Pasta Recipes That Fit Whatever You Are Craving

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Some nights you want something creamy and cozy, other nights a lighter pasta with fresh veggies just feels right. No matter what mood you’re in, there’s a pasta recipe that fits. From quick weeknight bowls and one-pot pastas to slow-simmered favorites, these dishes make dinner feel simple and satisfying every single time.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Short noodles in orange sauce topped with sage leaves, shredded cheese, and pumpkin seeds.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Pumpkin, garlic, and fresh sage make a cozy pasta sauce that feels like fall in a bowl. It’s creamy, comforting, and easy to pull together any night of the week.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Noodles in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream blend into a rich sauce that clings perfectly to bucatini. This Italian-inspired pasta is cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Get the recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Brown Butter Pasta with Walnuts

Pasta in a bowl, topped with walnuts and parsley.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Brown butter and toasted walnuts make pasta taste nutty and rich without much effort. It’s a simple dish that feels like it belongs on a fall dinner table.

Get the recipe: Brown Butter Pasta with Walnuts

Creamy Pesto Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with a lemon slice.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This one-pot creamy pesto pasta is quick to make and packed with veggies. It’s a fuss-free dinner that delivers bold flavors without extra dishes.

Get the recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Spicy mac and cheese in a bowl with sriracha drizzled on top.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This spicy mac and cheese has creamy sauce with just the right kick. Made with gochujang, fresh jalapeños, and two cheeses, it’s bold, cheesy, and ready in under half an hour.

Get the recipe: Spicy Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Cheesy pasta shells in a bowl topped with parsley.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This stovetop mac and cheese is thick, cheesy, and ready to customize. Try stirring in roasted veggies or spicy pickled jalapeños for a fun twist.

Get the recipe: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Vegan Buttered Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with butter and parsley beside a plate of toasted bread.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Sometimes the best meals are the simplest, like buttery noodles with just a pinch of salt. It’s quick, comforting, and always satisfying.

Get the recipe: Vegan Buttered Noodles

Sesame Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Keep noodles and a couple of easy sauces on hand and you’ve got dinner covered. This quick noodle dish works anytime you need a budget-friendly meal fast.

Get the recipe: Sesame Noodles

Cheesy Meatball Pasta

Baked pasta and meatballs in a casserole dish with melted cheese.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Meatballs, pasta, and plenty of cheese come together in this easy bake. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and simple to prep.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Meatball Pasta

Sweet Potato and Kale Ravioli

Ravioli in a bowl topped with cream sauce and herbs.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Homemade ravioli with sweet potato, kale, and ricotta feels like a weekend project worth making. A light lemon cream sauce brings the whole dish together in a bright but cozy way.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato and Kale Ravioli

Instant Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in a bowl topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Smoky gouda and tender macaroni are a match made for quick weeknight cooking. A little Dijon ties it all together in this Instant Pot mac and cheese that’s cheesy, cozy, and fast.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese

Creamy Tomato Sauce with Pasta, Chicken + Spinach

Creamy tomato pasta and chicken.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Chicken, spinach, and pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce make a simple but satisfying dinner. It’s a 30-minute meal that balances fresh greens with rich comfort.

Get the recipe: Creamy Tomato Sauce with Pasta, Chicken and Spinach

One-Pot Zucchini and Mushroom Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with parsley and lemon slices.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Fresh zucchini and mushrooms give pasta a light, veggie-forward spin. This easy dinner is perfect for warm nights or when you want something a little lighter.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Zucchini and Mushroom Pasta

Boursin Pasta

Saucy pasta on a plate.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Boursin pasta is all about creamy comfort. The garlic-rich truffle cheese melts right into the hot pasta, creating a velvety sauce that feels special but takes hardly any time.

Get the recipe: Boursin Pasta

Still hungry? Try this!

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