25 Best Winter Pasta Recipes

Helping You Stay Warm All Winter Long

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/5/20
Pasta

Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

Winter is pasta time! When it's cold outside, we tend to crave warm, comforting, satisfying meals that will help push away those winter blues. What better way to give ourselves plenty of energy than through delicious and nutritious carbs?

Follow along, as we explore a list of our top winter pasta recipes that will delight your tastebuds and satisfy that need for a filling lunch or dinner. From lasagna and macaroni and cheese ideas, to oven baked pasta casseroles and vegetarian pastas, you'll find plenty of great pasta recipes here that you can serve for family dinners and entertaining guests, or bring to potlucks, this winter

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  • 01 of 25

    Baked Tortellini With Three Sauces

    Baked Tortellini

    Lauri Patterson/Getty Images

     

    Here's a super easy and rich pasta recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but can be prepared in 15 minutes, and be ready for the table in just an hour, from start to finish. Three store-bought sauces and frozen cheese-stuffed tortellini are the secrets to this insanely simple pasta dinner recipe, that's absolutely delicious and a great choice for winter dinner parties, or Sunday dinner with the family

  • 02 of 25

    Salmon Spaghetti Carbonara

    A plate of salmon spaghetti carbonara

    Eivaisla / Getty Images

    What can you serve at your dinner parties this winter that's ready in just 30 minutes, but is impressive enough to wow invited guests? This quick and easy Salmon Spaghetti Carbonara recipe is not only a breeze to prepare, but the flavor is simply divine, thanks to the decadent combination of cooked salmon fillets, bacon, egg yolks, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Studded with cooked green peas, for color and nutrition, this rich, smooth, salty and savory main dish recipe is sure to become a go-to in your repertoire.

  • 03 of 25

    Chicken and Pasta With Lemon Pesto

    Chicken and Pasta With Lemon Pesto

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    When you're having guests for dinner this winter, this Chicken and Pasta with Lemon Pesto recipe is the perfect main dish recipe for entertaining. Easy to prepare and elegant to serve, this yummy, creamy pasta has a lovely zing to it, thanks to the use of lemon juice and grated lemon zest, which bring out all the flavors. Store-bought pesto combines with cream to make the sauce for this rich-tasting chicken pasta, creating a flavor that's addictive and delicious.

  • 04 of 25

    Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

    Vegan mushroom cream sauce

    The Spruce 

    Creamy, rich pastas for vegan diets can be tough to find and prepare, but this recipe makes it possible. This vegan pasta dish has a yummy mushroom sauce that's super satisfying and warming on a cold winter night. It's so good that you'll want to start use the sauce for other dishes too, from cooked chicken (for our carnivorous friends) to rice dishes! This vegan mushroom pasta dish is impressive enough to serve guests because of its extra flavor, but it's crazy quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, so you'll have more time to mingle with your guests. Great for Sunday family dinners and school nights, too!

    Continue to 5 of 25 below.
  • 05 of 25

    Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

    Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

    Swap out squash for pasta in this gluten-free spaghetti squash alfredo dish. Cheesy, rich, and creamy as an alfredo should be, this dish is studded with broccoli, while the squash provides an extra boost of wholesome vegetable goodness. 

  • 06 of 25

    Crockpot Mac and Cheese

    Crock pot mac and cheese

    Maren Caruso / Digital Vision / Getty Images

    Want to come home to a comforting, cheesy pasta dinner this winter, that practically makes itself? You're going to love this delicious, comforting version of macaroni and cheese that cooks in your crockpot — yes, even the pasta! Three kinds of cheese combine with the usual mac and cheese ingredients, plus lots of nutritious vegetables and store-bought Alfredo sauce, for a rich macaroni pasta dinner that's perfect to serve your family on a cold winter night. 

  • 07 of 25

    Skillet Spaghetti

    Skillet spaghetti recipe

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    If you love spaghetti and meatballs, but don't like fussing in the kitchen - or doing dishes - you'll love this super efficient recipe that eliminates the need to cook your pasta separately in a big pot. This awesome Skillet Spaghetti recipe has you cooking the spaghetti pasta right in the sauce, for a one-dish dinner that checks all the boxes when it comes to a satisfying, meaty pasta dish that's ideal for winter family weeknights. Plus, with only five ingredients, including store-bought frozen meatballs and prepared sauce, you're out of the kitchen and eating in practically no time!

