Pasta! With so many types of pasta and so many ways to prepare it, this versatile kitchen staple is a go-to for family dinners. Below you’ll find my best pasta recipes, ready to inspire delicious meals on your table.

Close up of rigatoni pasta bake.

My family LOVES pasta. Which is why I’ve shared an abundance of pasta recipes on Kristine’s Kitchen over the years. Below you’ll find all of my favorites, including cheesy pasta bakes, zesty pasta salads, speedy one pot pastas, chicken pasta recipes and more. Whether you’re looking for a make ahead pasta recipe for a holiday meal or a quick weeknight dinner idea, I’ve got you covered with this collection of incredible pasta recipes!

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Pasta Bake Recipes

These pasta bakes are some of my favorite pasta recipes. They’re incredibly comforting, great for feeding a crowd and make-ahead friendly. All you’ll need to round out the meal are a Green Salad and some crispy Garlic Bread.

Mac and cheese in baking dish with a serving spoon.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Exceptionally cheesy and creamy, this ooey gooey mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Serve it with Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts and dinner is done.

Baked lasagna in a baking dish.

Lasagna

Nothing says good old fashioned home cooking like homemade lasagna, and this recipe is as easy as it gets. With layers of noodles, meat sauce and cheese, this recipe is perfect for a holiday meal or Sunday dinner.

Baked Ziti

This classic baked ziti recipe features sausage, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, baked in the oven until hot, bubbly and golden brown. If you can’t find ziti pasta, penne is a great substitute.

Cheese-filled manicotti in baking dish.

Manicotti

Hot and bubbly from the oven, these manicotti are a cheese lover’s dream! Large pasta tubes are stuffed with an herby three cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce and more cheese and then baked.

baked spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is your favorite spaghetti dinner, taken to the next level! With ground beef, sauce and cheese, this simple recipe is quick to prep and perfect for feeding a family.

Hamburger casserole in baking dish with serving spoon.

Hamburger Casserole

This no fuss hamburger casserole is a tempting combination of pasta, cheese, veggies and tomato sauce. It’s one of my favorite ground beef recipes.

Broccoli mac and cheese on plate with fork.

Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Adding broccoli to macaroni and cheese makes it a meal on its own, especially if you stir in some shredded chicken before baking.

Close up of rigatoni pasta bake.

Baked Rigatoni

You’ll feel like you’re winning the dinner game with this baked rigatoni recipe. It’s easy to put together and so flavorful, whether you make it with Italian sausage or ground beef.

Close up of cheesy pasta bake on a wooden spoon.

Macaroni Pasta Bake

My mom made this pasta bake for us often when I was growing up, and it’s still a favorite of mine to this day. Use elbow macaroni or any short pasta shape that you have in your pantry in this easy recipe.

Pasta Salad Recipes

Whether you’re attending a potluck, hosting a summer BBQ or just searching for a side dish to go with burgers for dinner, these pasta salad recipes fit the bill.

Close up of macaroni salad in a white serving bowl.

Macaroni Salad

You’ll love this classic side dish! This macaroni salad with egg, sweet pickles and a creamy dressing is perfect for serving with Grilled Chicken, Pulled Pork and more.

Italian pasta salad in a white bowl.

Italian Pasta Salad

Meet my go-to summer side dish: Italian Pasta Salad! This zesty pasta salad is loaded with rotini pasta, fresh veggies, olives and cheese, all tossed in a delicious Italian dressing.

Orzo salad in a white bowl with lemon slices to the side.

Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad is layered with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Think crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, briny olives and salty feta cheese.

Make this colorful PESTO PASTA SALAD for your next BBQ or potluck! It's full of healthy vegetables all coated in a basil pesto sauce!

Pesto Pasta Salad

Colorful and bursting with flavor, you’ll fall in love with this pesto pasta salad! Capitalize on fresh basil season by making homemade pesto, or use store-bought to save time.

Greek pasta salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.

Greek Pasta Salad

There’s no skimping on flavor with this Greek pasta salad recipe. It’s a truly delish side dish that will have everyone going back for seconds.

