Every parent knows that getting kids to try something new can be an uphill battle, but these 17 pasta dishes make it a whole lot easier. With flavors that keep things interesting and just enough familiarity to feel safe, even the most dedicated mac and cheese fans will be asking for seconds. The best part? No weird ingredients, no endless bargaining, just plates cleared without complaints.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Mix them up for a homey twist on dinner that’s both filling and a crowd-pleaser. When making Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole, you’re going for comfort with every forkful, without the fuss. It’s a reliable go-to for a busy weekday. Think ease, simplicity, and the kind of warmth that fills the kitchen and the dining table alike.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
You don’t need a Sunday roast to capture the essence of family gatherings. Toss in some hearty pasta goodness, and you’ve got Italian Pot Roast Pasta, a dish that marries two amazing meals into one. Bold flavors make it a hit while the ease of preparation makes it a practical choice for any day of the week. It’s the kind of meal that calls everyone to the table, ready for stories and laughter.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Remember how grandma would have that bubbling dish ready for you? Rekindle those memories with a dish that takes you right back to your childhood. Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is about tradition, and a gooey cheese embrace that never goes out of style. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s the hug in a bowl we all need sometimes, no matter our age.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
Skip the layering and get straight to the good stuff. Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef makes everyone’s favorite easier. It delivers all the beloved flavors in a fraction of the time. This skillet variety serves up comfort in every bite and conveniences that just can’t be beat. Fill your kitchen with the aroma of a timeless classic, but with a modern, quick twist.
Get the Recipe: Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Looking for a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on the bold flavors? Up your pasta salad game with some Mediterranean flair. With Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes, you bite into an adventure, an array of tastes that’s both refreshing and gratifying. It’s sure to break the monotony of everyday meals. Perfect for a picnic, potluck, or just a healthier dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Bring the restaurant to your table with Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. It’s the comfort of traditional Italian cooking without stepping foot outside. This soup’s got the warmth and heart of Sicily in every spoonful. It’s the go-to remedy when someone needs a bit of kitchen-made kindness.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Steak & Pasta Salad
When steak night and pasta cravings collide, you get something spectacular. What you’re piling onto your plate is more than just a meal; it’s Steak & Pasta Salad. It’s the balance of hearty and fresh, the unexpected dinner that wins. This combo brings to the table a powerful duo that’s ready to change up your meal routine. It’s just the thing when you want to impress without too much stress.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Sometimes you crave that restaurant meal but just want to stay in your PJs. Whip up some nostalgia with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. It’s as close as you’ll get to the classic without leaving home. Comfort food at its best, it reminds us why we sometimes need a taste of the familiar. It’s all about that cozy feeling, with none of the going out hassle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Salmon Pasta Salad
Now here’s something for the seafood lovers. Imagine tucking into a pasta dish that feels light yet indulgent. Salmon Pasta Salad brings together two unique tastes for an unexpected lunch or dinner. It’s a delicious twist that’s bound to become a regular request. Full of flavor, it proves that pasta salad can indeed be a showstopper at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
What’s better than soup to soothe the soul? Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” Add tortellini, kale, and chicken to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of pure joy. It’s hearty, wholesome, and brimming with everything good. Experience it on a day where comfort is just a spoonful away.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Pesto Orzo Salad
Switch it up with tiny pasta that packs a punch. Pesto Orzo Salad is here to show that small can be mighty. It’s a refreshing change from the usual, perfect for a side or a main dish. It’s the kind of vibrant, herby goodness that makes your meal pop. Great for those who love a bit of green in their routine.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Let’s talk about magic in the slow cooker. Imagine coming home to a meal that’s ready to serve, where Italian flavors have been mingling all day long. Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It’s convenience meets flavor in a dish that waits for you, not the other way around. End your day with the irresistible aroma that’s been building anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Spice it up with a dish that will take you straight to New Orleans. Cajun Pasta with Shrimp is the spicy kick that your dinner lineup has been missing. With each mouthful, you travel to a new flavor destination. Perfect for nights when you’re feeling adventurous. A dish that proves pasta doesn’t have to be plain.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Beefy Lasagna Soup
Imagine your favorite lasagna in a spoonable form. It’s all the classic flavors, no layering necessary, and Beefy Lasagna Soup makes it happen. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for the colder nights or whenever you need a comforting pick-me-up. With this in your recipe rotation, you’re sure to have eager eaters at your table. It’s just right for a casual get-together or a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Lasagna Soup
Chicken Spaghetti
Why settle for plain old spaghetti when you can upgrade it with a twist? Bring excitement back to pasta night with Chicken Spaghetti. It’s a refreshing change, proving that sometimes all you need is a simple tweak to rediscover a family favorite. It’s the pasta dish that keeps things interesting. Gather ’round the table for a meal that everyone can agree on.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad marries the richness of salmon with the satisfaction of pasta. Quick, easy, and full of flavors that speak directly to your seafood-loving heart. It’s a no-fuss meal, ideal for those busy nights when time is tight but you still want something special. Simple, yes, but definitely not boring. This is a dish that offers a delicious escape from the everyday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Greek Spaghetti
Twist your pasta routine with flavors from the Mediterranean. Greek Spaghetti incorporates a taste of Greece, making dinner an event rather than just another meal. It’s a pleasant departure from the norm, without being overly complicated. It’s casual yet impressive, ensuring that even a simple meal can have a dash of flair. Bring a bit of the Aegean to your dining experience without needing a passport.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
