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17 Pasta Night Favorites Your Family Requests

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Pasta is one of the most versatile and satisfying foods you can make for dinner. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and can be dressed up in so many delicious ways. They are perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something the whole family will enjoy. You’re sure to find a new favorite in this collection of easy and tasty pasta ideas.

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15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti

A white plate filled with spaghetti noodles mixed with a rich tomato and meat sauce, garnished with shaved parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. A fork is twirled into the noodles, ready to be eaten.
15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti. Photo by Savory Sweet Spoon

You can cook spaghetti noodles, ground beef, and sauce all together in the pressure cooker. Instant Pot Spaghetti is a fast, one-pot dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get Recipe: 15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti

Mexican Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a rectangular baking dish with a spoon. The dish features a golden-brown breadcrumb topping and gooey, melted cheese. A plate with a portion of the macaroni is visible in the background.
Mexican Mac and Cheese. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This version adds green chiles and Mexican spices to the classic creamy macaroni. Mexican Mac and Cheese is a zesty and exciting twist on a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta

A skillet filled with orecchiette pasta, corn, and sliced mushrooms, garnished with fresh parsley. A wooden spoon rests inside, ready to serve.
Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta. Photo by Delightful Plate

Sautéed mushrooms and sweet corn are tossed with pasta in a light cream sauce. Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta is a simple, savory, and slightly sweet vegetarian dish.
Get Recipe: Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta

Ensalada de Coditos (Elbow Pasta Salad)

A ceramic bowl filled with creamy Mexican pasta salad, featuring elbow macaroni, diced ham, green onions, corn, peas, and carrots, sits on a wooden table. A fork is partially visible in the background.
Ensalada de Coditos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This is a creamy, cold pasta salad made with elbow macaroni and vegetables. Ensalada de Coditos is a popular, refreshing side dish at Mexican gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ensalada de Coditos

Sopa de Conchas

A ladle full of Sopa de Conchas over a stock pot of the soup.
Sopa de Conchas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Small shell-shaped pasta is cooked in a light tomato broth for a simple soup. Sopa de Conchas is a classic, comforting Mexican soup that kids love.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Conchas

Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe (with and without vodka)

Close-up of creamy penne pasta coated in a rich, orange-hued sauce. This delightful dish, perfect for those exploring recipes using herbs, is garnished with small pieces of fresh herbs and red pepper flakes, creating a vibrant and appetizing appearance.
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Spoons of Flavor.

This viral recipe features a creamy tomato sauce with a touch of vodka for depth. The Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe is a rich, restaurant-style dish you can make at home.
Get Recipe: Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

Espagueti Blanco (white spaghetti)

Espagueti Blanco served on a large white plate.
Esspagueti Blanco. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Spaghetti is coated in a simple, creamy white sauce made with milk and cheese. Espagueti Blanco is a mild, comforting, and classic Mexican pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Espagueti Blanco

Fideo con Carne (Mexican Meat and Noodles)

Fideo con Carne in a decorative clay bowl topped with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
Fideo con Carne. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Thin noodles are toasted and then simmered with ground meat in a tomato sauce. Fideo con Carne is a hearty, one-pot Mexican comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Fideo con Carne

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe

A bowl of spaghetti with creamy orange sauce garnished with sage leaves, perfect for your meal prep ideas. It is placed on a green cloth, accompanied by a garlic bulb, sage sprigs, and elegant gold cutlery with white handles against a white marble background.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe. Photo by Danas Table

Puréed pumpkin makes a smooth, velvety, and slightly sweet sauce for pasta. This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a unique, seasonal, and dairy-free option.
Get the recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe

Espagueti Rojo (Mexican Red Spaghetti)

A plate of red spaghetti topped with a dollop of cream, crumbled cotija cheese, and a parsley garnish. Next to the plate are a small bowl of cream, a few utensils, and a sprig of fresh herbs on a light tablecloth.
Espagueti Rojo. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Spaghetti is tossed in a simple, flavorful Mexican-style red tomato sauce. Espagueti Rojo is a staple in many homes and a kid-friendly dinner.
Get Recipe: Espagueti Rojo

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken chipotle pasta topped with chopped herbs is placed on a wooden cutting board. Nearby, a small bowl filled with more chopped herbs and a white and blue checkered cloth napkin are visible.
Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a creamy sauce with a smoky chipotle kick. Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a boldly flavored and comforting weeknight meal.
Get Recipe: Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Velveeta Mac & Cheese

Close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese with a spoon. The dish features elbow macaroni pasta generously coated in a rich, thick cheese sauce, with a smooth, golden-yellow appearance.
Velveeta Mac & Cheese. Photo by Grandbaby Cakes

This classic recipe uses Velveeta cheese to make the sauce incredibly smooth and creamy. Velveeta Mac and Cheese is the ultimate nostalgic, ultra-cheesy comfort food.
Get Recipe: Velveeta Mac & Cheese

Birria Ramen

A close-up photo of a fork holding a bite of spicy noodle soup above a bowl. The noodles are thin, curly, and coated in a rich, red broth with visible herbs. In the background, there are bowls of various garnishes and ingredients on a wooden table.
Birria Ramen. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The rich, spicy broth from beef birria is used as the base for a bowl of ramen noodles. Birria Ramen is a creative and incredibly flavorful fusion dish.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Spinach Pesto Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti coated in green pesto sauce, with a garnish of fresh basil leaves on top, served in a silver pan.
Spinach Pesto Pasta. Photo by Delicious By Design

A bright green pesto made from spinach, nuts, and cheese coats the pasta. Spinach Pesto Pasta is a fresh, healthy, and vibrant meal that comes together quickly.
Get Recipe: Spinach Pesto Pasta

15 Minute Creamy Kimchi Pasta with Bacon (김치파스타)

A bowl of creamy pasta topped with sliced chicken, green onions, and fresh basil leaves. The sauce is rich and orange, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, all served in a white bowl.
Creamy Kimchi Pasta with Bacon. Photo by Sugar Yums

Spicy kimchi and crispy bacon are mixed into a creamy pasta sauce. Creamy Kimchi Pasta with Bacon is a bold, tangy, and incredibly fast fusion meal.
Get Recipe: 15 Minute Creamy Kimchi Pasta with Bacon

Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto

A bowl of cavatappi pasta coated with vibrant green pesto sauce is seen from above, showcasing one of the best pesto recipes. A fork holding a twirled bite of the pasta is positioned to the right side of the frame. The bowl is set on a navy-blue cloth on a light-colored surface.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Recipe by Ugly Duckling

Canned tuna and a homemade green pesto make a fast and flavorful sauce for pasta. Tuna Pesto Pasta is a pantry-friendly meal that feels special.
Get Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto

Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta

A bowl of rotini pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and garnished with chopped parsley. Nearby, there are whole tomatoes and garlic bulbs on a colorful, patterned tablecloth.
Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta. Photo credit: Garlic All Day.

This simple pasta dish combines canned tomatoes and chickpeas for a quick, satisfying meal. Tomato Chickpea Pasta is a hearty, vegetarian dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the recipe: Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta

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About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.