When staying warm indoors while outside feels like the arctic tundra, the mind might wander to thoughts of takeout. However, the art of making pasta at home can be a game changer and much more rewarding than waiting for pizza to arrive. Trying different dishes can not only jazz up meal times but also allow for some fun experimentation with cooking techniques.

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives. — Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup

A wooden spoon holds a portion of Pastina Soup hovering above a pot. — Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

A comforting bowl of Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup is just what you need when feeling under the weather. This simple yet nourishing broth-based soup features tiny pasta stars that cook quickly and easily. It’s often served with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This soup is a go-to remedy in many Italian households for its soothing properties.
Get the Recipe: Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup

Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms

Wooden utensils lifting chicken spaghetti from a baking dish. — Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For those who prefer pasta without fungi, Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms is an excellent choice. This creamy dish combines tender chicken pieces with al dente spaghetti in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This family-friendly meal is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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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.

Nothing beats the comfort of Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese made from scratch. This timeless recipe features a velvety cheese sauce coating every nook and cranny of the pasta. A crispy, golden top layer adds a lovely contrast to the creamy interior. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Combining two beloved comfort foods, Italian Pot Roast Pasta offers a hearty and filling meal. Tender chunks of slow-cooked beef are mixed with pasta in a rich, tomato-based sauce. This dish is infused with Italian herbs and spices for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

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.

A budget-friendly option, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a retro favorite that never goes out of style. This creamy casserole combines egg noodles, canned tuna, and vegetables in a smooth sauce. It’s often topped with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for added texture. This dish is easy to prepare and makes great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Italian Wedding Soup

Despite its name, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings. This flavorful soup features small meatballs, tiny pasta, and leafy greens in a clear chicken broth. It’s a light yet pleasurable meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. The combination of meat and vegetables makes it a well-balanced option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef

When you’re craving lasagna but short on time, Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef is the answer. This one-pan wonder layers pasta, seasoned ground beef, and cheese in a skillet. It’s cooked on the stovetop, eliminating the need for lengthy oven time. The result is a quick and easy meal with all the flavors of traditional lasagna.
Get the Recipe: Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef

Pastitsio

Often referred to as Greek lasagna, Pastitsio is a layered pasta dish that’s sure to impress. It features a bottom layer of tubular pasta, a middle layer of spiced ground meat, and a top layer of creamy béchamel sauce. This dish is baked until golden brown and set. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A refreshing change from traditional pasta salads, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a burst of flavor. Tiny couscous pearls are mixed with smoked tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. A tangy lemon dressing ties all the ingredients together. This versatile salad can be served warm or cold, making it ideal for picnics or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl. — Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple yet flavorful, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Fresh ricotta cheese creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Ripe tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity to balance the dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but effortless.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Smoked Shotgun Shells

For a unique twist on pasta, try Smoked Shotgun Shells. Large pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and cheese. They’re then wrapped in bacon and smoked to perfection. This dish is a fun and tasty option for barbecues or any gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate. — Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pesto Orzo Salad is a vibrant and fresh option for pasta lovers. Tiny orzo pasta is tossed with homemade or store-bought pesto for a burst of basil flavor. Add-ins like cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and mozzarella pearls enhance the texture and taste. This salad is perfect for warm days when you want something light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate. — Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing together the flavors of the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. Orzo pasta is combined with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. A lemon-herb dressing ties all the ingredients together. This salad can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Hearty and filling, Tortellini Soup with Sausage is perfect for chilly evenings. Cheese-filled tortellini float in a rich tomato broth alongside spicy Italian sausage. Vegetables like spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrition. This one-pot meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

When tomatoes are at their peak, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a must-try. This simple dish lets the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes shine. The sauce is light and fresh, coating the pasta without overwhelming it. It’s a great way to showcase summer produce in a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish. — Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Despite its name, Million Dollar Spaghetti won’t break the bank. This casserole-style dish layers spaghetti with a rich meat sauce and a creamy cheese mixture. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a comforting meal that feeds a crowd. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Make use of convenient rotisserie chicken in this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Tender chicken pieces are mixed with pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This salad is easily customizable with your favorite add-ins. It’s a great option for meal prep or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Combining two comfort food favorites, Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike. Ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce is layered with pasta and topped with cheese. This casserole captures all the flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe in an easy-to-serve format. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish. — Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto offer a lighter twist on traditional stuffed shells. Large pasta shells are filled with a mixture of ground turkey and ricotta cheese. They’re then baked in a pesto-infused sauce for added flavor. This dish is a great way to use leftover turkey or introduce a new protein to your pasta rotation.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Pizza Pasta Salad

For pizza lovers, Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty alternative. This cold salad combines pasta with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, cheese, and vegetables. An Italian dressing ties all the flavors together. It’s a great option for picnics or potlucks when you want something more substantial than a regular salad.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background. — Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a classic Italian pairing that never disappoints. Spicy Italian sausage is balanced by the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe. Garlic and red pepper flakes add depth to the dish. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Recreate a restaurant favorite at home with Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. This hearty soup features tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. Herbs and spices give it an authentic Sicilian flavor. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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.

Level up your pasta salad game with Steak & Pasta Salad. Tender strips of steak are combined with pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This salad is substantial enough to be a main course. It’s a great way to use up leftover steak or to treat yourself to a special lunch.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy Spinach Orzo is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with many main courses. Tiny orzo pasta is cooked with fresh spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This dish comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a great way to incorporate more greens into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

For a nutrient-packed meal, try Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Cheese-filled tortellini float in a flavorful broth alongside tender chicken and nutrient-rich kale. This soup is both comforting and nourishing. It’s a great option for meal prep as it reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

A skillet lasagna topped with melted cheese, a dollop of ricotta, and fresh basil. — Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate a boxed favorite from scratch with Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna. This one-pan meal combines ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy tomato sauce. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill. — Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a protein-packed option for lunch or dinner. Flaked salmon is mixed with pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This salad is a great way to use up leftover cooked salmon. It’s a refreshing and filling meal that’s perfect for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Baked Feta Pasta

Social media sensation Baked Feta Pasta lives up to the hype. A block of feta cheese is baked with cherry tomatoes until soft and creamy. This mixture is then tossed with pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal. This dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Bring the comfort of Cracker Barrel to your home with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Tender chunks of chicken are simmered with pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth. This hearty dish is perfect for cold evenings or when you need a comforting meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl. — Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs is a flavorful dish that’s cooked on a griddle. Cheese-filled tortellini are tossed with homemade or store-bought meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. The griddle adds a unique smoky flavor to the dish. This recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking or when you want to try something different.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Bring the flavors of New Orleans to your dinner table with Cajun Pasta with Shrimp. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a spicy Cajun-seasoned cream sauce and tossed with pasta. Bell peppers and onions add color and texture to the dish. This meal is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate. — Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light and refreshing, Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a perfect spring or summer meal. Pillowy gnocchi are tossed in a bright lemon sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

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.

Recreate a restaurant favorite at home with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This creamy tomato-based sauce gets a kick from a splash of vodka. Rigatoni pasta is the perfect shape to hold onto the rich sauce. This dish is elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Beefy Lasagna Soup

With all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup form, Beefy Lasagna Soup is a crowd-pleaser. Ground beef, tomatoes, and lasagna noodles simmer in a flavorful broth. A dollop of ricotta cheese on top mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you’re craving lasagna but short on time.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Lasagna Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms a classic dish into an easy, family-friendly meal. Pasta is mixed with chunks of chicken and ham in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce. It’s topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly. This casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken or ham.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes. — Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impressive yet easy to make, Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit. Large pasta shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. They’re then baked in a tangy tomato sauce until hot and bubbly. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A twist on a classic, Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup adds a touch of indulgence to a comforting favorite. Tender chicken and vegetables are simmered with egg noodles in a creamy broth. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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

Bring the restaurant experience home with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Succulent shrimp are tossed with fettuccine in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s perfect for date nights in or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Greek Spaghetti

Greek Spaghetti offers a Mediterranean twist on a pasta classic. Spaghetti is tossed with olive oil, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Fresh tomatoes and herbs add brightness to the dish. This tasty recipe is perfect for warm evenings when you want something light yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti