10+ Pasta Dinner Recipes to Delight Your Family

Pasta dishes are a favorite for many people due to their versatility and ease of preparation. You can create delicious meals that suit any taste, whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family dinner.

With many recipes available, pasta can be made with various sauces, vegetables, and proteins to keep your meals exciting and flavorful.

Whether you prefer a creamy Alfredo, a hearty bolognese, or a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, there is a pasta recipe for everyone. With some basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up satisfying dinners that everyone will enjoy.

1) Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a wonderful dish from Sicily you can easily make at home. It features eggplant in a savory tomato sauce, giving it a rich flavor. The dish is often sprinkled with ricotta salata cheese for added taste.

To prepare, you roast the eggplant until tender. This method brings out its sweetness without the oil from frying.

You can serve it over your favorite pasta for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or rigatoni)
• 1 cup ricotta salata cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the eggplants into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the eggplant for 25-30 minutes until golden.
4. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
5. Heat the marinara sauce in a pan and add the roasted eggplant.
6. Drain the pasta and mix with the sauce and eggplant.
7. Serve with ricotta salata and fresh basil on top. Enjoy!

2) Warm Caprese Pasta

Warm Caprese Pasta blends fresh and tasty ingredients for a delightful dish. You will enjoy the combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This recipe is simple and comes together quickly.

You can use your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne. Cooking it al dente adds a nice bite to the dish.

Drizzle some olive oil and add minced garlic for extra flavor.

The fresh ingredients make this pasta shine. You can serve it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Mozzarella (cubed)
• Fresh basil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes until soft.
5. Add cooked pasta and cubed mozzarella.
6. Toss gently and remove from heat.
7. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.

3) Easy Pasta With Winter Greens

This Easy Pasta with Winter Greens is perfect for a quick dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty meal. The dish features a silky sauce made with Swiss chard, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese.

You’ll love how the colors pop on your plate. It’s vegetarian and packed with healthy greens. This pasta is simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in the Swiss chard and cook until wilted.
5. Mix in the lemon juice and cooked pasta.
6. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.

4) Vegan Cacio e Pepe

Vegan Cacio e Pepe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. You’ll love the creaminess that comes from blended cashews. This dish is packed with a peppery flavor that adds a nice kick.

To make it, cook your favorite pasta until it’s just short of al dente. Save some pasta water to help create a smooth sauce later.

Mix the cooked pasta with the cashew cream and a generous amount of black pepper. This dish is quick, simple, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
• 1 cup (150 g) raw cashews (soaked)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water
• 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1-2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Soak cashews in water for at least 2 hours, then drain.
3. Blend cashews with enough pasta water to create a smooth cream.
4. Combine cooked pasta with cashew cream and pepper.
5. Mix well and serve hot.

5) Paccheri with Sausage Ragu

Paccheri with sausage ragu is a delicious pasta dish that is easy to make. The large tubes of paccheri pasta hold the rich sauce perfectly. This meal is comforting and ideal for family dinners.

You will start by cooking the pasta until it is al dente. While it cooks, prepare the ragu using spicy Italian sausage, tomato paste, and onions. The combination creates a flavorful sauce that you will love.

Once the pasta is done, mix it with the ragu. For added creaminess, you can stir in some cheese or a splash of cream.

Enjoy your meal with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nice touch!

Ingredients

• 1 pound paccheri pasta
• 1½ ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the paccheri pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook the sausage until browned.
3. Add the sliced onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage ragu.
6. Serve with fresh herbs on top.

6) Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a simple and delicious dish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight and takes just about 30 minutes to make. You will love the rich and savory sauce that coats the tender pasta.

You start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add garlic for flavor and cream to make it rich. Finally, stir in Parmesan cheese for that creamy goodness.

Serve it with your favorite pasta shape. You can also add spinach or a side salad for a fresh touch.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Combine with cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

7) Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Classic spaghetti carbonara is a simple and delicious dish. It features spaghetti tossed with a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese. The key ingredients are pancetta or guanciale, which add a savory flavor.

To start, cook your spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling water. While the pasta cooks, fry the pancetta until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and grated cheese.

Once the pasta is done, mix it with pancetta and some pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Add the egg and cheese mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Season with black pepper and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta or guanciale
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. While pasta cooks, fry pancetta in a pan until crispy.
3. Whisk together egg yolks and cheese in a bowl.
4. Drain pasta and reserve some cooking water.
5. Combine pasta with pancetta in the pan.
6. Remove from heat and mix in egg and cheese mixture.
7. Adjust texture with reserved pasta water if needed.
8. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

8) One-Pot Alfredo With Broccoli

One-Pot Alfredo with Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking fettuccine noodles and bright green broccoli in one pot. You’ll add a creamy Parmesan sauce to enhance the flavors. This dish is not only easy but also family-friendly!

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine noodles
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and mix in the Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese.
5. Stir until creamy and heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9) Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Baked ziti with ricotta is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish. It features ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella.

This dish is great for a family dinner or when hosting friends. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.

For extra flavor, consider adding ground beef or Italian sausage. Fresh herbs like basil can also brighten the dish.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer half the ziti, half the marinara, and half the ricotta mixture in a baking dish.
5. Repeat the layers and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10) Pesto Penne Primavera

Pesto Penne Primavera is a fresh and colorful dish that brings summer to your table.

It features penne pasta tossed with homemade pesto and a variety of veggies like asparagus and zucchini. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

You can make this dish in about 30 minutes, making it a quick option for busy evenings.

The homemade pesto adds a vibrant flavor that brings everything together. You’ll enjoy the delicious combination of pasta and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
2. In a pan, sauté the asparagus and zucchini until tender.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
4. Drain the pasta. Mix it with the vegetables and pesto.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with Parmesan cheese if desired.