Pasta is my favorite food, and one of the best easy weeknight dinner options out there when you need something delicious that can be on the table quickly! Plus, it is always a winner with tableful of hungry kids. We’ve got all the pasta recipes for you here, from cold pasta salads to traditional Italian dishes to Asian pasta stir fry to keep you cooking, full, and your family happy!
Smoked Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta Salad
A unique pasta salad featuring smoked chicken and bold gorgonzola cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta Salad
Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Lasagna Stuffed Shells is a unique combination of two Italian favorites. This recipe involves stuffing jumbo pasta shells with a mix of cheeses and topping them with meat sauce. It’s an efficient alternative to traditional lasagna, easier to portion and quicker to assemble. This dish is perfect for large gatherings or meal prepping, and can be adapted to various dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or adding different meats to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese
Check out this Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe! It is a luxurious take on the classic comfort dish. It incorporates fresh smoked lobster tails into a homemade mac and cheese, using a lobster base for added flavor. The smoking process brings a unique smoky taste to the dish, elevating it to a gourmet level. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or impressing guests, combining the comforting qualities of mac and cheese with the elegance of lobster.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese
Hamburger Gravy with Garlic Chive Noodles
This recipe offers a comforting, hearty dish combining rich hamburger gravy with garlic chive noodles. It’s a fulfilling meal that blends the savory flavors of the gravy with the aromatic garlic and chives in the noodles. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a great option for those who appreciate a robust, home-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Gravy with Garlic Chive Noodles
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Italian tortellini pasta salad is a colorful and flavorful dish, perfect for picnics or as a side. It combines cheese-filled tortellini with a variety of fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is ideal for those who enjoy a combination of pasta and fresh, crisp ingredients in a light, yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish, highlighting the classic combination of garlic, olive oil, and pasta. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The dish’s simplicity showcases the rich flavors of its few ingredients, making it a staple for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter
Combining shrimp and udon noodles with a miso brown butter sauce, this recipe offers a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors. It’s a great choice for those seeking a comforting noodle dish with a rich, umami-packed sauce, blending the best of both culinary worlds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning to a comforting pasta meal. It’s a great choice for those who love a little heat in their pasta, combining rich, savory flavors with a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta
Miso Brown Butter Udon
Miso Brown Butter Udon is a flavorful dish combining the rich, umami taste of miso with the nutty flavor of brown butter. This comforting noodle dish is perfect for those seeking a savory, satisfying meal with Japanese-inspired flavors.
Get the Recipe: Miso Brown Butter Udon
Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce
A rich and flavorful sauce, this roasted garlic cream sauce is perfect for pasta, meats, or vegetables. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a creamy, garlicky accompaniment to their meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce
Traeger Pizza Pasta Hotdish
Combining the flavors of pizza with pasta, this Traeger-cooked hotdish is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for those who can’t decide between pasta and pizza.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pizza Pasta Hotdish
Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
A cheesy, comforting pasta dish featuring Italian flavors, cooked on a Traeger for an added smoky dimension. It’s great for pasta lovers looking for a rich and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta
This unique pasta dish combines the creaminess of cream cheese with the smoky flavor achieved on a Traeger grill. It’s a great option for a rich and comforting pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
A classic spaghetti and meat sauce recipe, ideal for those who love traditional Italian pasta dishes. It’s a great choice for a family meal or a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Smoked Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This comforting soup combines the zest of lemon with the smokiness of chicken, integrated with orzo pasta. It’s a heartwarming dish, perfect for those seeking a smoky twist on traditional chicken soup.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Traeger Boursin Pasta
This pasta dish is enriched with the creamy, herby flavors of Boursin cheese, creating a luxurious and comforting meal. It’s a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Boursin Pasta
Penne Pomodoro
This classic Italian dish features penne pasta in a fresh, tomato-based sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells
A creative and meaty dish, these “shotgun shells” are made with pasta tubes stuffed with flavorful meat and cheese, smoked for a unique taste experience.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
A classic and creamy shrimp Alfredo, this recipe offers a luxurious and satisfying pasta dish, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Traeger Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
A comforting and hearty soup, featuring creamy tortellini and Italian sausage, perfect for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
Pellet Grill Feta Pasta
This recipe is a smoky rendition of the viral feta pasta, adding a new layer of flavor to a trendy dish. It’s a simple yet satisfying option for anyone craving a quick, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Pellet Grill Feta Pasta
Mock Lasagna
A simpler and quicker alternative to traditional lasagna, this recipe offers the same comforting flavors with less effort, great for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Mock Lasagna
Meatball Stuffed Shells
A comforting and filling dish, these stuffed shells are loaded with meatballs, offering a hearty twist on a pasta classic. It’s a great pick for a satisfying family meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Stuffed Shells
Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
A refreshing and hearty pasta salad combining ham and peas, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a fulfilling side dish.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
