The art of pasta-making has been perfected over centuries, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still get creative with our favorite dish. In fact, there’s no better way to spice things up than by experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these 20 unique pasta recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
From the rich and creamy to the bold and spicy, each recipe on this list offers something special. Imagine savoring the earthy flavor of truffle mushroom pasta with parmesan crisps, or indulging in the bright and citrusy taste of lemon garlic shrimp pasta with asparagus. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, like spicy chorizo and kale pasta or roasted butternut squash pasta with sage.
No matter what your taste buds are craving, there’s a pasta recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy. So why not get creative and give one (or two, or three…) of these recipes a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Truffle Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan Crisps
A rich and earthy pasta dish infused with the deep flavors of truffles and mushrooms, finished with crispy parmesan crisps.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup truffle oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Parmesan Crisps:
+ 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
+ 1 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta al dente, then set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat truffle oil and garlic over medium-low. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Toss cooked pasta with mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix parmesan cheese and olive oil on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Serve pasta hot, topped with Parmesan Crisps and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus
Brighten up your dinner plate with this flavorful and refreshing pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 4 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in lemon juice and white wine (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked pasta with shrimp and asparagus mixture. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Chorizo and Kale Pasta
This vibrant pasta dish combines the spicy kick of chorizo with the earthy goodness of kale, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook chorizo over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add olive oil, garlic, and chopped kale to the same skillet. Cook until kale is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add cooked pasta, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Add cooked chorizo back into the skillet and stir until heated through.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage
This autumn-inspired pasta dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the earthy flavor of sage, creating a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the butternut squash and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large skillet, combine roasted squash, chopped sage, and cooked pasta.
7. Toss everything together, adding salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pasta
A flavorful and elegant pasta dish that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the creaminess of goat cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and chopped
– 6 oz. soft goat cheese, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine with garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in crumbled goat cheese until melted and well combined with tomato mixture.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sun-dried tomato and goat cheese sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Pasta
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions paired with creamy gorgonzola cheese in this decadent pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat with olive oil, stirring occasionally. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until caramelized.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Toss cooked pasta with caramelized onions and gorgonzola cheese.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Avocado Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe combines the richness of avocado pesto sauce with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, all on a bed of al dente pasta. It’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil, olive oil, garlic, and salt & pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the blended sauce and stir to combine.
4. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken! This creamy, cheesy pasta dish combines the classic comfort food with the spicy kick of buffalo wings.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add buffalo wing sauce and stir to combine.
4. Add cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with buffalo sauce mixture.
5. In a separate pot, combine cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth, then add milk.
6. Combine cooked macaroni, chicken mixture, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (optional).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Pumpkin Sage Cream Pasta
This comforting pasta dish combines the warmth of pumpkin with the earthiness of sage and the richness of cream, perfect for a cozy fall evening. The combination of flavors is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 medium pumpkin, cooked and pureed
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add pumpkin puree, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta with pumpkin sauce and toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Dill Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and refreshing dish, combining the richness of smoked salmon with the brightness of fresh dill.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add flaked salmon to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
4. Stir in chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and smoked salmon mixture. Toss to coat pasta evenly.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pasta alla Vodka with Crispy Pancetta
Pasta alla Vodka with Crispy Pancetta Recipe
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this creamy and savory pasta dish, elevated by the crispy texture of pancetta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1/2 cup vodka-infused tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in vodka-infused tomato sauce and stir to combine with garlic. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Top with crispy pancetta and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beetroot and Walnut Pasta
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of beetroot with the earthy flavor of walnuts, creating a unique and delicious pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 medium beetroot, peeled and cooked through
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine cooked beetroot, parsley, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the blended mixture to the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
4. Stir in toasted walnuts and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Kimchi Bacon Carbonara
This innovative dish combines the creamy richness of carbonara with the bold, spicy kick of kimchi and the smoky sweetness of bacon. Perfect for adventurous eaters, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups kimchi, chopped
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped kimchi to the same skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and bacon-kimchi mixture to the egg mixture. Stir until well combined and creamy.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently, until the eggs are cooked to desired doneness.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Curry Coconut Noodle Pasta
This recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of curry and coconut with the simplicity of pasta for a deliciously unique dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fig and Prosciutto Pasta with Balsamic Glaze
A sweet and savory pasta dish that combines the natural sweetness of figs, the salty flavor of prosciutto, and the tanginess of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh figs
– 6 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add prosciutto slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Add chopped figs to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine with fig and prosciutto mixture.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the fig and prosciutto mixture, adding salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pasta and toss to coat.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lobster Pasta with Saffron Cream Sauce
Savor the opulence of this indulgent pasta dish, featuring succulent lobster chunks smothered in a rich saffron cream sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fettuccine
– 1 lb. lobster meat, diced
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp. saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp. hot water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add lobster meat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly opaque.
4. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, saffron mixture, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
5. Combine cooked fettuccine, lobster mixture, and saffron cream sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
A creamy, cheesy twist on classic stuffed shells, this recipe combines the flavors of spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying main course.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach-artichoke mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the shells and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until shells are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Black Garlic and Chili Oil Pasta
This recipe combines the rich flavors of black garlic with spicy chili oil to create a bold and aromatic pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 tbsp. black garlic
– 1/4 cup chili oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a small saucepan, combine black garlic and chili oil over low heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and heated through (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and stir for an additional minute.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the black garlic-chili oil mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Corn and Basil Pasta
This recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the freshness of basil, creating a light and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a summer evening. With only a few ingredients, you can quickly prepare this delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add corn kernels and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
4. Stir in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sweet corn mixture. Toss gently to combine.
6. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pasta with Miso Butter and Crispy Shallots
A simple yet elegant pasta dish that combines the savory flavors of miso butter with the crispy sweetness of shallots.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp. white miso paste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add miso paste and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot slices and cook for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Drain pasta and toss with the miso butter sauce. Top with crispy shallots and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your pasta game! This collection of 20 unique recipes offers a world of flavors and textures. From Truffle Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan Crisps to Lobster Pasta with Saffron Cream Sauce, each dish is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Try the spicy kick of Spicy Chorizo and Kale Pasta or the rich creaminess of Pumpkin Sage Cream Pasta. Or, go bold with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese or Kimchi Bacon Carbonara. Whatever your taste buds desire, there’s something for everyone in this mouth-watering medley of pasta recipes.
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