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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    12 Pasta Dinners That Make Every Night Feel Special

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 18, 2025 · Published November 20, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 12 pasta dinners are perfect for making any night feel special. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, each dish brings something unique to the table. Whether you're in the mood for a classic or something a bit different, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and impress your family or guests.

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 15 minutes, this salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives is a fantastic choice for any night. Whether you use fresh or frozen salmon, the crème fraîche gives it a light touch, making it perfect for a refreshing meal. It's a dish you'll enjoy not just in summer, but all year round.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with tender shrimp for a satisfying meal. This dish brings together the best of seafood and pasta, and it's made using a simple method that doesn't require any cream.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy pasta with steak and mushrooms, topped with a cheesy casserole. It's a comforting yet fancy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can prepare everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and packed with the delicious flavors of smoked salmon and lemon. It's a meal you'll want to make again and again, perfect for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, it brings a touch of special to your dinner table.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe gives a zesty spin to the traditional Alfredo sauce. Using common powdered seasonings that you likely have in your pantry, it's an affordable choice when you're trying to save some cash. It's a simple way to elevate your pasta dinner and make it feel a bit more special.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about comfort and flavor. It's cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you're winding down after a long day or just want something tasty, this pasta dinner hits the spot.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that's sure to satisfy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is packed with flavor and offers a delightful twist on the classic dish. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can elevate any dinner. Perfect for a cozy night in, this pasta dish brings a touch of special to your table.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that feels special. Enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that everyone will love.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce combines crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano for a delightful flavor. With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something special.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something special without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is quick and easy, needing just three ingredients and only 10 minutes to prepare. The bright flavors of the pesto combined with Greek yogurt create a comforting dish that you'll want to make again and again. It's a simple dinner option that feels special, perfect for any night of the week.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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