  • 08 of 25

    Perfect Spinach Lasagna

    Perfect spinach lasagna recipe

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    This vegetarian spinach lasagna recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy pasta this winter. Whether you're following a vegetarian diet, doing Meatless Mondays, or just want to try something different, you'll be glad to have this go-to recipe for classic no-meat lasagna in your repertoire. Spinach lasagna is made with layers of smooth, creamy ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, lasagna noodles, frozen spinach, and your favorite marinara sauce. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple tossed salad for a filling, fabulous family meal.

    Continue to 9 of 25 below.
  • 09 of 25

    Stuffed Chicken Parmesan

    Stuffed Chicken Parmesan

    The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

    Impress everyone at the dinner table with this stuffed chicken Parmesan recipe. It sounds like a difficult recipe, but it's surprisingly simple when you break it down. To make it, you'll slice open chicken breasts, stuff them with mozzarella, and bread them. Fry the breasts to a golden brown, add marinara sauce, then top with fresh mozzarella. It's finished with Parmesan and served over pasta, creating a delicious meal the family will love.

  • 10 of 25

    Tuna, Pasta, and Spinach Casserole

    Tuna, Pasta and Spinach Casserole
    Diana Rattray

    Take your tuna casserole to the next level with this scrumptious, comforting tuna pasta casserole recipe that makes a great everyday meal. Florentine style tuna pasta casserole is easy to make, with canned tuna, egg noodles, frozen chopped spinach, pimientos and Cheddar cheese. The perfect everyday meal this winter, it's great for warming up your family's tummies on on cold evenings. You can add nutrition to this dish by tossing in more of your favorite vegetables, as well.

  • 11 of 25

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Leah Maroney 

    Chicken cordon bleu is a comforting chicken dish, perfect on a cold winter night. This recipe takes that French classic and deconstructs it into a warming pasta. The ingredients normally stuffed inside a chicken breast are instead used to make a rich sauce with gruyere cheese and deli ham which is then topped with crispy breaded chicken.

  • 12 of 25

    Butternut Squash Lasagna

    butternut squash lasagna

    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

    This recipe proves lasagna doesn't have to feature red sauce on the ingredient list. Here, mashed roasted butternut squash is layered with a bechamel sauce and a mozzarella-ricotta mixture along with fresh lasagna noodles to make a light and flavorful baked pasta dish. The sage offers a bit of earthiness and Pecorino cheese sprinkled on top creates a nice gooey finish.

    Continue to 13 of 25 below.
  • 13 of 25

    Pork Ragu

    Pork Ragu

    Jennifer Perillo 

    Made with pork shoulder, a cut that benefits from a long, slow cooking time, this ragu is cooked completely in one pot, both on the stove in the oven. The pork is browned, aromatics, wine, and tomatoes are combined, and the pot is placed in the oven to cook for several hours. The pork is shredded and the rich-tasting ragu is spooned over pasta for a hearty dish, perfect on a cold winter's night.

  • 14 of 25

    Vegetarian Pasta E Fagioli With White Beans and Basil

    Pasta E Fagioli

    YelenaYemchuk / Getty Images

    Vegetarian pasta e fagioli, or Italian pasta with beans, is a fabulous high-protein pasta recipe for vegetarians and vegans. Warming and comforting, this yummy and saucy winter pasta dish will give you plenty of energy on cold days, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. In this easy recipe, small pasta and white beans are cooked in a delicious Italian-seasoned tomato sauce with plenty of garlic, fresh basil, oregano and lots of paprika for extra flavor. You can also top it with yummy Parmesan cheese, if you're not eating vegan.

  • 15 of 25

    Chicken a la King Casserole With Noodles

    Chicken a la king casserole recipe

    The Spruce

    Chicken a la King is a beloved American recipe that's super comforting and tasty. This awesome chicken noodle casserole recipe is simple to prepare and is filled with the delectable flavors of chicken, pimientos, celery, breadcrumbs, and an easy, creamy sauce. It makes an excellent, warming family meal for any night of the week, or a great potluck dish for parties. 

  • 16 of 25

    Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce

    Pappardelle with Bolognese sauce.
    Diana Rattray

    Nothing is better than a nice, meaty bolognese sauce on a cold winter night. The classic Italian sauce usually bubbles away for hours on the stovetop, but this pressure cooker version is ready in under an hour. Serve with a wide pasta like pappardelle or use to make lasagna.

    Continue to 17 of 25 below.
  • 17 of 25

    Loaded Pizza Pasta Casserole

    Pizza casserole

    The Spruce Eats/Diana Mocanu

    Pizza lovers, we've got your new favorite winter recipe. Loaded Pizza Pasta Casserole is a hearty, easy main dish casserole that's perfect for satisfying your family's pizza cravings - no delivery service required! Made with cooked curly pasta, ground beef, mushrooms, bell peppers, Italian seasonings, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce and your favorite pizza toppings, this filling and flavorful recipe will make a fabulous family meal everyday this winter.

  • 18 of 25

    Brussels Sprouts Pasta

    Pasta With Brussels Sprouts and Pecorino Cheese

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

    Want to enjoy the indulgent flavors of a traditional pasta carbonara, without the meat? This healthier, vegetarian take on the classic carbonara recipe combines nutty Brussels sprouts, rich eggs, and flavorful Pecorino cheese make a quick, delicious and nutritious pasta sauce that's ready in the time it takes to boil water and cook pasta. A fabulous choice for winter entertaining, or easy weeknight dinners. But don't just take our word for it.

  • 19 of 25

    Penne all' Amatriciana

    Penne all’ Amatriciana Recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Elaine Lemm

    Penne all' Amatriciana is named for the Italian town of Amatrice. It's a quick and comforting pork pasta dish pairs a homemade tomato sauce with cubed guanciale or pancetta. The is a flavorful mix of onion, garlic, red wine, and chili flakes, and you can freeze any excess to make your next meal is quicker. Tossed with penne, and ready with an hour, it's a great weeknight recipe.

  • 20 of 25

    Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup

    tortellini soup with sausage and zucchini
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Winter is the perfect time for hearty soups that are loaded with filling pasta. This sausage and tortellini soup is jam-packed with vegetables and great flavor, for a satisfying dish that's great for warming your spirits on cold winter days. Add a salad and crusty bread to make it a fabulous family meal!

    Continue to 21 of 25 below.
  • 21 of 25

    Butternut Squash Noodles

    Butternut Squash Noodles

    Anita Schecter 

    Spiralized, butternut squash makes for tender, flavorful "spaghetti" that are gluten-free. This recipe drapes the butternut squash noodles in a creamy, savory garlic and sage sauce for a tasty side dish. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main or serve as a side dish for a hearty meat dish.

  • 22 of 25

    Baked Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef and Italian Sausage

    Baked ziti with ground beef

    The Spruce

    Love lasagna, but crave something a bit quicker? This delicious baked ziti casserole is similar to the classic layered lasagna, but it's not as time-consuming. The ziti is cooked and tossed with ricotta and meat sauces, then layered with more tomato sauce and cheese, for a hearty dinner recipe that's ideal for enjoying on a cold winter day. Garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment to this fantastic family meal. 

  • 23 of 25

    The Ultimate Meat Lasagna Recipe

    Basic Lasagna Recipe

    The Spruce

    We're serious - this is the ultimate meat lasagna recipe! With twice the meat and cheese filling as most lasagna recipes, this meat lasagna really is the best. What can we say, you have to try it to appreciate how seriously satisfying and tasty this pasta main dish is. It's definitely worth the effort to make the homemade sauce in this recipe, which is fabulous for feeding a big crowd.

  • 24 of 25

    Chicken and Ham Pasta Bake

    Chicken and ham pasta bake

    DreamBigPhotos / Getty Images

    Ham, cheeses and artichokes add great flavor to this hearty chicken and pasta casserole. In addition to that, pasta, chicken and vegetables are cooked with Cajun seasonings and two types of cheeses for a saucy, delicious, one-dish chicken pasta casserole dinner. Use bowties, rotini or macaroni in this tasty dinner and get ready to see your family smile.

    Continue to 25 of 25 below.
  • 25 of 25

    Vegetarian Oven-Baked Pasta With Ricotta Cheese and Spinach

    Vegetarian Baked Pasta

    The Spruce

    Is there anything more comforting than a cheesy, hot, vegetarian baked pasta casserole? And the best part of all, is that you don't have to add meat to the mix to create an oven baked pasta casserole dish that is nourishing, satisfying and enjoyable for the whole family. The recipe uses basil, Parmesan cheese, spinach, ricotta cheese, tomatoes and spinach to create a cheesy casserole that is healthy enough that adults will approve, yet cheesy enough that kids will love it, too. It's the perfect vegetarian family dinner dish this winter.