Add these feel-good pasta dishes to your dinner rotation
If you’re looking for pasta that’s as warming as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Think of it as a blank canvas, where you can pair fettuccine, penne or spaghetti with your favourite sauce. Will it be silky tomato, a hearty ragu or creamy pesto? Below you’ll find our top 15 comforting pasta recipes to suit every craving, from simple pork and fennel ragu to cacio e pepe cauliflower gnocchi. Whether you’re up for a fast, fancy or homemade pasta, the choice is yours.
01
One-pot creamy chicken pesto pasta
This creamy chicken pesto pasta combination is a recipe we turn to time and time again. It’s great for a warming lunch or dinner, minus a multi-pan cleanup. Plus, you’ll add some extra veg onto their plates thanks to the zucchini and peas.
02
Baked feta pasta
This baked feta pasta recipe is 2021’s trendiest pasta dish with a fan club of its own — and it’s no wonder. Let juicy roast tomatoes, smooth feta and rigatoni win over your taste buds today. We predict you won’t just make this just once.
03
Three-cheese spaghetti carbonara
When it comes to spaghetti carbonara, there’s no reason to reinvent the (cheese) wheel, except to add more cheese. This creamy recipe includes tried and true ingredients like thickened cream and bacon with the addition of ricotta, tasty cheese and parmesan. Best of all, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
04
Easy spaghetti bolognese
This easy spaghetti bolognese is one to have in your cooking repertoire. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, beef mince, oregano and a dash of balsamic. You can modify as required, like with this vegetarian bolognese option or our healthier bolognese.
05
Cacio e pepe cauliflower gnocchi
Meaning ‘cheese and pepper’, cacio e pepe is an easy but oh-so comforting dish that’s typically made with spaghetti. This version, however, shakes things up in more ways than one: spaghetti is replaced with homemade gnocchi, and that gnocchi comes with a twist. It’s made with cauliflower instead of potato, adding an earthy sweetness to the dish. Each caramelised, cacio e pepe-drenched mouthful makes this recipe well worth the effort.
06
Slow-cooker spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Bring the Italian trattoria to you, if only for a night. This spinach and ricotta cannelloni recipe makes slow cooking a breeze, with options to make it four or eight hours ahead, depending on your schedule. If you don’t have a slow cooker, try this 40-minute oven-baked spinach and ricotta cannelloni instead.
07
Baked mushroom pasta
Can’t get enough of baked feta pasta? Wait until you try this baked mushroom rigatoni recipe. Trade tomatoes for mushrooms and get that umami, melt-in-your-mouth flavour you love about mushrooms. Everyone will want seconds.
08
Cheesy pumpkin risotto
The whole family will love this cheesy risotto, filled with roasted pumpkin and ricotta. Sure it’s not technically made with pasta, but this risotto can certainly hold its own in this comforting group of pasta recipes. Learn how to master this recipe in four steps and ace your risotto every time. Still want more? You’ll love this creamy mushroom and chicken risotto recipe.
09
Simple pork and fennel ragu
Ragu is a classic comfort food. This tasty pork and fennel pappardelle puts a twist on the classic beef ragu recipe, with full-bodied flavour from white wine, mince and stock. Don’t forget to top your ragu with parmesan.
10
Chicken, chorizo and corn pasta bake
Love pasta bake? Try a new flavour combination with this chicken, corn and chorizo pasta bake recipe. The crispy chorizo adds an extra hit of flavour and colour to the dish. Alternatively, add your favourite salami, sausages or spicy chickpeas — whatever you have on hand. It goes without saying this pasta will be highly anticipated. Is dinner ready yet?
11
Classic meatballs
Learn how to make meatballs from scratch with this classic recipe. It’s hearty, saucy and cooks in 20 minutes — everything you could want from a meatball recipe. Serve with spaghetti, pappardelle or fettuccine.
12
Lasagne
A recipe that’s sure to please every time? Lasagne. This lasagne recipe is just like Mum made, with layers upon layers of beef mince and lasagne sheets, topped with creamy bechamel sauce. Serve with a fresh salad for a veggie boost.
13
Lemon and salmon pasta
If you’re after a pasta recipe that’s perfect year-round, it has to be lemon and salmon pasta. Think smoked salmon and citrus coated with a creamy sauce — heaven. Plus, quick prep is a bonus. Enjoy seafood pasta, but not a smoked salmon fan? Try our easy prawn pasta or& seafood spaghetti instead.
14
Creamy mushroom, ricotta and lemon fettuccine
Mushroom pasta is always a hit, and this cheesy fettuccine recipe is no exception. Amp up the usual with fresh ricotta and lemon for a creamy yet zesty flavour. Top with walnuts for an added crunch. Every forkful of fettuccine will be gobbled up.
15
Easy tuna bake
With only four ingredients, this tuna pasta bake is one of the easiest recipes on our list — but in no way short on cosy factor. Make it all in one pan and bake until golden brown. What’s more, leftovers make for a tasty lunch the next day. Win, win.