Cheesy, gooey, meaty – three words that can all be used to describe one thing: a delicious pasta dish. A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of pasta recipes that are perfect for a summer picnic, fancy dinner party, a home-cooked Italian meal, and everything in between.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

And best of all, pasta dishes are easy to make! Just pick your favorite noodle – shells, tortellini, lasagna, angel hair – they’re all great choices. Combine noodles with sauces, cheeses, and spices for a fantastic dish that everyone will love. Pasta is also a great dish for busy families because it’s quick to make and packages well as leftovers so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

 Check out these four pasta recipes to get ideas for the next time you’re in the mood for pasta:

Sausage-Vegetable Ragout Pappardelle

Sure, the name sounds complicated but we promise it’s an easy dish to make. This pappardelle combines spicy Italian sausage with a selection of fresh vegetables for a wonderful treat.

Make-Ahead Unstuffed Shells

This recipe is a great one to make ahead of time if you know you’ll have a busy evening. You can prepare the whole casserole the night before – or on the weekend – and just stick it in the oven 45 minutes before you’re ready to serve it.

serves 6

Ingredients

4 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce
1 tub (10 oz.) cooking cream
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.

Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in marinara sauce; simmer on medium heat 2 min. Remove from heat.

Drain pasta. Mix cooking cream, basil and parmesan in large bowl; stir in pasta. Spread half the meat sauce onto bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with layers of pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella; cover with foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Heat oven to 375ºF. Bake casserole, covered, 40 to 45 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 30 min.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

Parmesan-Pesto Tortellini

Pair this delicious pasta with a green salad for a meal that satisfies your taste buds. Tortellini comes in several different flavors, so feel free to switch it up a little bit by choosing something other than cheese.

6 servings

2 pkg. (9 oz.) frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh basil leaves
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
½ cup olive oil

Directions

Cook tortellini as directed on package, omitting salt.

Meanwhile, process basil, cheese and garlic in food processor until well blended. With motor running, gradually add oil through feed tube at top, processing until well blended.

Drain tortellini; place in large bowl. Add pesto; mix lightly.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

Cheese-Lover’s Pasta Roll-Ups

Both kids and adults will love this cheesy pasta roll-up. It combines a blend of delicious cheeses with tomato sauce for a unique dish that is popular with the whole family.

8 servings

1 egg, beaten
1 container (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
4 green onions, chopped
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce, divided
16 lasagna noodles, cooked
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Mix first 5 ingredients until blended.

Spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce onto bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread each noodle with 3 Tbsp. cheese mixture; roll up. Place, seam-sides down, in dish. Top with remaining sauce and Parmesan; cover.

Bake 40 to 50 min. or until heated through, uncovering for the last 10 min.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

Enjoy your pasta dishes!

While not working part-time as a bank teller, Jennifer fills her time with hiking, writing, time with her kids, and – of course – cooking. She looks forward to the weekends when all of her hobbies can finally come together.