Nothing brings people together like a big bowl of pasta, and these 15 Nonna-approved recipes prove it. From rich, slow-simmered classics to quick and hearty favorites, every bite delivers the kind of comfort that makes you want to call home. No fancy tricks, just simple, time-tested meals that get the job done. If you start gesturing more while you eat, well, that’s just part of the experience—bonus points if you argue over who gets the last serving.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a bowl on top of a plate. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top-down shot of Tuna Noodle Casserole on a dish with a small portion on a black plate. — Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re seeking the sort of meal that reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is just what you need. It’s straightforward, comforting, and has stood the test of time for good reason. No muss, no fuss – just a hearty dish that’s ready to hit the spot. Your family will appreciate the simple joy this casserole brings to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Tomatoes (Instant Pot)

A bowl of creamy tortellini soup is topped with grated cheese and herbs, accompanied by a floral napkin and two spoons on the side. — Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Tomatoes (Instant Pot). Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Have a pressure cooker handy and want a warm, hearty meal without hassle? Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Tomatoes (Instant Pot) is the answer to your call. It’s a straightforward concoction that brings together savory ingredients in a way that feels both innovative and timeless. Grab your spoon, because this soup promises a satisfyingly hearty experience.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Tomatoes (Instant Pot)

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

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✅ Spaghetti Casserole
✅ Sloppy Joe Casserole
✅ Sausage-Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
✅ Tuna Noodle Casserole.
✅ and so many more!

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Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface. — Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When it comes to classic comfort foods, Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is a staple. Unlike the boxed versions, this recipe brings a home-cooked touch that’s undeniably appealing. It’s the dish everyone reaches for seconds of, proving that the best comforts are often the simplest. Perfect for anyone who craves a homemade touch, this recipe doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Italian Pot Roast Pasta is your go-to when you need a meal that warms from the inside out. Picture a table of loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over plates of this homestyle dish. It combines the heartiness of a Sunday roast with the undeniable appeal of pasta. Memories are often made around meals like these, where the preparation is as heartfelt as the dish itself.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef

A hand holds a fork above a skillet of lasagna in a black bowl. — Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When time is of the essence but you still want a home-cooked meal, look no further than Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef. It’s all about getting that lasagna fix without the layers and bake time. Gather around the skillet for a comforting meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. This recipe offers all the comforts of the traditional dish with a fraction of the effort.
Get the Recipe: Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Cajun cooking brings the heat, and this Cajun Pasta with Shrimp is no exception. Expect a kick of bold spices and perfectly cooked shrimp in every forkful. It’s a lively dish that’s a cinch to whip up and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or just looking to shake up pasta night, this recipe has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon. — Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re into that sort of thing where salad meets entrée, Steak & Pasta Salad is where it’s at. It’s like your favorite steakhouse and Italian joint had a delicious little baby. Amp up your salad game with this hearty, satisfying blend that’s perfect for when you’re craving something substantial yet refreshing. Forks at the ready, because this meal strikes an ideal balance between indulgence and refreshment.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Pastitsio

Pastitsio may not be your everyday pasta, but it’s about to become a favorite in your rotation. Consider it a special dish for days when you crave something a bit more unique. A classic of Greek cuisine, it offers a comforting embrace at any dining table. So next time you’re looking to switch things up, this is the pasta to reach for.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Chicken Spaghetti

This dish puts a twist on a classic, and it’s a twist you didn’t know you needed until now. It’s for those evenings when chicken and spaghetti sound good, and together, they sound even better. Chicken Spaghetti checks the box for both comforting and filling, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser. Dial in that homestyle vibe with a recipe that’s as wholesome as it is hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti

Beefy Lasagna Soup

Soup-lovers, rejoice for Beefy Lasagna Soup which is exactly what it sounds like. It brings together the best parts of lasagna and transforms them into a bowlful of comfort. On those days when you can’t decide between soup and pasta, why not have both? It’s a full meal that promises to warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Lasagna Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon and fork on side. — Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving Italian restaurant vibes without the reservation? Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo hits all the right notes. This dish promises a crowd-pleasing experience that’s both rich and creamy. So pull up a chair, it’s about to get real with a pasta dish that emulates a popular favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Pizza Pasta Salad

When pizza night and pasta night collide, Pizza Pasta Salad is what you get. This dish is all about casual vibes and flavors that remind you of your favorite slice. It’s just the kind of meal to enjoy when you want something quick and fuss-free but still packed with punch. Be the hero of your next mealtime with a combo that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta. — Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Big fan of pasta with a vodka kick? Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings that restaurant-quality experience right to your table. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to recreate this well-loved dish at home. It’s the perfect meal for when you want to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole captures all the fun of the traditional sandwich but with a pasta twist. It’s indulgent, cheeky, and just plain good. Ideal for those nights when you want to dial up the comfort food factor without getting too fancy. Plus, it’s a dish that even the picky eaters at your table can’t help but dig into.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sometimes you just need soup – but not just any soup, we’re talking about Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl, featuring soft dumplings and hearty pieces of chicken. This recipe is your ticket to a cozy meal that feels both rustic and refined. So sit back, grab your favorite spoon, and enjoy a soup that reminds you of what home tastes like.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup