• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Pasta

    40 Unique Pasta Recipes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 13, 2023, updated June 16, 2023 - Leave a Comment

    Collage showing different unique pasta recipes.

    If you're looking to change up your pasta game, this collection of 40 unique pasta recipes is the place for you. From classic favorites with a twist to completely new creative combinations, I am sure you have never tried most, if not all, of these tasty recipes before.

    Collage showing different unique pasta recipes.
    Jump to:
    • Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti
    • Nduja Pasta
    • Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta
    • Tandoori Pasta
    • Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
    • Kimchi Mac and Cheese
    • Creamy Gochujang Pasta
    • Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad
    • Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta
    • Shredded Crab Tagliatelle
    • Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese
    • Sardine Pasta Bolognese
    • Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter
    • Bruschetta Pasta Salad
    • Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad
    • Halloumi Pasta Primavera
    • Sardine Pasta
    • Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    • Shrimp Carbonara
    • Seafood Pasta Bake
    • Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-fry
    • Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta
    • Creamy Curry Pasta
    • Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad
    • Tahini Pasta
    • Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp
    • Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
    • Steak Fajita Pasta
    • Beet Pasta
    • Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
    • Fried Green Curry Spaghetti
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese
    • Tortellini Carbonara
    • Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole
    • Kung Pao Spaghetti
    • Masala Mac and Cheese
    • Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms
    • Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole
    • Pumpkin Bolognese
    • Spicy Sausage Pasta
    • Reviews

    If you're a true pasta lover, you have to try these recipes. With fun twists and surprising flavors, they're a new way to have your favorite carb - but somehow, the recipe creators all make it work.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    These dishes are far from your basic lasagnas and carbonaras - but they are all delicious, and I challenge you to say you've tried any of them before! Next time you're looking for a delicious pasta recipe to make - make sure you try one of these unique pasta recipes.

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Nomss.com

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti Noodles 明太子パスタ is a creamy wafu pasta that is easy to make, delicious and packed with umami flavour! Made with just a handful of ingredients, this Japanese style pasta is al dente and loaded with the tender texture of creamy pops of fish roe with strips of nori seaweed. One of the most unique pasta recipes I've ever seen - and such a perfect blend of flavors!

    Get the recipe: Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti.

    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a quick and easy pasta dish that's full of flavor. Made with nduja, a spicy spreadable salami from Calabria Italy, this is one dish that will satisfy your cravings for something bold and flavorful!

    Get the recipe: Nduja Pasta.

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This quick + easy canned (tinned) mackerel pasta recipe is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, protein, and micronutrients! Nutritious, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes – this is one of the most popular recipes on my blog for a reason.

    Get the recipe: Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta.

    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    This mind-blowing tandoori pasta is a recipe you simple need to try. Made in under 30 minutes, this fun twist on tomato sauce is SO hearty, tasty & feels like a hug in a bowl. Get the recipe: Tandoori Pasta.

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    Enjoy this popular sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang shrimp pasta with spaghetti or linguine, and save room for seconds! This simple recipe is made with al dente fettuccine, pan-seared shrimp in a creamy sriracha and chili sauce!

    Get the recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Mikha Eats.

    This deliciously gooey and unique mac and cheese will make you wonder why you had it any other way! This Kimchi Mac and Cheese is loaded with drool-worthy melty cheese, an irresistibly crunchy topping, and of course bursts of refreshing kimchi that beautifully cut through the richness of cheese for a beautiful balance.

    Get the recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese.

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This gorgeous gochujang pasta is creamy, spicy, a little sweet and takes just 15 minutes to make. It’s a perfect quick and easy recipe that’s guaranteed to deliver on flavour every time. Think pasta alla vodka, but with gochujang.

    Get the recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta.

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: A Taste For Travel.

    Want to put a spin on your pasta salad? I highly recommend this pizza pasta salad recipe! It’s packed with sliced pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a quick vinaigrette! Even better, it goes together in just minutes.

    Get the recipe: Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta

    Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This Indian fusion Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta is creamy, flavorful and easy to make in less than 30 minutes. Spaghetti cooked in the most delicious tikka masala sauce along with juicy chicken pieces, topped with cilantro, it has all you need for a warm satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta.

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.
    Photo credit: Flawless Food.

    Fantastic simple Shredded Crab Tagliatelle is a quick and easy to make pasta dinner. Cooked in a homemade sauce of garlic parsley butter, lemon and tomatoes.

