Comforting pasta dinner recipes to inspire your coziest nights ~ these yummy 30 minute meals are a testament to the power of carbs!
Ever wonder why pasta is so comforting? Pasta feels so comforting because it’s packed with carbohydrates, which help boost serotonin, the chemical in your brain that makes you feel good and relaxed. Plus, since pasta is a complex carb, it digests slowly, giving you steady energy without causing blood sugar spikes. Its soft texture and warmth also add to that cozy, satisfying feeling we all love. These pasta recipes will keep that feel good vibe going all season long.
Meet your new favorite dinner ~ Swedish Meatball Noodle Bowls! Impossibly tender meatballs in a silky sour cream gravy over classic egg noodles. Best. Pasta recipe. Ever.
This is one of those pasta recipes that looks and sounds impressive, but is a great example of how a few special ingredients, and not a ton of effort, can make an amazing meal.
Sichuan burning noodles tossed with spiced pork, warm chili crisp, and crushed roasted peanuts and sesame seeds is out of this world delicious ~ (but not hot and spicy!)
It’s made with just 6 simple ingredients in 15 minutes! It’s a fall comfort food powerhouse just waiting to happen in your kitchen. Yes carbs ~ but there’s plenty of veggie action in there too!
Bolognese sauce gets even better as it sits in the fridge, so plan to make a big batch over the weekend and enjoy this Northern Italian pasta recipe all week long.
Hey there mac and cheese lovers! Are you ready to take your favorite comfort food to the next level? Say hello to smoked salmon mac and cheese, one of my favorite meals, ever!
This mushroom carbonara recipe takes classic Italian pasta alla carbonara in a new direction while still maintaining the brilliant concept that has made the dish a favorite for generations.
When it comes to comforting pasta, the Italians are the masters. This unusual pairing in this pasta recipe is one of my favorites on the site, I hope you try it!
Broccoli and cheddar baked shells is comfort food at its finest! This classic macaroni and cheese is quick and easy for family meals, and upscale enough for company.
Put any sprout haters in your house to the test ~ pancetta and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven, and this easy riff on traditional carbonara is a great way to add a bit of healthy green into your weeknight routine.
Sue – Are there recipes out there that involve chicken or beef, basil, a vegetable (like onions, bell pepper, green beans, carrots), lemon or lime? I’m looking for something fresh with veggies that my kids will eat but we don’t eat seafood of any kind. Ugh – it’s hard to have a picky house! Thank you in advance!
This Mac and cheese recipe would be even better in the insta pot, it only takes about 10 minutes to make Mac n cheese from scratch in the pressure cooker. I too love my pressure cooker and use it for everything. If you haven’t cooked hard boiled eggs, try it. There are some amazing recipes on Pinterest for the pressure cooker, can’t wait to see your growing list!! Happy cooking!!
In my not so humble opinion, pasta is the perfect food and your recipes look perfectly delicious! I always visit your page, knowing I’m in for a visual treat – your photographs make me hungry! With fall fast approaching, I’ll be trying some of these recipes for warm and satisfying dinners! Thank you!
Hey there ~ I'm Sue. I love to make delicious food, photograph it, and write about it, but mostly, I just love to EAT. Isn't that what it's all about? My recipes are creative, vibrant, and totally approachable no matter what your skill level. Let's grab a bite together!
These all sound delicious Sue, I am going to try them all and comment. Oh and thank you for your ‘back stories”, they are so much fun to read!
Sue – Are there recipes out there that involve chicken or beef, basil, a vegetable (like onions, bell pepper, green beans, carrots), lemon or lime? I’m looking for something fresh with veggies that my kids will eat but we don’t eat seafood of any kind. Ugh – it’s hard to have a picky house! Thank you in advance!
Browse through my main course archives,here,Jessica, I’m sure you’ll find a few inspirations, I feel your pain!
We adore pasta and love all of these especially the Brussels Sprout carbonara !!
Can’t wait to make it! Great post Sue!
This Mac and cheese recipe would be even better in the insta pot, it only takes about 10 minutes to make Mac n cheese from scratch in the pressure cooker. I too love my pressure cooker and use it for everything. If you haven’t cooked hard boiled eggs, try it. There are some amazing recipes on Pinterest for the pressure cooker, can’t wait to see your growing list!! Happy cooking!!
In my not so humble opinion, pasta is the perfect food and your recipes look perfectly delicious! I always visit your page, knowing I’m in for a visual treat – your photographs make me hungry! With fall fast approaching, I’ll be trying some of these recipes for warm and satisfying dinners! Thank you!
Delish! Every single one looks amazing. I’m ready to pull out the pasta pot!
Every time I come for a visit, I’m craving something new I never thought of. Your recipes are inspiring and look so delicious. I want them all!