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.

A bowl of pasta with tomato basil almond pesto.
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Pasta with prosciutto and peas in a bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

A bowl of pasta salad with peas and bacon.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mac and cheese with Greek yogurt is lighter and healthier than the traditional dish, providing creamy comfort for pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Two bowls of pasta with tomatoes and basil.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A plate of pasta salad with tomatoes and basil.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lentil Bolognese

A bowl of lentils and vegetables on a wooden table.
Lentil Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lentil bolognese is a thick and hearty vegetarian option. Serve it over your choice of pasta for a comforting, budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

A bowl of pasta with greens and walnuts.
Red Lentil Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This red lentil pasta includes sautéed garlicky lemon kale and a cheesy topping. It’s an easy way to enjoy a nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Pasta Checca with Burrata

A plate of spaghetti with tomatoes and ricotta cheese.
Pasta Checca. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pasta checca with burrata features small burst heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata. It’s a great spin on a traditional Italian family meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Garlic Shrimp Bucatini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Lamb Bolognese

A plate of pasta with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese is full of flavor with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs. Serve it over tagliatelle for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Sausage Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with spinach.
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

A bowl of pasta with tomato basil almond pesto.
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Brussels sprouts and bacon pasta in a pot.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

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.

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