29 Pasta Dinners That Calm the Weeknight Chaos
When the air gets crisp and schedules go haywire, these pasta dinners bring the calm—and the carbs. Whether you’re wrangling after-school chaos or just need something cozy after a long day, this lineup of creamy casseroles, hearty sauces, and slow-cooker favorites delivers serious fall comfort. From cheesy baked ziti to garlicky Tuscan chicken pasta, these are the soul-soothing meals you’ll want on repeat all October.
Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Garlic

Bursting with roasted garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, this homemade vegan spaghetti sauce brings the warmth and aroma of an Italian kitchen to your table. Simple, flavorful, and spiced just right for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Garlic
Baked Turkey Pasta Casserole with Creamy Sauce

This turkey pasta casserole combines tender turkey and a creamy sauce in one easy, family-friendly bake. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey or simplify busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Pasta Casserole with Creamy Sauce
30-Minute Creamy Sausage Pasta Sauce

This creamy sausage pasta sauce is a 30-minute comfort food classic that brings big, bold flavors to the table. Rich, hearty, and satisfying, it’s a go-to for cozy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Sausage Pasta Sauce
Slow Cooker Cheesy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a slow cooker favorite that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of spice. Made with tender chicken, Rotel tomatoes, and spaghetti, it’s easy, budget-friendly, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce with Cottage Cheese

This creamy crockpot spaghetti sauce combines ground beef, cottage cheese, and tomato sauce for a protein-packed twist on a classic. Slow-cooked for rich flavor, it’s a comforting make-ahead meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce with Cottage Cheese
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce with spinach for added depth. It’s an easy, elegant dinner that’s perfect over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Lemon Garlic Chicken simmers in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s ideal for pairing with pasta. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a hassle-free crock pot dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Sauce
Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta with Silken Tofu Sauce

This creamy sweet potato pasta is blended with silken tofu and milk to create a rich, velvety sauce that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s a cozy and elegant option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta with Silken Tofu Sauce
Quick Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce for Pasta & More

This lemon garlic butter sauce is quick, foolproof, and full of rich, zesty flavor. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, seafood, or vegetables, it adds instant elegance to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce for Pasta & More
Classic Turkey Bolognese with Fresh Herbs

This hearty turkey bolognese is simmered low and slow with herbs, garlic, and fresh vegetables for a rich, satisfying sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a classic Italian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Turkey Bolognese with Fresh Herbs
Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Creamy and indulgent, this slow cooker mac and cheese is pure comfort with minimal effort. It’s a cheesy, hands-off meal that the whole family will devour—just cook the pasta and let the crock pot do the rest.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Rich and hearty, this crock pot spaghetti sauce combines ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs into a slow-simmered classic. Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd, it’s a comforting go-to pasta topper.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Ultra Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in the Crockpot

Garlic Parmesan Chicken made in the crockpot delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with hints of basil and oregano. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that fills your home with irresistible aroma.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in the Crockpot
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Crust

This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan combines crispy Panko-coated chicken with marinara for a no-fuss, restaurant-style dinner. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple to prep and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Crust
Baked Ravioli Casserole with Creamy Marinara

Baked ravioli is a cheesy, layered casserole that tastes like lasagna without the extra work. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s comforting, simple, and family-approved.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli Casserole with Creamy Marinara
Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake with Cheese

Chicken Ranch Casserole is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake with ranch-seasoned sauce and tender chicken. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to throw together on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake with Cheese
Chicken Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy casserole filled with pasta, mushrooms, and tender chicken. This cozy dish is a classic weeknight winner with a cheesy, satisfying finish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Rotisserie Chicken
Creamy Summer Squash Pasta Bake

Lemon pasta with summer squash is bright, fresh, and perfect for warmer days. A light lemony sauce pairs beautifully with sautéed squash for a quick and elegant seasonal dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Summer Squash Pasta Bake
5-Ingredient Southern Macaroni Pie

Macaroni Pie is a Southern baked mac and cheese that’s rich, cheesy, and firm enough to slice. It’s comfort food with a nostalgic twist and a must-have at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Southern Macaroni Pie
Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Penne Pasta

This penne pasta dish features savory sausage and tangy artichokes in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a satisfying yet fresh take on classic pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Penne Pasta
Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese Bake

Pimento Mac and Cheese adds a Southern spin to a classic comfort food with creamy cheese and tangy pimentos. It’s rich, bold, and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese Bake
Pecan Pesto Pasta Salad Inspired by Alonti

Alonti’s Pecan Pesto Pasta is a flavorful meatless option, ideal as a main, side dish, or cold pasta salad. The nutty pesto brings a unique twist to this versatile recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pesto Pasta Salad Inspired by Alonti
Creamy Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta from Biltmore

Creamy Gorgonzola Pasta is a bold, comforting dish with tender chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a quick way to elevate your pasta night with gourmet flair.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta from Biltmore
Garlic Butter Pasta with White Wine (30 Minutes)

Garlic Butter Pasta is a fast and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Rich, buttery, and finished with garlic, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Pasta with White Wine (30 Minutes)
Greek-Inspired Lemon Alfredo Pasta

Greek Pasta with Lemon Alfredo combines creamy sauce with Mediterranean flair for a fresh twist on a classic. Light, zesty, and satisfying, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Greek-Inspired Lemon Alfredo Pasta
Hearty Baked Ziti with Beef, Sausage & Ricotta

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food with layers of beef, sausage, ricotta, and melty cheese. Easy to make ahead, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Baked Ziti with Beef, Sausage & Ricotta
Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

This baked manicotti is stuffed with seasoned beef and mozzarella, then smothered in rich tomato sauce for a classic Italian comfort dish. It’s cozy, hearty, and oven-ready.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce
Traditional Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Puttanesca is a bold, briny Italian pasta made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies. This vintage recipe brings savory depth and rustic charm to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole without Canned Soup

Tuna Casserole is a creamy, comforting bake with pasta, tuna, and a crispy topping. It’s a nostalgic family dinner that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole without Canned Soup
Loved these recipes? TAP TO FOLLOW Intentional Hospitality for daily recipes and easy hosting ideas.
Any Way You Slice It, 27 Tasty Desserts That Are A Real Treat

Dig into dessert heaven with these irresistible treats are bursting with flavor, fun, and just the right amount of indulgence. From no-bake favorites like creamy tiramisu and millionaire pie to oven-baked showstoppers like cherry dump cake and chocolate cheesecake, this collection is stacked with sweets that steal the spotlight.
Get All The Recipes: Any Way You Slice It, 27 Desserts That Are A Real Treat