These pasta recipes might sound high-maintenance, but they’re secretly the chill kind—effortless enough for Tuesday night, luxe enough for guests who “don’t usually do carbs.” We’re talking Brown Butter Lobster Pasta that feels like a splurge, Garlic Herb Corn Carbonara with Burrata that flirts with every forkful, and Butternut Squash Rigatoni Pasta Pie that basically built its own fan club. Even Instant Pot Irish Cheddar Mac and Zucchini Carbonara pull off gourmet vibes without breaking a sweat. When you want pasta that wows and lets you keep your cool, this is the list.

Butternut Squash Rigatoni Pasta Pie.

This Butternut Squash Rigatoni Pasta Pie is the perfect cozy and comforting dish for fall. It combines Italian flavors with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, sage, and gouda cheese. Plus, it’s all made in one pot for easy cleanup!
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Rigatoni Pasta Pie.

Instant Pot Irish Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese.

This Instant Pot Irish Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy one-pot meal perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy night. It features crisp bacon, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and Irish cheddar for a comforting and flavorful dish ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Irish Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese.

One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake.

This One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake combines the ease of a one-pot meal with the comforting flavors of broccoli cheddar soup. It’s a well-balanced and delicious vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Top with fresh basil for serving.
Get the Recipe: One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake.

Garlic Herb Corn Carbonara with Burrata.

This quick and easy Garlic Herb Corn Carbonara with Burrata is the perfect way to use fresh summer produce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines sweet corn, savory bacon, and creamy burrata for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s a great way to elevate your pasta night with seasonal flavors!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Corn Carbonara with Burrata.

Avocado Zucchini Carbonara Pasta + Video

This Avocado Zucchini Carbonara Pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish that your family will request time and time again. With the addition of avocado, zucchini, and bacon, this pasta dish will become a new weeknight favorite. Check out the recipe at Half Baked Harvest!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Zucchini Carbonara Pasta + Video

Quick + Simple Pasta “Risotto” with Herbed Roasted Chickpeas.

This quick and simple pasta “risotto” recipe features herbed roasted chickpeas for a flavorful and light vegetarian meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying. Find the recipe at halfbakedharvest.com.
Get the Recipe: Quick + Simple Pasta “Risotto” with Herbed Roasted Chickpeas.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Looking for a way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? This Turkey Tetrazzini casserole is the perfect comfort food solution! Creamy noodles, tender turkey, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping make this a family-friendly dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Chicken Piccata Pasta

This Chicken Piccata Pasta recipe takes the classic flavors of lemon, white wine, butter, and capers and tosses them with linguine for a quick and satisfying meal. Bursting with mushrooms and tomatoes, this dish is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. Garnish with parsley, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Pasta

Pasta with Kale Pesto and Roasted Acorn Squash

This vegetarian pasta dish combines earthy kale pesto with sweet, caramelized roasted acorn squash for a comforting and flavorful meal. The addition of garlicky breadcrumbs provides an irresistible crunch that elevates the dish. Perfect for a fall or winter dinner!
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Kale Pesto and Roasted Acorn Squash

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Cheese

This simple pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 15 minutes! Whole wheat pasta is tossed with a fresh tomato sauce, spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese for a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Cheese

One Pan Lightened Up Hamburger Helper

This one-pan hamburger helper recipe is lightened up with simple ingredients and lean ground turkey, making it a comforting and healthy dinner option. Ready in under an hour, it’s a nostalgic, kid-friendly meal that can be easily prepped and enjoyed any night of the week. Top with cheese and parsley for the ultimate cozy dish!
Get the Recipe: One Pan Lightened Up Hamburger Helper

Veggie-Packed Meat Sauce (freezer-friendly, great for kids!)

This veggie-packed meat sauce is a flavorful and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also freezer-friendly and great for kids, so you can always have a healthy and delicious meal on hand. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Veggie-Packed Meat Sauce (freezer-friendly, great for kids!)

Gochujang Carbonara

This Gochujang Carbonara recipe puts a flavorful spin on a classic pasta dish, ready in just 30 minutes! It combines the richness of traditional carbonara with a spicy kick from gochujang, creating a unique and delicious meal. Top it off with scallions and sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Carbonara

One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

This one-pan creamy tomato gnocchi with chicken sausage is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It features sliced chicken sausages, fresh spinach, and pillowy gnocchi in a luscious tomato sauce. Top with parmesan cheese and basil for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

Spicy Brown Butter Goat Cheese Pasta with Sweet Corn & Honey Roasted Butternut Squash

This Spicy Brown Butter Goat Cheese Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet honey-roasted butternut squash, spicy brown butter, tangy goat cheese, and pickled jalapeños creates a unique and unforgettable flavor profile. It’s a vegetarian meal that you’ll find yourself craving!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Brown Butter Goat Cheese Pasta with Sweet Corn & Honey Roasted Butternut Squash

Zucchini Mac and Cheese

Sneak in some veggies with this creamy zucchini mac and cheese! This healthy comfort food is a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Plus, it’s gluten-free and freezer-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Mac and Cheese

Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta

This Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a summer dinner. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including fresh corn, ricotta, and brown butter, this pasta is both flavorful and comforting. Garnish with basil and green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta

Pasta with Turkey Sausage and Peas

This quick and healthy Pasta with Turkey Sausage and Peas is a weeknight winner. This Italian skillet dinner is made with ground turkey, crushed tomatoes, and frozen peas for a simple and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Turkey Sausage and Peas

Caprese Pasta Salad with Garlic Marinated Tomatoes

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Garlic Marinated Tomatoes is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Cherry tomatoes are marinated in garlic-infused oil then tossed with pasta, mozzarella, capers, lemon, and basil for a quick and easy meal. It’s also easily customizable with your favorite pasta shape and extra veggies!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad with Garlic Marinated Tomatoes

Brown Butter Lobster Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes.

This Brown Butter Lobster Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes recipe by Half Baked Harvest is quick, easy, and decadent. The brown butter sauce perfectly complements the sweet lobster and burst cherry tomatoes. It’s like summer in a bowl!
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Lobster Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes.

Butter-Less Alfredo with Peas

This butter-less Alfredo with Peas is a comforting and quick dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Made with simple ingredients like garlic, pesto, peas, and Parmesan cheese, this pasta dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s also vegetarian, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free!
Get the Recipe: Butter-Less Alfredo with Peas