The same old spaghetti and meatballs can get boring. Shake up pasta night with some new and exciting dishes. These recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for dinner guests or just treating yourself to something special. Leave the jar of marinara sitting in your pantry and get cooking with these creative and tasty dishes.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
This 20-minute creamy tomato farfalle uses a healthy cream sauce with peas and crispy prosciutto. It’s a great, easy meal that’s different from the usual spaghetti and meatballs.
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Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese with Greek yogurt is lighter and healthier than the traditional dish, providing creamy comfort for pasta night.
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Instant Pot Bolognese
Instant Pot bolognese is a quicker and easier way to make the classic Italian meat sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta with parmesan for a rich and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
A quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta. Enjoy it as a vegetarian meal or add your favorite protein for a fresh change.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is like a grown-up version of hamburger helper. Filled with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar cheese, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This lemon ricotta pasta makes a light, quick meal with creamy ricotta and fresh basil and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a summer evening dinner.
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Lentil Bolognese
Lentil bolognese is a thick and hearty vegetarian option. Serve it over your choice of pasta for a comforting, budget-friendly meal.
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Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
This red lentil pasta includes sautéed garlicky lemon kale and a cheesy topping. It’s an easy way to enjoy a nutritious dinner.
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Pasta Checca with Burrata
Pasta checca with burrata features small burst heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata. It’s a great spin on a traditional Italian family meal.
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Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
This bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
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Lamb Bolognese
Lamb bolognese is full of flavor with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs. Serve it over tagliatelle for a cozy dinner.
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Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple, classic Italian dish made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta uses Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta water for a rich meal.
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Sausage Mac and Cheese
This homemade sausage mac and cheese is always a hit. Its cheesy sauce and velvety texture make it a favorite for both adults and kids.
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Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
This sweet potato mac and cheese uses pureed sweet potato, almond milk, and two kinds of cheese. It’s a bit healthier and includes spinach for extra nutrition.
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Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Trapanese pesto is made with fresh tomatoes, nuts, and basil. It’s quickly processed into a refreshing summer sauce and tossed with pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
This 25-minute Brussels sprouts pasta is great for quick dinners. With bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, it makes an impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni noodles, a creamy sauce, shredded parmesan, and baby spinach. Make it in less than 30 minutes for a comforting midweek dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.