Upgrade Your Pasta! 17 Creative Dishes You Need

Pasta doesn’t have to be boring! Jazz it up by playing with different flavors or adding a twist you’ve never thought of before. Get ready to upgrade your pasta game with these 17 creative dishes that are sure to impress!

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Try Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta when you’re in the mood for something nutty, rich, and different. This dish pairs the unique texture of ground walnuts with a garlic-infused sauce, creating a taste you won’t forget. It’s the perfect creative dish to upgrade your pasta, offering a delicious break from the norm.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re aiming for something on the lighter side, Spinach, and Ricotta Lasagna hits the spot. This dish marries the fresh taste of spinach with creamy ricotta, all layered between pasta. It’s a fantastic option for those looking for a meat-free meal without missing out on flavor — truly a creative way to upgrade your pasta.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Get ready for a color and flavor explosion with Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. The blend of pureed red peppers creates a sauce that tastes as vibrant as it looks. It’s a fun and delicious way to eat your veggies and upgrade your pasta game, showing off that vegan dishes can be simple and spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re all about that creamy tomato sauce with a kick, Penne Alla Vodka won’t let you down. The vodka does something magical, bringing out flavors you didn’t even know existed. Perfect for showing off a bit without getting too fancy, it’s a creative dish you’ll want in your pasta upgrade arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: .

Who doesn’t love a good plate of Spaghetti Marinara? It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside, with its rich tomato sauce clinging to every strand of spaghetti. If you want to stick to classics but want to jazz up your pasta night, this is the dish. It’s a simple way to upgrade your pasta with your desired creative dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Cacio e Pepe

A plate of spaghetti with parmesan cheese on a green cloth.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ready to keep it simple but oh-so-good? Cacio e Pepe is your go-to. With just cheese, black pepper, and pasta, it’s all about making those few ingredients shine. It’s a classic for when you want something cozy, proving you don’t need to go overboard to upgrade your pasta with the creative dishes you need.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma in a Dutch oven.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you want to upgrade your pasta game with some Sicilian flair, Pasta alla Norma has you covered. This dish brings together eggplant, tomatoes, and a good sprinkle of ricotta salata for a taste that’s hard to forget. It’s simple but packs a punch, making it a great way to bring a bit of Italy to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Sorrentina

Pasta in a bowl with cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Pasta alla Sorrentina. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With Pasta alla Sorrentina, you’re diving into comfort food heaven. This dish wraps tender pasta in a tomato sauce with gooey mozzarella and a hint of basil. It’s the meal that makes you feel like everything’s right in the world, a perfect example of how to upgrade your pasta with the creative dishes you need.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Sorrentina

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese switch up the game by bringing that sweet pumpkin goodness into a classic mac and cheese. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and best of all, it’s vegan. Great for when you want something a bit different but still hearty, it’s an innovative way to upgrade your pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Indulge in a Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff bowl and say hello to rich, earthy flavors without any guilt. It’s a creative and satisfying way to upgrade your pasta, proving that plant-based doesn’t mean missing out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Okay, it might not be what you picture when considering upgrading your pasta, but Minestrone Soup is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to upgrade your pasta into something warm and nourishing, perfect for those chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Pesto Pasta

A bowl of pesto pasta with pine nuts and parmesan cheese.
Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Diving into a bowl of Pesto Pasta is like giving your taste buds a high-five. Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan combine for a summer sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something to impress the guests, pesto pasta is a versatile choice. Plus, it’s a fresh way to upgrade your pasta with your desired creative dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta

Caprese Pasta Salad

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and basil.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a taste of summer, nothing beats Caprese Pasta Salad. It mixes the classic combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with pasta for a light but satisfying dish. Great for picnics or light lunches, it’s a refreshing way to ensure you’re upgrading your pasta with the creative dishes you need.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A delicious and simple pasta recipe topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest, and Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is proof. Garlic, olive oil, and a kick of chili flakes turn spaghetti into something extraordinary. It’s a quick fix for late-night cravings or minimalist dining, showcasing how easy it is to upgrade your pasta with the creative dishes you need.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Four Cheese Lasagna

A casserole dish with a slice of cheese on it.
Four Cheese Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re in the mood for something indulgent, Four Cheese Lasagna doesn’t disappoint. It layers ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and gorgonzola for a cheesy feast. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a decadent way to upgrade your pasta with the creative dishes you need.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Lasagna

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever tried adding a zesty twist to your pasta? Our Best Lemon Pasta is about keeping things light and refreshing. It’s the ultimate upgrade to your pasta routine, especially on those warm nights when you crave something different but still comforting. It’s a creative dish to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Penne Arrabiata

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Penne Arrabiata. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ready to turn up the heat? Penne Arrabiata comes in hot with its chili-infused tomato sauce. It’s a simple dish that lets the spice do the talking, perfect for those who like their pasta with a kick. Talk about a fiery way to upgrade your pasta with the creative dishes you need.
Get the Recipe: Penne Arrabiata

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