15 Recipes That Prove Shaped Pastas Are Here to Save Dinner
Jun 04, 2017
We always keep pasta on hand for quick and easy weeknight meals. Spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine are what we usually grab, but just choosing a different shape can make an old recipe feel brand new. From cavatappi to ditalini, there’s a whole world out there just waiting to save your dinner. Try out these 15 shaped pasta recipes to put a new spin on your weeknight favorites.
Vegan Minestrone With Pipe Rigatte
This veggie-filled soup is a cozy treat all year long. Add some short pipe rigatte to soak up more of the flavorful broth. (via Cilantro and Citronella)
Antipasti Pasta Salad
Combine two summer favorites into one with this recipe. Cavatappi is tossed with cured meats, olives, and vegetables for a dish that’s just as good at lunch the next day as it is for dinner. (via Sugar & Soul)
Spring Pea Pasta With Burrata
Ditalini and peas cook up quickly in this weeknight-friendly recipe. Top it with creamy burrata and some torn mint for a meal that feels surprisingly fancy. (via What’s Gaby Cooking)
Cantaloupe Caprese Pasta Salad
Orecchiette is the perfect choice for this cantaloupe Caprese salad. It helps scoop up the fragrant fennel vinaigrette. (via Rhubarb and Cod)
Rotelle With Sausage and Peppers
It’s hard to say no to a pasta dish filled with ingredients like spicy sausage, peppers, and spinach. Dollop ricotta on top to add some creaminess to each bite. (via The Artful Gourmet)
Braised Beef Ragu With Gemelli
Twisted gemelli is the perfect pasta to toss with a rich sauce. This ragu is made with beef that’s been braised with tomatoes, wine, and spices until meltingly tender. (via Olivia’s Cuisine)
Green Herb Pasta
Pesto isn’t the only way to add some green to your pasta. Cavatappi is flavored with a fresh mix of chopped greens, like leeks, arugula, parsley, and chives. (via I Ate The Whole Thing)
White Asparagus Lemon Cream Fusilli
White asparagus doesn’t get enough love. Pair it with fusilli and a delicate lemon cream sauce for a satisfying, elegant meal. (via The Foodolic)
Casarecce Siciliane
Gorgonzola, walnuts, and arugula lend tons of flavor to this pasta dish. Toss with casarecce, add a splash of cream, and you’ve got dinner. (via Olivia’s Cuisine)
Vegan Pea Pesto Stuffed Shells
Lighten up a classic baked pasta dish with this vegan recipe. Shells are stuffed with vegan ricotta and basil pea pesto to make a meal the whole family will love. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Toss campanelle pasta with a roasted red pepper sauce for a vibrant meal. Peas add color, and mushrooms bring a meaty texture to the dish. (via Fun Love and Cooking)
Lemon, Garlic, and Bacon Bowtie Pasta
Great pasta doesn’t always need a sauce. Here, a little lemon juice and butter bring together pasta, bacon, pine nuts, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. (via Modern Honey)
Creamy Lemon Casarecce
Adding nuts to your pasta for textural contrast is an easy way to elevate a predictable pasta dish. Sprinkle in cheese and bright lemon juice for even more flavor. (via Pass Me Some Tasty)
Lemon Basil Orzo With Chicken
If you’re bored of rice, swap it out for orzo. Serve with chicken, lemon, basil, and cheese for a complete meal. (via Chew Out Loud)
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Elbow pasta doesn’t have a monopoly on mac and cheese. Little shells are an even better bet, scooping up every last bite of cheese sauce. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