Southwest pasta salad in a serving bowl.

Southwest Pasta Salad

All of your favorite southwestern ingredients are here, from black beans and corn to green onions and bell peppers, all coated in a deliciously spicy chili-lime dressing. I love this pasta salad with bowtie pasta, but I’m sure it would be just as delicious with your favorite pasta shape.

Chicken Pasta Recipes

Chicken is the perfect lean protein to amp up your pasta dinner! These chicken pasta recipes include classic dishes, one pot meals and cozy chicken pasta bakes.

Chicken florentine pasta bake in a casserole dish.

Chicken Florentine Pasta Bake

There’s so much to love about this chicken Florentine pasta bake: spinach, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and cheese nestled under a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Yum!

Close up of cajun chicken pasta in a pot.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

It’s creamy, it’s spicy and it’s made in one pot – this Cajun chicken pasta is destined to be a regular in your dinner rotation.

Chicken tetrazzini on a white plate with fork.

Chicken Tetrazzini

This chicken tetrazzini is creamy, comforting and perfect for dinner tonight! Pasta, chicken and mushrooms are baked in a buttery, creamy sauce until hot and bubbly.

Sliced chicken parm with a fork

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parm may sound fancy, but this recipe is truly a weeknight wonder. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are enveloped in a seasoned breadcrumb coating, topped with marinara sauce and cheese and baked to perfection.

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

With ranch seasonings, a creamy sauce, broccoli and chicken, flavor abounds in this mouthwatering casserole. Salty bacon seals the deal.

One Pot Creamy Asparagus Chicken Pasta. This easy one pan dinner is full of vegetables, whole grain pasta and lean protein! | www.kristineskitchenblog.com

Asparagus Chicken Pasta

Fresh and bright, this chicken pasta is a quick and easy one pot meal with sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, garlic and a touch of cream.  

Pasta Soup Recipes

I love adding pasta to soups because it makes them extra cozy and satisfying. These pasta soup recipes are ideal when you need kid-friendly dinner ideas, too!

Pot of pasta e fagioli soup.

Pasta e Fagioli

Translating to “pasta and beans,” this pasta e fagioli is a hearty vegetarian soup made with pasta, beans and vegetables in a thick, flavorful broth. Serve it with crusty bread for dunking.

This healthier one pot lasagna soup is made with ground turkey and whole wheat pasta noodles. This soup is full of healthy vegetables. It's a quick and easy family friendly dinner recipe!

Lasagna Soup

Both nutritious and delicious, this cozy lasagna soup boasts bits of lasagna noodles, ground turkey and veggies. Serve it with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Bowl of tortellini soup topped with parmesan.

Tortellini Soup

This tortellini soup is filled with cheese tortellini and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Fresh kale becomes soft and tender when stirred into the hot soup. 

Italian wedding soup in red Dutch oven pot.

Italian Wedding Soup

Cozy and warming, this Italian wedding soup is a hearty broth-based soup filled with tender meatballs, vegetables and tiny acini de pepe pasta.

Close up of minestrone soup in a bowl with a bite on a spoon.

Minestrone Soup

This minestrone is my go-to when I’m craving a meal that’s warm, nourishing and loaded with nutritious veggies. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it simmers on the stove.

One Pot Pastas

Nothing beats the ease of a one pot pasta recipe! With quick preparation times and intensely satisfying results, these quick pasta recipes are sure to be a win on your dinner table.

chili mac and cheese served in a bowl with cheese and green onions

Vegetarian Chili Mac

This 30 minute recipe is a delicious mash up of two favorite meals: hearty Vegetarian Chili and gooey Mac and Cheese. It’s a cheesy, hearty and healthy meal that the whole family will love!

One Pot Sausage Pasta. Ready in 30 minutes

One Pot Pasta

Made in one pot with only 5 ingredients, this flavorful one pot sausage pasta will have everyone eager to come to the dinner table.

Baked ziti in a skillet with a serving spoon.

