14 Satisfying Pasta Recipes That Will Please Any Pasta Lover
Every night can be pasta night
By The Weekly -
For many of us who cook, pasta is one of the first dishes we try our hands at, being a simple dish to throw together if you're not asking for much – that is, a satisfying and rather tasty meal. With how prevalent it is though, from your ordinary spaghetti-sauce-from-a-jar pasta to the bistro-favourite carbonara, it's easy to tire of pasta, especially if you don't refurnish yourself with new or more authentic ways to cook it. From the recognisable cheesy chilli Bolognese to the more unorthodox slow-cooked, diet-friendly and vegetarian alternatives, here is a collection of pasta recipes you must have a taste of to spice up your pasta rotini.
Embrace the concept of root to leaf eating, where nothing goes to waste with this pasta recipe starring baby red radishes and their tops, which is exactly as it sounds. Stir-fried in a large frying pan with toasted pine nuts, garlic, currants and cheese, here’s how to boost the value of your veggies while creating a delicious, unique and healthy meal.
While demonstrating your culinary skills are duly encouraged, you can ‘cheat’ by using ready-made carbonara sauce for an equally comforting, convenient and delicious meal. Increase indulgence and flavour by dosing with extra cheese and ingredients, such as mushrooms, leftover chicken and breadcrumbs.
In a perfect world, we’d make pasta from scratch. But with busy days, it’s easier to grab a package — or switch things up with our seafood tortellini, wrapped in store-bought wonton skins and filled with a rich seafood blend. Simple, luxe, and delicious.
The cheesy chili Bolognese is a go-to favorite — comforting, easy to make, and packed with rich tomato flavours, a hint of spice, and gooey melted cheese.
Featuring the classic sweet and savoury combination of tender pumpkin flesh and cheese, a sprinkle of caraway seeds and toasted pine nuts will bring just the right amount of crunch to this elevated and rustic pasta recipe.
The inclusion of high-protein salmon and low-fat ricotta cheese will make this salad a satisfying meal. For a lower-carb option, reduce the pasta and load up on the protein.
As if soaking vegetables and pasta in mouth-watering tomato passata is not enough, these pasta shells also contain tuna, making the burst of ingredients in your mouth oh-so-gratifying.
Go back to the classics for an interesting take on lamb, by throwing it together with pasta and broccolini in our versatile slow-cooked recipe. With the flexibility of using your leftovers, this simple but hearty dish is a surefire way to make sure none of your ingredients go to waste.
Juicy and succulent garlic prawns meet the Italian main staple for this extravagant dish, cooked and readied with chilli for a kick of spice. Devein and shell the prawns to get all the best flavours in – including parsley, capers, and a hint of lemons for that appetising zing.
This pasta salad delivers crunch, flavor, and satisfaction — perfect for entertaining or a light meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it gives you more time for everything else on your list.
This one-pot pasta may be meat-free, but contains a myriad of healthful ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, capers and spinach leaves to ensure a delicious, filling and well-rounded meal.
Pastas are one of those foods with a high pay-off despite minimal effort, and that’s also exactly what slow cookers are for. Delicate pappardelle tossed in slow-braised beef ragu and its thick and rich sauce – we love how uncomplicated yet tasty this dish is.
Curb your cravings for pasta with this rich and creamy mushroom orecchiette with gremolata crumbs. Tossed in sauce and the fragrance of mushrooms, this is a perfect weeknight meal to end a tiring day with.
We love a versatile, easy and delicious meal, which is why this cheesy vegetable pasta bake could be your next favourite go-to for weeknights and weekends alike. Fragranced with the addition of parsley, olive oil, a variety of cheeses and vegetable stock, this baked dish definitely does not lack in flavour despite being wholly vegetarian!
This article was originally published on Feb 3, 2023 and updated on Feb 22, 2025.