A creative blend of a classic BLT sandwich and pasta salad, bringing together bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Shrimp Marinara
A simple and flavorful shrimp marinara dish, combining succulent shrimp with a rich tomato sauce, ideal for a quick and satisfying pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Marinara
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Combining the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the comfort of mac and cheese, this recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors in classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese
A fiery and creamy dish combining the heat of Nashville hot chicken with the comfort of mac and cheese. It’s great for those who love spicy and hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese
Farfalle and Meat Sauce
A classic Italian dish, this recipe pairs farfalle pasta with a hearty meat sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Farfalle and Meat Sauce
Air Fryer Ravioli
This recipe transforms traditional ravioli into a crispy appetizer using an air fryer. It’s a unique twist on a classic Italian dish, offering a less greasy alternative to the usual fried ravioli. Perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with their air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli
Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
A delightful weeknight dinner option, this recipe combines shrimp, pasta, tomatoes, and basil. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of seafood and herbs, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Smoked Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
A rich and creamy mac and cheese recipe enhanced with the flavors of smoked bacon and ranch, combining comfort food with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
Homemade Mac and Cheese
This recipe offers a homemade version of the classic mac and cheese. It emphasizes a creamy, comforting texture and rich flavor, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mac and Cheese
Easy Buttered Noodles
A simple yet versatile side dish, this recipe features tender egg noodles tossed in a savory butter, garlic, and herb sauce. It’s an easy-to-make option that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Easy Buttered Noodles
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Reimagining a classic convenience food, this homemade hamburger helper recipe offers a comforting and hearty meal. It’s a family-friendly dish that combines the ease of a one-pot meal with the satisfaction of homemade cooking.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Traeger Lasagna
A unique take on lasagna, this recipe is cooked on a Traeger, adding a smoky twist to the traditional Italian dish. It’s a hearty and comforting meal option.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Lasagna
Mushroom Cream Sauce Pasta
This pasta dish is centered around the earthy flavors of mushrooms, combined with a creamy sauce for a rich and satisfying meal. Ideal for those who enjoy the deep, umami flavors of mushrooms in a comforting pasta format.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Cream Sauce Pasta
Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
The creamy macaroni salad recipe is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its creamy texture and blend of simple ingredients make it a beloved staple at any table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Bison Bolognese
Offering a unique take on the traditional Bolognese, this recipe uses bison meat for a leaner, yet flavorful alternative. It’s a great choice for those looking to explore different types of meat in classic dishes.
Get the Recipe: Bison Bolognese
One-Pot Parmesan Noodles with Asparagus
This one-pot meal combines Parmesan cheese and asparagus with noodles for a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. Ideal for a light and fresh meal that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Parmesan Noodles with Asparagus
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
A unique twist on traditional mac and cheese, this recipe incorporates the smoky flavor from a Traeger grill. It’s a creative option for those who love a smoky touch to their comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad
A refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring salmon and orzo. It’s a great choice for a light lunch or dinner, particularly appealing for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad
Browned Butter and Mizithra Pasta
This pasta dish highlights the nutty flavor of browned butter combined with Mizithra cheese. It’s a simple yet sophisticated choice for those who appreciate the depth of flavor in their pasta.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter and Mizithra Pasta
One-Pot Creamy Noodles
A kid-friendly recipe that’s both easy to make and comforting. It features creamy noodles in a one-pot dish, making it a go-to for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Noodles
Greek Pasta Salad
This recipe brings the flavors of Greece into a pasta salad, perfect as a side dish for BBQs or potlucks. It’s a refreshing and flavorful option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Traeger Smoked Meatball Rigatoni
Combining smoked meatballs with rigatoni, this dish offers a hearty and rich flavor profile. The Traeger grill adds a unique smoky touch, making it a standout pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Meatball Rigatoni
Spicy Yaki Udon
This recipe gives a spicy twist to the traditional yaki udon. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their noodles.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Yaki Udon
Tuna Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a refreshing mix that combines tuna with dill for a unique flavor. It’s an ideal choice for a light and easy meal, especially during warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad
Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
A classic shrimp scampi pasta that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
This recipe offers a comforting meal of hamburger steaks topped with a rich onion gravy. It’s a hearty choice for a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Easy Homemade Marinara
A basic yet flavorful herbed marinara sauce that’s versatile and easy to make. It’s perfect for pairing with a variety of pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Marinara
Beef Stroganoff Soup Recipe
Turning the classic beef stroganoff into a soup, this recipe maintains the rich flavors of the original dish. It’s a hearty and comforting option, especially for those who enjoy traditional stroganoff.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff Soup Recipe
Broccoli Cheese Orzo
A simple and delicious side dish featuring orzo with broccoli and cheese. It’s a great option for adding a veggie-rich touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Chicken Marsala Recipe
This classic Chicken Marsala recipe is both easy to prepare and delicious, featuring tender chicken in a savory wine and mushroom sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Recipe
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.