17 Pasta Recipes That Make Every Bite Worth Twirling

Spaghetti, penne, or farfalle—does it really matter? These 17 pasta recipes bring flavor, fun, and just enough indulgence to make you forget about your diet (for now). From creamy sauces to punchy, garlicky delights, every dish is designed to be comforting, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously tasty. Warning: forks may disappear faster than your patience when someone hogs the last bite.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

cut squash into spaghetti strips with tomato sauce on top and grated cheese. garnish with basil on the plate — Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo Credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a delicious side dish and easy low carb recipe. It's a good low carb alternative to pasta and great for those following a keto or paleo diet! BONUS it's super easy to make and done in less than 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Zoodles

If you are looking for a low carb pasta option, this Air Fryer Zoodle recipe is for you! Have deliciously tender zoodles in just 5 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zoodles

Alfredo Steak Pasta

When you need a meal that’s both quick and delicious, this Alfredo steak pasta delivers. The juicy steak and creamy, cheesy sauce are a match made in heaven.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

When pasta and chicken team up, magic happens! This baked recipe combines tender chicken with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, creating a dish full of flavor and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Seafood Pasta Salad

Cool down with this light and refreshing seafood pasta salad. Shrimp, crab, and pasta come together in a creamy dressing that’s perfect for summer picnics or as a refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon. — Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Here’s a delicious twist on an Italian classic: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara! With homemade low carb noodles, crispy bacon bits, and parmesan, this gluten-free, grain-free dish will be your new favorite weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Get a taste of the Mediterranean with this easy pasta! Packed with lemon, spinach, and feta, it’s a quick, tasty dish. Enjoy it on its own for a light meal or top it with your favorite protein for something heartier.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl. — Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Busy night? No worries! This garlic shrimp bucatini with cherry tomatoes is quick, tasty, and ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for those hectic weeknight dinners!
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Dinner in a hurry? This ground beef pasta is the answer. Made in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—just use whatever pasta you have!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is pasta at its finest—golden garlic, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and spicy Calabrian chili peppers come together for a bold and flavorful dish you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Nothing says comfort like slow-cooked lamb ragu. Braised for hours, the tender lamb creates a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect over your favorite pasta for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Fast, fresh, and full of flavor, this tuna pesto pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is the weeknight meal you'll love to make (and eat)!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Bowl of Pumpkin Sage Pasta. — Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Warm up with creamy Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta—an indulgent, plant-based dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with fall flavors!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Vegan Pasta Puttanesca

Bowl of Pasta Puttanesca. — Vegan Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Vegan Pasta Puttanesca is a tangy, briny dream! Enjoy the classic Italian flavors you love with a vegan twist, making it the perfect meal for pasta lovers craving something bold and savory.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Puttanesca

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce. — Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Impress your taste buds with Brown Butter Scallop Pasta! Pan-seared scallops, sage-browned butter, and tender pasta come together for a rich, restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Tomato Garlic Pasta

A shallow white bowl with penne pasta, ground turkey, cherry tomatoes, and sliced zucchini. — Tomato Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Busy nights call for this super simple pasta! Ground turkey, colorful veggies, and a zesty tomato garlic sauce make this easy dish your go-to for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Garlic Pasta

Spicy Harissa Pasta

Turn up the heat with this creamy, spicy harissa pasta! Bursting with deep Mediterranean flavors, it’s a naturally plant-based dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta