17 Pasta Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love

Pasta nights just got better with these simple, tasty recipes! Whether you want something creamy, spicy, or just plain comforting, there’s something here for everyone. These dishes come together fast with ingredients you probably already have. No fancy skills needed—just good food that fills you up and makes the whole family happy. Save these pasta recipes for when you need dinner in a hurry but still want big flavor.

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Table of Contents

1 15 Minute Creamy Kimchi Pasta with Bacon (김치파스타)
2 Mexican Mac and Cheese
3 Spinach Pesto Pasta
4 Espagueti Rojo (Mexican Red Spaghetti)
5 Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto
6 Birria Ramen
7 Velveeta Mac & Cheese
8 Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
9 15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti
10 Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe (with and without vodka)
11 Ensalada de Coditos (Elbow Pasta Salad)
12 Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta
13 Fideo con Carne (Mexican Meat and Noodles)
14 Espagueti Blanco (white spaghetti)
15 Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta
16 Sopa de Conchas
17 Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe

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

Tangy kimchi and crispy bacon team up in a creamy sauce that’s unlike any other pasta. The mix of spicy, smoky, and rich flavors will have you hooked after one bite.
Get Recipe: 15 Minute Creamy Kimchi Pasta with Bacon

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 isn’t your kid’s mac and cheese—spicy peppers and Mexican cheeses turn it into something grown-ups will love too. The creamy sauce with a little heat makes it hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

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

Fresh spinach blends into a bright green pesto that coats every noodle. It tastes fancy but takes 15 minutes max. Add chicken or keep it veggie—it works either way.
Get Recipe: Spinach Pesto Pasta

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.

Simple tomato sauce gets extra flavor from Mexican spices in this family favorite. The bright red color makes it fun for kids, and adults love the authentic taste.
Get Recipe: Espagueti Rojo

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 gets a upgrade with homemade pesto in this lightning-fast meal. The peppery arugula adds something special, but store-bought pesto works in a real pinch.
Get Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto

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

Tender shredded beef and ramen noodles swim in a spicy, flavorful broth that’s way better than instant. Top it with onions, cilantro, and lime for a fun twist on two classics.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

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

Nothing beats that super-smooth, extra-cheesy Velveeta melt we all grew up loving. This version stays creamy without separating, and you can jazz it up with extras like hot dogs or broccoli if you want.
Get Recipe: Velveeta Mac & Cheese

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

Creamy sauce gets a kick from smoky chipotle peppers in this chicken pasta. The heat builds slowly but won’t overwhelm you. It’s rich enough to feel special but easy enough for regular weeknights.
Get Recipe: Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

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

Your Slow cooker makes spaghetti faster than boiling water the old way. Ground beef and jarred sauce taste homemade when they cook together under pressure. Kids and adults both clean their plates.
Get Recipe: 15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti

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.

Creamy tomato sauce with a little kick from chili flakes—the vodka version adds depth but isn’t necessary. Ready in the time it takes to boil noodles, and way better than takeout.
Get Recipe: Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

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

Whip up a creamy and delicious Ensalada de Coditos, a classic Mexican side dish that’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ensalada de Coditos

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

Earthy mushrooms and sweet corn balance each other in a light cream sauce. It feels fancy but uses simple ingredients. Great for meatless Mondays or when you want something different.
Get Recipe: Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta

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 cook in a meaty tomato broth until they soak up all the flavor. Hearty enough to be a meal on its own, especially with warm tortillas on the side. Perfect for those looking for unique pasta recipes.
Get the Recipe: Fideo con Carne

Espagueti Blanco (white spaghetti)

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

Buttery, garlicky cream sauce coats spaghetti in pure comfort food. Add shrimp or chicken if you want protein, or keep it simple with just pasta and sauce. Either way, it’s delicious.
Get the Recipe: Espagueti Blanco

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 pasta mixes juicy tomatoes and tender chickpeas in a light sauce that comes together fast. It’s healthy but filling, and you can add extra veggies if you want. Perfect for nights when you need something good without the work.
Get the recipe: Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta

Sopa de Conchas

Little shell pasta cooks right in the tomato broth for this Mexican childhood favorite. Add avocado and cheese on top to make it a full meal. Picky eaters usually go for this one.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Conchas

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

Don’t worry—it doesn’t taste like pie! Pumpkin makes the sauce extra creamy without dairy. Nice with sausage or mushrooms mixed in, or just enjoy the smooth, slightly sweet flavor alone. Great for those looking for pasta recipes.
Get the recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe