Roman pasta spaghetti cacio e pepe with black pepper, cheese, and wine.

50 savory pasta recipes for your next family meal

Written by:
October 5, 2021
Vladislav Chusov // Shutterstock

50 savory pasta recipes for your next family meal

From hearty fettuccine alfredo to classic cacio e pepe, nothing hits the spot quite like a fresh bowl of pasta. But did you know there could be science behind that sensation? It's not just that these dishes are filling—a May 2025 study by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy found that , boosting happiness and slashing stress, especially when eaten alongside loved ones.

Perhaps that's why it's enjoyed all over the world. In fact, the is valued at $87 billion as of 2025. Meanwhile, the adds $3.3 billion.

Much of that spending is led by Italy, the world's . The average Italian eats roughly 50 pounds (or 23 kilos) of pasta yearly, which isn't surprising, considering that the nation is widely regarded as the birthplace of pasta (though that ).

Even  aren't sure how many different kinds of pasta exist. Some estimates put the number of individual pasta shapes at around 350, each with a different purpose. Long, thin noodles like spaghetti and angel hair go well with smoother, thinner sauces that can spread evenly along the pasta. Chunky sauces work best with short pastas that have grooves and bends to catch every last bit of flavor, like rigatoni or conchiglie (better known stateside as shell pasta).

Regardless of what kind of shape you prefer, there's no denying that pasta represents a world of culinary potential. To share just some of the pasta-bilities, Âé¶¹Ô­´´ compiled a list of 50 pasta recipes from . Get ready for some rich stuffed shells, savory casseroles, and delicate flavor profiles on new sauces to try out that will pass the test of any pasta lover.

Rigatoni alla Genovese

- Rating: 4.6/5 (107 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Total time: 9 hours 60 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

- Rating: 4.2/5 (119 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Additional time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
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Got Some Crust' Macaroni and Cheese

- Rating: 4.3/5 (107 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 55 minutes
- Total time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 - 9x13 inch baking dish
- Number of ingredients: 15
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Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

- Rating: 4.6/5 (305 reviews)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 18 minutes
- Total time: 23 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 5
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Baked Ziti Casserole

- Rating: 4.6/5 (63 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Additional time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
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Lighter Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

- Rating: 4.5/5 (137 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Additional time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,463 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
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Shrimp Fra Diavolo

- Rating: 3.9/5 (70 reviews)
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
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World's Best Lasagna

- Rating: 4.8/5 (20,480 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Additional time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 75 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 20
-

Homemade Mac and Cheese

- Rating: 4.3/5 (2,737 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
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Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole

- Rating: 4.3/5 (698 reviews)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 5
- Yield: 5 to 7 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

- Rating: 4.7/5 (168 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 31 minutes
- Total time: 51 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 13
-

Classic and Simple Meat Lasagna

- Rating: 4.6/5 (228 reviews)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Additional time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 9x13-inch pan
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Simple Macaroni and Cheese

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,038 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Quick and Easy Pancit

- Rating: 4.4/5 (493 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
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Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells

- Rating: 4.7/5 (90 reviews)
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
-

Quick Noodle-Veggie Bowls

- Rating: 4.7/5 (29 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (323 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Total time: 13 hours 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

Classic Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (2,842 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
-

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

- Rating: 4.7/5 (482 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 22 minutes
- Total time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Best Tuna Casserole

- Rating: 4.3/5 (2,898 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

To Die For Fettuccine Alfredo

- Rating: 4.6/5 (2,306 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

- Rating: 4.7/5 (762 reviews)
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 spring rolls
- Number of ingredients: 15
-

Baked Ziti I

- Rating: 4.7/5 (8,798 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

Classic Goulash

- Rating: 4.5/5 (2,229 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Baked Spaghetti

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,559 reviews)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Gnocchi I

- Rating: 4.7/5 (580 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 3
-

Manicotti

- Rating: 4.7/5 (800 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

- Rating: 4.8/5 (205 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 17
-

Grandma's Ground Beef Casserole

- Rating: 4.5/5 (538 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 55 minutes
- Total time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna

- Rating: 4.7/5 (672 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 - 9x13 inch baking dish
- Number of ingredients: 19
-

Cajun Chicken Pasta

- Rating: 4.7/5 (2,813 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
-

Lasagna Muffins

- Rating: 4.3/5 (12 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 dozen muffins
- Number of ingredients: 5
-

Homemade Lasagna

- Rating: 4.6/5 (366 reviews)
- Prep time: 1 hour
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
-

Egg Roll in a Bowl

- Rating: 4.6/5 (35 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
-

Pesto Pasta

- Rating: 4.3/5 (228 reviews)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Additional time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Spicy and Creamy Chicken Pasta

- Rating: 4.4/5 (11 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

- Rating: 4.7/5 (3,539 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (193 reviews)
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 20 ravioli
- Number of ingredients: 19
-

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

- Rating: 4.7/5 (277 reviews)
- Prep time: 35 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 8 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
-

Sarah's Rice Pilaf

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,156 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Additional time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
-

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1,023 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

Chef John's Creamy Mushroom Pasta

- Rating: 4.8/5 (304 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 13
-

Chicken Noodle Casserole I

- Rating: 4.4/5 (2,422 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Easy Lasagna II

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1,143 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Additional time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Incredibly Easy Chicken and Noodles

- Rating: 4.6/5 (597 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

Slow Cooker Lasagna

- Rating: 4.3/5 (1,146 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Buttered Noodles

- Rating: 4.6/5 (183 reviews)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 4
-

Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

- Rating: 4.4/5 (1,736 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
-

Easy Slow Cooker Stroganoff

- Rating: 4.1/5 (42 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 8 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
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