40 Unique Pasta Recipes (2024)

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.

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.

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 (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

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 Curry Pasta

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.