    Get the recipe: Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.

    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb.

    This creamy goat cheese mac and cheese is a delicious variation of the classic comfort food. Macaroni coated in a thick, melted goat cheese sauce with herbs. Topped with a crispy bread crumb and parmesan cheese layer.

    Get the recipe: Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese.

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Krumpli.

    Sardine pasta with a nod to a rich Bolognese sauce made with red wine, sun-dried and fresh tomatoes and canned fish.

    Get the recipe: Sardine Pasta Bolognese.

    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter

    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter.
    Photo credit: The Sage Apron.

    This matsutake mushroom recipe is a simple 5 ingredient recipe that highlights this fall delicacy! Matsutake mushrooms (also known as pine mushrooms) are one of Fall's special flavors and deserve to be celebrated!

    Get the recipe: Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter.

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This cold bruschetta pasta salad is made with juicy cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil and olive oil. Homemade sourdough breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch + bruschetta-inspired flavour! This recipe is seriously SO delicious – it’s great for a dinner party, barbecue, or packed lunch.

    Get the recipe: Bruschetta Pasta Salad.

    Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Foodolic.

    As unique pasta recipes go - this is a fun one! Shrimp Pasta Salad is made the ‘Ceviche Style’ meaning at the base it’s a lemon marinated shrimp, red peppers, onion and a tad of hot pepper served on quinoa pasta and fresh cilantro.

    Get the recipe: Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad.

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    20-minutes (chopping included!) is all you need to make this delicious, vegetarian halloumi pasta loaded with veggies. A light and summery dish without cream, this is a great summer dinner that lets the veggies shine.

    Get the recipe: 20-minute Halloumi Pasta Primavera.

    Sardine Pasta

    Sardine Pasta.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Sardine Pasta is a light and fresh pasta dish and perfect for summer. It's also an easy way to include more fish in your diet. Ready in less than 15 minutes, with just a few ingredients, this is easy enough to put together on a busy week night, but also impressive enough to serve guests.

    Get the recipe: Sardine Pasta.

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole. Easy, cheesy and totally delicious - this is comfort food at its best! This Tortellini Casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your house, and I promise you will be making it over and over again.

    Get the recipe: Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach (Tortellini al Forno)

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 10-minute Shrimp Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. All the creamy texture of traditional Carbonara, with the addition of perfectly cooked shrimp. A delightful fusion that will satisfy your cravings for both seafood and pasta, all with an easy no-fail no-cream carbonara method!

    Get the recipe: Shrimp Carbonara.

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta. This creamy Seafood Pasta Bake is easy to make in 45 minutes with just 15 minutes of hands-on cooking. Loaded with shrimp & mussels and amazing flavor from white wine, marjoram, lemon, garlic and Parmesan cheese this dish is great for both weeknights and dinner parties.

    Get the recipe: Seafood Pasta Bake

    Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-fry

    Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-fry.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-Fry (Nui Xao Bo) is composed of pasta, beef and your choice of vegetables, all coated with a tasty savory sauce. This quick and easy stir-fried pasta is great for any meal of the day.

    Get the recipe: Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-fry.

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.

    A super quick pasta dish you'll be coming back to over and over again. Salty smoked salmon pairs with lots of lemon to create the most crave worthy pasta sauce you ever tried.

    Get the recipe: Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Spinach & Lemon

    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    This curry pasta is an easy 35-minute fusion dinner loaded with flavor, a super satisfying cremay sauce that's easily customizable with your favorite protein and veggies, and a great go-to for busy weeknights! Plus, it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, & optionally nut-free!

    Get the recipe: Creamy Curry Pasta.

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Health Starts in the Kitchen.

    This Easy Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe has all the creamy goodness of a classic Caesar salad but is so much more exciting with the addition of pasta and grilled shrimp! This Caesar pasta salad will fill you up and keep you feeling good!

    Get the recipe: Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad.

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    Looking for a new and simple pasta dish to try? This easy tahini pasta recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Creamy, tangy, nutty goodness – the flavorful tahini sauce on this pasta is SO GOOD!

    Get the recipe: Tahini Pasta.

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    Calling all spice, cheese, and shrimp lovers! This Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp Recipe is a mouth-watering celebration of Caribbean colors and flavors. Make this yummy dish in 30 minutes and serve it as lunch or dinner.

    Get the recipe: Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp.

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta.
    Photo credit: From my Pantry.

    This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a delightful twist on the classic tomato-based sauce, with a smooth texture and lots of flavor! Serve topped with meatballs, or just as it is.

    Get the recipe: Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta.

    Steak Fajita Pasta

    Steak Fajita Pasta.
    Photo credit: Out Grilling.

    Steak Fajita Pasta is a family favorite meal made with marinated and grilled steak served over creamy fajita seasoned pasta with grilled vegetables. A great way feed a crowd with a couple of nice steaks.

    Get the recipe: Steak Fajita Pasta.

    Beet Pasta

    Beet Pasta.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Stories.

    Include more vegetables within your pasta with this easy Beet Pasta Sauce. Tender beets blended with crème fraîche, feta cheese, sautéed onion, and garlic until smooth is perfect for any type of pasta.

    Get the recipe: Beet Pasta.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake in under an hour, with less than 10 minutes of prep. It's loaded with spicy buffalo sauce and hidden spinach, and comes out cheesy and delicious. An indulgent and easy meal for a weeknight!

    Get the recipe: Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    Fried spaghetti.

    Thai curry + spaghetti = a dish so delicious you'll be wanting it every week.

    Get the recipe: Fried Spaghetti with Green Curry.

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Sice Cravings.

    This spicy mac and cheese is an Indian-inspired twist on a classic. Full of cheesy pasta, spicy jalapeños, and warm Indian spices, it makes for an easy and delicious vegetarian main course or side. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot or stove, it's a true one-pot meal that's ready in under 30 minutes - you don't even have to boil the pasta first!

    Get the recipe: Spicy Mac and Cheese.

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.

    This twist on a carbonara is quick and easy to make, and uses common ingredients you'll find at any supermarket.

    Get the recipe: 15-minute Tortellini Carbonara.

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Savory with Soul.

    This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with ground beef includes all you love about a great cheese steak sandwich - lots of beef, cheese, bell peppers, and onions - all in a creamy, hearty casserole!

    Get the recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole.

    Kung Pao Spaghetti

    Kung Pao Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This Kung Pao Spaghetti recipe is a sweet and spicy variation of your favorite Chinese takeout. Flavorful pasta, chicken, and veggies are slathered in easy homemade kung pao sauce, then topped with peanuts and spring onions for a family-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe: Kung Pao Spaghetti.

    Masala Mac and Cheese

    Masala Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Indulge in a comforting classic with a bold new twist – Masala Mac and Cheese! This delicious dish combines the creamy, gooey goodness of classic mac and cheese with the irresistible warmth and spice of Indian masalas. The result is a dish that is not only comforting and satisfying, but also unique and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe: Masala Mac and Cheese.

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    On your table in just 30 minutes - this Creamy Chicken Pasta is a winner every time! Packed full of fall flavors like red wine, mushrooms and thyme, it's a perfect Saturday night dinner - that you will love to have in your lunchbox come Monday. And sure to become your new favorite pasta dish!

    Get the recipe: Creamy Chicken Pasta.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

    This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an easy and delicious pasta bake recipe with all the great flavors you love of the classic! Penne or rigatoni pasta is tossed in a creamy cheese sauce with ham and chicken, all topped with a breadcrumb mixture.

    Get the recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

    Pumpkin Bolognese

    Pumpkin Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    Vegan Pumpkin Bolognese is the BEST vegan bolognese with mushrooms and a creamy pumpkin dairy-free sauce. A must for fall and winter, and delicious any time of year.

    Get the recipe: Pumpkin Bolognese.

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.

    Spicy Spanish or Italian sausage, pasta, bacon and Parmesan cheese combine to create this super tasty dinner. Quick, easy, and so full of flavor - this one is a keeper!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts
    • Buffalo mac and cheese.
      Buffalo Mac and Cheese
    • Ravioli casserole.
      No-Boil Ravioli Casserole
    • Steak pasta casserole.
      Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Collage showing different unique pasta recipes.

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • A bowl of smoked Italian pasta salad.
      21 Best Summer Salad Recipes to Try This Week
    • Beef and shells.
      18 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Dinners You Can Just Dump, Cook and Enjoy
    • Broccoli grilled cheese.
      22 Best Vegetarian Dinners That Simplify Mealtime
    • Vegetable pasta salad.
      20 Pasta Salad Recipes That Will Steal the Show at Your Next BBQ

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    Collage showing different unique pasta recipes.

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB