. Enjoy one and freeze the other for next time!

“When I was living in CaliforniaI tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I’m happy to share it with you.” —Recipe contributor Lori MeccaGrants PassOregon

Tortellini with Tomato Spinach Cream Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Diced tomatoesfrozen spinachheavy creamfrozen tortellini
Level: Beginner

Frozen spinach practically melts into this rich blush sauce. Make sure to squeeze it dry before mixing it in so it doesn’t make the dish soggy.

“I enjoy all things pastaand tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husbandwho hates pasta of any kindloves it! It’s a great recipe for non-spinach fans to trytoo.” —Recipe contributor Jenny DubinskyInwoodWest Virginia

Manicotti

Total Time: 1 hour25 minutes
Main Ingredients: RicottamozzarellaParmesanmarinara saucemanicotti shells
Level: Intermediate

This extra-cheesy baked manicotti calls for marinarathat simple sauce made of tomatogarliccrushed red pepper and basil. So many fantastic Italian-American recipes start with a jar of marinara saucefrom calzones to spaghetti and meatballs.

“Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husbandand all these years laterhe still enjoys it!” —Recipe contributor Joan HallfordNorth Richland HillsTexas

Hearty Ragu Bolognese

Total Time: 4 hours5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mirepoixground beefItalian sausagewhite winebeef brothchicken breastsheavy creampasta
Level: Beginner

BolognaItaly is the birthplace of bolognese saucea hearty ragu that’s traditionally served over fresh egg noodles like tagliatelle. This simple version requires just 20 minutes of prep before cooking low and slow.

“My robust ragu combines ground beefsausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pastaor baked or fried polenta. It’s even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread.” —Recipe contributor Caroline BrodyForest HillsNew York

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

Total Time: 2 hours30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tomato pastetomato saucesoft bread cubesmilkParmesanground beefspaghetti
Level: Intermediate

Great spaghetti and meatballs start with great sauceso choose a jarred pasta sauce you love. If you’d prefer to bake your meatballs instead of frying thempop them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

“One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezerI warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lou KoskellaPrescottArizona

Mostaccioli

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: MostaccioliItalian sausagespaghetti sauceeggricottamozzarellaRomano
Level: Beginner

This decadent Italian-American comfort dish calls for Italian-inspired side dishes and brightsimple green salads. If you can’t find mostaccioli at the storeswap in penne or your favorite medium-sized pasta shape.

“Even though we’re not Italianthis richcheesy pasta dish is a family tradition for holidays and other special occasions. It tastes just like lasagna without the layering work.” —Recipe contributor Nancy MundhenkeKinsleyKansas

Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breastspastachicken brothmilkcream cheesespinachParmesansun-dried tomatoes
Level: Beginner

Pressure-cooker recipes are game changers on busy nights. This breezy pasta turns out creamyindulgentrestaurant-worthy noodles in under 30 minutes. For an even richer flavorswap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for the protein.

“After the chicken and pasta cook and the milk and cream cheese are addedthe mixture will look liquidy. Just continue to cook and stir and the dish will come together.” —Recipe contributor Amber GainesColorado SpringsColorado

Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

Total Time: 50 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Zitimarinara sauceAlfredo saucemozzarellaricottaprovoloneRomanoParmesan
Level: Beginner

If you have meat-lovers in your familythey’ll adore this decadent baked ziti with jarred meat sauce in place of the marinara. The dish is rich and fillingso serve it with simple vegetable sides like lemon pepper roasted broccoli or a crisp Mediterranean salad.

“After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive GardenI tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal.” —Recipe contributor Keri WhitneyCastro ValleyCalifornia

Pasta Napolitana

Total Time: 2 hours30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Baconground beefItalian sausagemarinara saucechicken brothred winemushroomspepperonispaghettiParmesan
Level: Intermediate

Check out all of our copycat recipes from The Cheesecake Factory (there are tons!) for restaurant- feasts you can whip up at home. Stay on theme and serve this meaty pasta with The Cheesecake Factory pumpkin cheesecake and the restaurant’s famous brown bread.

“This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory’s pasta. Rich and heartywith tremendous flavorsthis pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauceas it freezes very well.” —Recipe contributor John PittmanNorthamptonPennsylvania

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Total Time: 30 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Cashewsmacaroninutritional yeastlemon
Level: Beginner

This luscious mac and cheese proves that you don’t need dairy to create a creamy pasta. Blending raw cashews with water makes an ultra-creamy base that’s the star in a few other vegan pasta sauces.

“The combination of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast creates a savory sauce for this vegan mac and cheese. The cashews don’t blend up completely smoothbut will have a fine texture even after processingwhich helps the sauce cling to the noodles.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shrimp Orzo with Feta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Orzotomatoeslemonshrimpfeta
Level: Beginner

This nutritious and bright orzo with fresh cilantro and tangy feta is a wonderfully balanced meal for any season. Orzo is a versatile tiny pasta that really absorbs the flavors of any dish it’s infrom Greek tomato soup to pasta skillets.

“Tenderhearty and flavorfulthis recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp.” —Recipe contributor Sarah HummelMoon TownshipPennsylvania

Skillet Lasagna

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beefdiced tomatoesspaghetti saucecream of onion soupcottage cheeseno-cook lasagna noodlesmozzarella
Level: Beginner

This showstopping no-bake skillet lasagna has a secret ingredient: cream of onion soupwhich adds extra rich and savory flavor to the layer of cottage cheese. To mix things upuse any of your favorite condensed soups here—even a homemade cream of chicken soup.

“This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layersit’s definitely kid-friendly.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Multi-Cooker Cheddar Gruyere Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Macaronihalf-and-halfcheddarGruyereRitz crackers
Level: Beginner

This cheesy macaroni uses a pressure cooker and air fryer. But that doesn’t mean you need to grab two appliances. The Ninja Foodi multi-cooker has two separate lids for each function. So if you have onethen this really is a one-pot meal.

“You can’t beat this rich and creamy Ninja Foodi mac and cheese. This multi-cooker recipe is a new twist on the original.” —Recipe contributor Robin HaasCranstonRhode Island

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shrimpgarliclemonlinguine
Level: Beginner

Cooking shrimp in a mix of butter and olive oil helps achieve a balanced flavor and sear. We love linguine with garlic saucesand if you have homemade noodles in the freezer to use upconsider fresh pasta vs. dry pasta.

“The Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menubut I always seem to order their delicious fresh and citrusy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with pasta. I’d enjoyed it enough times that I was confident I reproduce it to share with friends and family. I think I hit it spot on! When I have fresh basil from the garden I use that instead of parsley.” —Community Cook Trisha KruseEagleIdaho

Pressure-Cooker Penne with Meat Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beefoniongreen pepperpennepasta sauce
Level: Beginner

The electronic pressure cooker was made for meat sauces: In just a few minutesit turns ground beefseasoning and a few vegetables into a robust ragu that tastes like it was cooked for hours. Consider investing in a few of these Instant Pot accessories to make the most of your appliance.

“This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy. I like to serve it with a chopped salad and Italian dressing.” —Recipe contributor Virginia ButterfieldCranberry TownshipPennsylvania

Soup Mix Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spiral pastaground beefheavy creamonion soup mixGruyereSwiss
Level: Beginner

Soup mixhow we love thee! Forget rooting around in your spice cabinet for multiple seasonings and flavor your pasta with savory onion soup mix combined with beefcheese and cream. You’ll want to make soup mix recipes for the rest of the week.

“This delicious pasta sauce originated after I noticed a box of onion soup packets in my cupboard. I could not believe how much flavor the mix added as a seasoning blend! To my delightmy whole family gave this dish rave reviewsincluding my infamously picky children. Now it is my go-to dinner when I want to serve an easycomforting dish after an especially difficult week or when the weather is cold and dreary.” —Recipe contributor Kristin BowersGilbertArizona

Million-Dollar Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Spaghettiground beefpasta saucecream cheesericotta
Level: Intermediate

This crowd-pleasing baked spaghetti is quick to assemble. It’s a smart (and comforting) freezer meal to have on hand for busy nights. Make it vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.

“My family loves this old school spaghetti bake with a layer of baked cheeses. Perfect for a potluck or family gathering.” —Recipe contributor Patti LavellIslamoradaFlorida

Pesto Ravioli

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cheese raviolibaby spinachpestotomatoes
Level: Beginner

Whether you make pesto from scratch or go with store-bought pestothis simple ravioli will be satisfying and colorful. Top it with grilled chicken or sauteed shrimp for more protein.

“This easy pesto ravioli comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Instead of plum tomatoesyou could use whole grape tomatoes or drained diced tomatoes. If you’d like a bit of extra flavor and crunchtop with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pesto Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour + standing
Main Ingredients: MozzarellaParmesanricottalasagna noodlespestofrozen spinach
Level: Intermediate

You can make this impressive vegetarian baked pasta with any kind of pestolike arugula pesto or spinach pesto. Serve this with summery veggie sideslike heirloom tomato salad or grilled zucchini.

“The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna. Paired with a rich cheese sauce and layers of noodlesit’s a potluck dish that will have guests asking you for the recipe.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pasta Recipes FAQ

How do you know when pasta is done cooking?

Every pasta shape takes a different amount of time to cook (check your box!)but we recommend cooking all of them al dente. What does al dente mean? It literally means “to the tooth,” meaning the noodle has a bit of bite and is a little chewy. You’ll definitely want to cook your pasta al dente if you’ll be adding it to a stovetop sauce where it will cook even more.

One to two minutes before the recommended cook time endstaste a noodle to make sure it’s not too soft. Tasting your pasta is the best way to gauge its doneness. Check out our full guide on how to cook pasta to become a real pro.

How long is pasta good for in the fridge?

Store leftover pasta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two daysideally with the sauce separate from the noodles so they can preserve their texture. Former Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor James Schend has a tip for making sure your pasta doesn’t dry out in the fridge: “Toss the warm pasta with a few tablespoons of olive oil. I know this is a no-no for normal servingbut the oil helps keep the pasta from drying out when you store it in the fridge.”

Can you freeze cooked pasta?

Yesyou can! Similar to fridge storageyou’ll want to freeze pasta separate from the sauce. Stuffed and baked pastas hold up best in the freezer because you can cook them from frozen and they don’t require assembly post freezing. If you’re freezing longthin and delicate noodleslike fettuccine or angel hairtoss the pasta in olive oil before freezingjust like we recommend doing before refrigerating.