12 Pasta Recipes for Every Mood

If you are a pasta-lover like me, you probably already have a few go-to pasta recipes that always have your back. You make it when you need a pick-me-up, some comfort food, a quick brunch favorite or a date night winner! Here is a collection of my favorite pasta recipes that always work!

Don't you love how easy and impressive pasta is all at the same time? I can think of so many situations a quick pasta recipe has saved. Yes, I am crazy in love with pasta, who wouldn't be. I mean - think creamy; channel that pesto green or just that homely tomato pasta for that perfect soul fix-me-up food for every mood.

Take me, for example. It’s summer right now, and sooo hot, and I can’t bring myself to eat things that are too indulgent. Plus, the summer brings out the lazy vibes in me, and although it’s not too bad in Pondicherry right now, I would still love to sit back in the backyard in the evenings instead of spending time in the kitchen. And pasta always delivers! Its fairly light, easy on the stomach and so quick to put together, that I can enjoy some extra time in the backyard instead of slaving in the kitchen. 

So I decided its time to pass on this pasta love to you and put together a list of my favorite pasta recipes that can make pasta work, anytime and for any occasion or mood.

Read on and you’ll see what I mean:

For the lazy ones - Bacon Spaghetti Aglio Olio

When your pasta dinner is just 5 ingredients away, even the laziest among us (guilty as charged!) have no excuses to call for takeaway. Need more motivation? Did I tell you one of the five ingredients is bacon?

For healthy eating - Lighter Creamier Corn Pepper Fusilli Alfredo

My kind of pasta is always full-bodied and creamy, the kind you’d eat like a glutton but feel so guilty about later. But then I hacked my way to a lighter yet creamier pasta and I’m gonna share it with you now! It’s just as delicious as a traditional alfredo but with less than half the calories!

For the experimental - Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

The adventure-seeking foodie within you will want to know all about Orzo pasta. You’ve got to try it at least once, because it reveals flavors and textures that are magnifico. And once you’ve had this cold pasta salad that tastes like sunshine, you’ll be asking for repeats!

For winter-warming - Lemony Mushroom Kale Linguine

A hearty, creamy bowl of linguine alfredo makes the winter so much cosier. Except for substituting cream for milk, we’re not scrimping on anything in this dish. You can add kale or your favorite greens in there so that it ticks the ‘healthy’ box too. But don’t forget the couch and a warm blanket!

For summer loving - Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Simple and fresh with just a splash of olive oil—that’s how we roll during the summertime. Plus the quick-cooking shrimp is done in minutes, yes, minutes, so this entire meal is ready in 20. No more slaving in the kitchen on a hot summer day!

For family-loving - Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken with Pasta

A finger licking good creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with chicken and pasta tossed in. We bet the grandparents and the kids will enjoy this one equally. It's the kind of pasta recipe that families will bond over!

For comfort-food loving - Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Mac and Cheese

If it’s comfort food you’re after, it has to be mac and cheese. But oh, make it awesome-r with some homemade pumpkin puree. And sausages. And alright fine, some veggies, like kale. And mop it all up with some crusty bread. And don’t forget, it tastes best when eaten in your jammies!

For just loving - Creamy Prawn Scampi Pasta

I knew from the moment I watched Lady and the Tramp that true love must be celebrated over pasta. That’s why this quick, easy and super indulgent Creamy Shrimp Scampi pasta is my date night favorite. If you’re feeling extra romantic, share the bowl over some charming Italian music, just like our original pasta-loving lovers!

For the outdoorsy - Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A pasta salad is exactly what your picnic or a barbecue needs. This refreshing salad is not only super easy to put together, it can and must be made ahead so that all the flavors really get going as you rest it in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to toss it up with fresh, seasonal produce!

For the Sunday bum - All-in Sunday Veggie Pasta

Sundays are when we refuse to move a muscle, but still insist on feasting like royalty. How, you ask? Well, this creamy, cheesy, dump-and-go veggie pasta has something to do with it. I’m telling you exactly how it’s done, because us Sunday bums have got to stick together, right?

For the fast and furious - 30-Minute Vegetarian Lasagna Skillet

You’ve got things to do, places to go and here I am expecting you to prep for lasagna? No guys, I’m making it easier for you with this skillet lasagna that gets done on the stovetop before you even heat up the oven. Sneak a little wine in there to revv up the flavors and drink up the rest at dinner!

For simple living - 15-minute Mushroom Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Sometimes, all you need are the simple flavors of an Aglio Olio to give you the happy tummy feels. Just toss together garlic, olive oil, pepper flakes and mushrooms to make this dish come alive. And wash it all down with a bottle of wine and favorite movie! Ah, the simple pleasures of life!

Phew, that was a lot of pasta! But honestly, guys, I could go on and on. And so could you, I’m sure. So tell me what I’ve missed, guys. I want to know all about your favorite pasta recipes. Feature all the fusilli, spaghetti, ravioli, farfalle and any other kind of noodles that you just can’t imagine life without, because we all need our reasons to pasta!

Which one of these pasta recipes are you going to try first and which one are you saving for a special occasion?