One Pot Baked Ziti

When you’re craving baked ziti but short on time, this one pot ziti pasta recipe is a fantastic option. The pasta soaks up so much flavor as it cooks in the pan with the meat sauce.

Wooden spoon with cheesy beef pasta held over skillet of pasta.

Beef and Pasta Skillet

Ground beef and macaroni pasta simmer together in pasta sauce in this simple pasta dinner recipe. Slice up a loaf of French Bread and make a quick salad and dinner is served!

Close up of American goulash in a pot with a wooden spoon.

Goulash

Not sure what to make for dinner? Give this goulash a try! It’s hearty no nonsense comfort food at its best.

Pesto Pasta

Whether you’re looking for a classic Basil Pesto pasta recipe or a more unique twist with broccoli, spinach or kale, I’ve got you covered with these easy pesto pasta recipes!

Pesto pasta with pine nuts, parmesan and basil served on a plate.

Pesto Pasta

Garlicky, nutty and cheesy, this vibrant pesto pasta is a cinch to make. Al dente pasta is tossed with creamy basil pesto and topped with toasty pine nuts and rich, nutty Parmesan.

Broccoli pesto pasta with Parmesan shavings and a fork.

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This broccoli pesto pasta has so much to offer! It’s nut-free, it stars the nutritional powerhouse broccoli and it takes just 30 minutes to make!

Kale pesto pasta topped with toasted pine nuts.

Kale Pesto Pasta

Kale plays a starring role in this simple pasta recipe. A flavor-packed, creamy kale pesto sauce coats whole wheat linguine pasta for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Chicken pesto pasta with green beans and tomatoes in a small bowl.

Spinach Pesto Pasta

This delicious spin off of the usual basil pesto features a spinach and walnut pesto sauce tossed with chicken, rotini pasta, green beans and tomatoes. It’s fresh, it’s colorful, it’s delicious! 

Vegetarian Pasta Recipes

You won’t miss the meat with these satisfying, full-flavored vegetarian pastas. From creamy to cheesy and veggie-filled, these vegetarian meals will make delicious additions to your recipe rotation.

Slice of vegetable lasagna on a small plate.

Vegetable Lasagna

This hearty vegetable lasagna is one of my most-loved pasta recipes. It’s packed with healthy veggies, including mushrooms, onions, zucchini and spinach. This meatless lasagna is the perfect vegetarian main dish when you’re craving cheesy, hearty comfort food!

Stuffed shell on a spoon resting in the baking dish.

Stuffed Shells

I’ve been making this stuffed shells recipe for years, and it never disappoints. With four cheeses and spinach, they’re a stellar main course.

butternut mac and cheese with fresh sage in casserole dish

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Cozy fall flavors abound in this stupendous twist on traditional mac and cheese. Pureed butternut squash makes this pasta dish exceptionally creamy, while fresh sage and a pinch of nutmeg add depth of flavor.

Two spinach lasagna roll ups on a plate with marinara sauce.

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

These lasagna roll ups are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic lasagna without all of the layering. These Garlic Knots make a lovely side dish.

Butternut squash stuffed shells in a baking dish.

Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy butternut squash filling and drizzled with brown butter alfredo sauce make for an elegant, restaurant-quality meal.

Easy caprese pasta with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, served with crusty bread.

Caprese Pasta

Love Caprese Salad? You’ll swoon over this caprese pasta! A light tomato sauce coats your pasta shape of choice, and fresh mozzarella and basil add tons of flavor!

Slice of butternut squash lasagna on a plate.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Layers of lasagna noodles, roasted butternut squash and creamy cheese make this butternut squash lasagna something special. Serve it with these Dinner Rolls for a meal everyone will love.

Instant Pot Pastas

I love cooking pasta in the Instant Pot because the noodles soak up so much flavor as they cook. These Instant Pot recipes are some of my most-loved favorites for easy dinners.

Bowl of spaghetti topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Instant Pot Spaghetti

This Instant Pot spaghetti is the easiest way to cook spaghetti with meat sauce. It’s perfect for when everyone’s hungry and you need to get dinner on the table fast.

Pasta with sausage in Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Sausage Pasta

Here’s another one pot Instant Pot wonder: Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage. Penne pasta, Italian sausage, veggies and sauce all cook together in your pressure cooker.

Fork taking a bite of lasagna.

Instant Pot Lasagna

This is the best way to make lasagna on a weeknight! The lasagna cooks right in the Instant Pot inner pot so no springform pan or special pan is needed.

Cheesy taco pasta in an Instant Pot with a serving spoon.

Instant Pot Taco Pasta

With ground beef, pasta shells and taco seasonings, this cheesy pasta is a favorite dinner idea. Serve it topped with a dollop of sour cream to balance the spicy flavors.

Mac and cheese on a wood serving spoon held over an instant pot.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This indulgent Instant Pot mac and cheese is creamy, ultra cheesy and ready in just 30 minutes! It’s the best comfort food, perfect for serving as an easy dinner or side dish.

Crockpot Pasta Recipes

When set it and forget it is your goal, these crockpot pasta recipes are here to save the day. You’ll be so glad to have dinner ready to serve from the slow cooker when the evening rolls around!

Classic lasagna in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

This crockpot lasagna is possibly the easiest lasagna you will ever make! You don’t need to boil the lasagna noodles before layering the ingredients in your crock pot.

Chicken thighs, mushrooms and orzo in slow cooker.

Crockpot Chicken and Mushrooms

This delicious slow cooker recipe is made with chicken thighs, mushrooms and orzo pasta. It’s one of our favorite crock pot recipes for an easy weeknight dinner!

Taco pasta on a serving spoon over a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

With just 10 minutes of active prep time, this taco pasta recipe couldn’t be easier to make! It’s been one of my most popular pasta recipes for years – give it a try and it might become part of your regular recipe rotation, too.

Don’t Miss these Pasta Sauce Recipes

marinara sauce on a wooden serving spoon held over a pot of sauce

Marinara Sauce

If you’re looking for an everyday pasta sauce, this marinara sauce is it. It delivers rich tomato flavor and is so easy to make using pantry ingredients.

Homemade spaghetti sauce served over spaghetti with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

If it’s a meat sauce recipe that you’re after, you’ll love this homemade spaghetti sauce. Make it with ground beef or Italian sausage and serve it over your favorite pasta shapes. It’s thick, hearty and oh so flavorful!

Baked rigatoni in 9x13-inch baking dish.

50 Best Pasta Recipes

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
This recipe roundup includes 50 of the best pasta recipes, ready to inspire delicious meals on your table! You'll find cheesy pasta bakes, zesty pasta salads, speedy one pot pastas, chicken pasta recipes and more in this incredible recipe collection. Start with this easy baked rigatoni recipe, a comfort food favorite!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped sweet yellow onion
  • 1 pound ground beef, or Italian sausage
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 48 ounces marinara sauce, 2 jars (24 ounces each), or 6 cups of homemade sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, about 1 ½ cups
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • chopped fresh parsley, optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rigatoni and cook for the minimum cook time listed on the package. Then, drain (don't rinse) and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven (or large skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the ground beef, and cook, crumbling, until beef is browned. Drain off excess grease as needed. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
  • Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and black pepper to the skillet and stir. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cook at a low simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan. Then gently stir in the cooked rigatoni. Transfer to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the pasta, followed by the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Sprinkle with the dried oregano.
  • Cover the baking dish with a piece of foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray on the underside (to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil).
  • Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for 5-10 more minutes, until the rigatoni is hot and bubbly around the edges and lightly browned on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • To Bake Later: You can assemble the baked rigatoni up to one day ahead of time, cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off and then add 15-20 minutes to the covered bake time.
  • To Freeze: You can freeze the baked rigatoni for up to 3 months before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze in an oven-safe dish. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking and bake according to the directions above for baking a chilled casserole.
Calories: 490kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 61mg, Sodium: 1091mg, Potassium: 867mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 942IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 220mg, Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.
Collage of 8 pasta recipes with text overlay.
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