30 Pasta Recipes for Every Mood (Hot Dinners + Cold Pasta Salads)
Published Mar 29, 2026
A collection of 30 pasta recipes, including warm pasta dishes and cold pasta salads, with easy options for dinner, sides, and meal prep.
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Pasta is one of those things I make year-round, but what I’m in the mood for definitely changes. Some days I want something warm and comforting, like a baked pasta or a creamy sauce. Other times, especially when it’s warmer out, or I just want something quick, I’m making a pasta salad and calling it done. This recipe collection pulls together 30 pasta recipes that cover both. There are hot pasta dishes like mac and cheese, baked pastas, and quick skillet meals, along with cold pasta salads that work for lunches, sides, or something easy to keep in the fridge.
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30 of My Best Pasta Recipes
I broke the pasta recipes up into my warm pasta favorites and cold pasta salads, so it’s easy to find what you’re in the mood for. Some are more filling dinner options, some are lighter, and many are the kind of recipes I come back to when I don’t want to think too hard about what to make.
Warm Pasta Favorites
Main Course
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
This broccoli mac and cheese has a melty combination of cheddar and gruyere. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
25 minutes
Entree, Pastas
Macarona Bechamel
Macarona Bechamel is a baked comfort food favorite with layers of pasta, creamy bechamel & a Middle Eastern spiced ground beef tomato sauce.
1 hour
Entree, Main Dish, Pastas
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a lightened up version made with milk and chicken broth instead of heavy cream. It's lightly spicy and loaded with juicy blackened chicken oven penne pasta!
45 minutes
Entree, Pastas
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This 5-ingredient Cottage Cheese Alfredo is so creamy and easy to make! It's great as a vegetarian dinner, or paired with chicken or salmon.
20 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Pastas
Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
A creamy lemon ricotta pasta recipe with spaghetti, fresh lemon zest and juice, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
25 minutes
Entree
Scallop Pasta
If you're never cooked scallops at home, try my simple scallop pasta recipe with step-by-step instructions to get restaurant-like browning in less than 30 minutes!
25 minutes
Entree, Main Dish, Pastas
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
These spinach lasagna roll ups are filled with ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and marinara, then baked with mozzarella on top.
1 hour
Main Course
Eggplant Pasta Casserole
This Vegetarian Eggplant Pasta Casserole is an easy delicious pasta recipe with added vegetables for variety in texture, nutrition and flavor
40 minutes
Main Course
Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe
This pesto pasta with chicken is made with spaghetti noodles and seared chicken breasts tossed in a pesto sauce and is ready in 20 minutes.
20 minutes
Pastas, Side Dish
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet irresistible pasta dish that combines the sharpness of Pecorino Romano cheese with the heat of freshly cracked black pepper.
25 minutes
Main Course
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Spicy Shrimp Pasta is inspired by Arrabiata – a traditional Italian spicy tomato-based sauce pasta made with garlic, tomatoes and chili peppers.
25 minutes
Main Course
Chicken Fajita Pasta
This Chicken Fajita Pasta is such an easy flavorful 30 minute meal that the whole family will love! Delicious and creamy for a great well balanced dinner.
30 minutes
Entree
Ground Turkey Baked Pasta Recipe
This Ground Turkey Baked Pasta is made with whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and marinara, a comfort dish the whole family will love!
35 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Pastas
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked feta pasta is a simple recipe made by oven roasting a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes to create a salty and cheesy sauce!
40 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Main Dish, Pastas
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This marry me chicken pasta combines seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cream for a simple, pasta dinner.
35 minutes
Soup
Lasagna Soup Recipe
This lasagna soup recipe tastes just like lasagna without the work. Lasagna noodles are broken into pieces and simmered in a tomato broth with ground beef, seasonings, and veggies.
1 hour
Main Course
Pumpkin Pasta with Crispy Sage
This vegan Pumpkin Pasta is a savory fall-inspired recipe made with a dairy-free sauce that is full of nutrients and vitamins with a subtle pumpkin taste.
20 minutes
Dinner, Entree
Tuna Pasta Recipe
This Tuna Pasta recipe uses canned tuna, fresh garlic, lemon, and capers all in an easy pan sauce. After the water starts boiling, it's ready in 10 minutes!
25 minutes
Main Course
Creamy Vegan Cashew Tomato Pasta
This Creamy Vegan Tomato Pasta is made with a cashew cream sauce. It's the secret ingredient that adds a creamy texture and lighter color!
30 minutes
Main Course
Chicken and Vegetable Lo Mein
This easy Chicken and Vegetable Lo Mein recipe is inspired by the Chinese takeout dish, with a flavorful lo mein sauce, crisp veggies, chicken, and noodles!
30 minutes
My Best Cold Pasta Dishes
Pastas, Side Dish
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Italian pasta salad with tri-color rotini pasta, a homemade creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and fresh veggies, including cucumber, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
25 minutes
Pastas, Salads
Avocado Pasta Salad
This Avocado Pasta Salad recipe is a healthy summer salad that's perfect for picnics and potlucks. It has a rich creamy avocado dressing with tomatoes and corn.
25 minutes
Main Course, Pastas, Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
This caprese pasta salad is made with fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, basil, and a homemade balsamic dressing. Just toss with pasta and you're done.
20 minutes
Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This healthy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a summertime favorite recipe. It's quick and easy to make, loaded with vegetables and color, and super filling!
20 minutes
Entree
Spinach Pasta Salad
Easy spinach pasta salad recipe made with penne pasta, baby spinach, feta cheese, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
20 minutes
Salad, Side, Side Dish
Greek Orzo Salad
Love orzo pasta? You're going to love this Mediterranean Greek Orzo Salad! Made with fresh ingredients, feta, and a lemon vinaigrette you can't go wrong!
17 minutes
Salads
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Greek pasta salad is made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta tossed with al dente pasta and a homemade Greek vinaigrette.
30 minutes
Salad, Side, Side Dish
Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad made with fresh herbs, Persian cucumbers, feta cheese, and a simple lemon olive oil dressing.
25 minutes
Main Course, Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic Caesar salad made with lettuce, pasta, croutons and chicken in a homemade dressing.
25 minutes
Salad
Shrimp Orzo Salad
Try this shrimp orzo pasta salad with fresh veggies, feta, and a zesty dressing. It's an easy, make-ahead summer recipe for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.
25 minutes
Tips for Making Pasta
- Use a large pot of water. Using enough water when cooking pasta is important for even cooking, preventing sticking, and creating starchy pasta water that adds to the sauce flavor.
- Salt the water. After the water begins to boil, add salt, then the pasta. This helps the pasta’s flavor as it absorbs the salted water. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per 4-6 quarts of water.
- Cook until just al dente. Cook the pasta until it’s tender, with a slight firmness when bitten. This way, the pasta retains its structure and avoids becoming mushy. Keep testing the pasta during cooking to prevent overcooking and achieve perfection.
- Reserve pasta water. Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve some of the pasta water. This water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it creamier or helping it adhere better to the pasta.
- Skip the rinse. You usually don’t need to rinse cooked pasta, especially if you’re adding sauce. Rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
How To Store Leftovers
- Cool it down. Make sure to cool any hot recipes to room temperature before storing.
- Label everything with the name and date. Keep track of all your leftovers so you know how long you have to enjoy them or toss them if needed.
- Use plastic containers or freezer bags. Keep your food fresh by storing it in airtight containers.
- Save or trash? If you have any perishable items (like meat or dairy), make sure to store them in the fridge. If they have sat out longer than 4 hours, it’s probably best to throw it out.
FAQs
What are some popular types of pasta?
Some popular types of pasta include spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, linguine, rigatoni, and macaroni.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking together?
To prevent pasta from sticking together, use a large pot with plenty of water and add salt. Stir occasionally while cooking and drain immediately after cooking. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking if not adding to a sauce.
How do I achieve the perfect al dente texture?
To achieve the perfect al dente texture, cook the pasta until it is tender with a slight firmness when bitten. Start testing the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked.
