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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    36 Unconventional Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Right Now

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 3, 2024, updated November 27, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but there’s so much more you can do with it than the usual spaghetti and marinara. From unexpected flavor combinations to unique cooking methods, these unconventional pasta recipes will inspire you to think outside the box and try something new. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting dish or something a bit more adventurous, there's a recipe here for everyone.

    Steak Fajita Pasta

    Steak Fajita Pasta.
    Photo credit: Out Grilling.

    Steak Fajita Pasta brings together grilled steak, creamy fajita-flavored pasta, and grilled vegetables for a satisfying meal. It's a great option for feeding a crowd with just a few steaks.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake offers a fun spin on regular pasta, and it comes together in less than an hour with only 10 minutes of prep time. Loaded with spicy buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and melted cheese, this dish is a great choice for any weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Enchilada Pasta

    Beef Enchilada Pasta
    Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    This dish combines Tex-Mex and Italian flavors in an easy one-pan pasta that everyone can enjoy, whether they eat meat or prefer plant-based options. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This spicy mac and cheese gives a fun twist to the classic recipe. With cheesy pasta, jalapeños, and flavorful Indian spices, it's a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in one pot in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Beet Pasta

    Beet Pasta.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Stories.

    This Beet Pasta Sauce offers a fresh take on your usual pasta dishes. It's made by blending tender beets with creamy ingredients like creme fraiche and feta, along with sautéed onion and garlic, creating a smooth sauce to enjoy with any pasta you like.

    Get the recipe

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Nomss.com

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti is a creamy pasta dish that offers a unique flavor experience. With just a few simple ingredients, it features perfectly cooked noodles paired with rich fish roe and nori seaweed for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a fun twist on the traditional Italian dish. It combines a creamy sauce with juicy shrimp, adding a delicious touch to your pasta.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish that mixes spicy buffalo sauce, blue cheese, pasta, and chicken. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be made in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Masala Mac and Cheese

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

    This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the warm, spicy flavors of Indian masalas. It's a comforting meal that's simple to prepare in an Instant Pot, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

    Get the recipe

    Kung Pao Spaghetti

    Kung Pao Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    Kung Pao Spaghetti offers a fun spin on your usual Chinese takeout. It's a simple and quick meal that combines pasta, chicken, veggies, peanuts, and spring onions in a tasty homemade kung pao sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is full of spicy and creamy flavors that everyone will enjoy. You can easily make it without using any vodka!

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta

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

    This is a simple and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Packed with red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it’s a great option for any day.

    Get the recipe

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

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

    This casserole combines all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, featuring ground beef, melted cheese, bell peppers, and onions. It's a hearty dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for a filling meal.

    Get the recipe

    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a flavorful and easy dish that brings a kick to your meal. With nduja, a spicy spreadable salami from Calabria, Italy, this is a satisfying choice for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    Canned mackerel pasta is a quick and nutritious dish packed with omega-3s and protein. It's healthy, delicious, and ready in just thirty minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta offers a fresh take on a classic favorite. It's easy to prepare, filling, and brings a comforting warmth to your meal.

    Get the recipe

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

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

    Enjoy a unique take on shrimp pasta with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce. This simple dish combines pan-seared shrimp in a zesty sriracha and chili sauce served over tender fettuccine.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Mikha Eats.

    This mac and cheese is unique with its gooey cheese and a crunchy topping. The kimchi gives it a fresh twist that pairs well with the rich flavors, making it hard to go back to the usual version.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This creamy and spicy gochujang pasta gives a fun twist to regular pasta meals. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty mix of creaminess, spice, and a touch of sweetness, similar to pasta alla vodka but with a unique gochujang flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

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

    This pizza pasta salad is packed with pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing. It's a quick and delicious dish that's perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.
    Photo credit: Flawless Food.

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle is a quick pasta dish that combines garlic, parsley, butter, lemon, and tomatoes for a flavorful sauce. It's a great way to use tinned crab meat in a simple homemade meal.

    Get the recipe

    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese

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

    This goat cheese mac and cheese puts a fun spin on the classic dish. It features macaroni in a creamy goat cheese sauce, topped with herbs and a crispy breadcrumb and parmesan layer.

    Get the recipe

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Krumpli.

    This pasta dish mixes sardines with a hearty Bolognese-style sauce made with red wine, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh tomatoes. It's a unique twist that brings together affordable canned fish and bold flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter

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

    This dish highlights matsutake mushrooms and is made with just five ingredients. It's a straightforward meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This pasta salad features fresh cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and basil, all tossed together for a refreshing dish. The addition of homemade sourdough breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch and a twist reminiscent of bruschetta, making it great for dinner parties, barbecues, or lunch on the go.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Foodolic.

    This Shrimp Pasta Salad is made with shrimp marinated in lemon, along with peppers, onions, and a bit of spice. It's all mixed together with quinoa pasta and fresh cilantro for a refreshing twist.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish. It's a light and refreshing summer dish that showcases the vegetables without using heavy cream.

    Get the recipe

    Sardine Pasta

    Sardine Pasta.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Sardine Pasta is a light and easy meal that's perfect for warm days. With just a few ingredients, you can have it ready in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or when friends come over.

    Get the recip

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Seafood Pasta Bake is quick to prepare, taking less than an hour with just 15 minutes of hands-on time. Loaded with shrimp, mussels, white wine, marjoram, lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it's great for any day or special occasions.

    Get the recipe

    Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-fry

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

    Vietnamese Beef Pasta Stir-Fry (Nui Xao Bo) combines pasta, tender beef, and fresh vegetables in a tasty savory sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Curry Pasta

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

    This creamy curry pasta is full of flavor and can be tailored with your favorite protein and vegetables. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and can be made in just 35 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

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

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad mixes the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta and grilled shrimp for a tasty change. It's a filling dish that will leave you feeling content.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This quick tahini pasta is ready in just 20 minutes. The creamy and nutty tahini sauce adds a unique flavor that makes this dish stand out.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

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

    This pasta sauce offers a fresh twist on the classic tomato sauce, using cottage cheese for a creamy texture and packed with flavor. It's a great option for anyone looking to switch things up in their pasta dishes.

    Get the recipe

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp

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

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp is packed with lively Caribbean flavors that will brighten up your meal. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Coconut milk turns a basic tomato sauce into a rich and tasty dish. You'll forget all about heavy cream once you try this easy pasta recipe!

    Get the recipe

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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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