Rich Pasta for the Poor Kitchen

Poor man's pasta is an easy-to-assemble baked ground beef and noodle dish. Layers of simmered tomato beef sauce and creamy egg noodles, along with plenty of cheese, make this pasta taste rich with only simple ingredients.

Think bruschetta, but in pasta form—easy, fresh, and loaded with flavor. Shop the recipe here.

Every bite of this savory pizza pasta bake is loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner!

There's something magical about the simplicity of garlic and butter. These two humble ingredients, when paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tender, seasoned chicken, create a symphony of flavors that feels both luxurious and comforting. This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a recipe that brings people together. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy date night at home, or a festive gathering, this dish always steals the spotlight. I first fell in love with this recipe on a chilly winter evening. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, and I knew I was on the brink of creating something special. The first bite was everything I’d hoped for: creamy, savory, and just a touch garlicky. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, loved by family and friends alike. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its charm! This recipe also holds a universal appeal. It takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, where garlic and butter have long been celebrated as the foundation of rich, indulgent sauces. Over time, variations of this recipe have emerged across the world, with each culture adding its unique twist. My version stays true to its roots while offering a few personal touches to make it extra special. What makes this dish even more delightful is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable, foolproof, and utterly delicious.

If cheese ravioli is one of your go-to meals at your favorite Italian eatery, this Easy Ravioli Bake is sure to compete. Get restaurant quality at home with this no-fuss baked ravioli recipe. Only ten minutes to prep and using simple ingredients you have on hand, this baked ravioli is as easy as it gets. Using frozen ravioli means you can get right to assembling your baked ravioli for a quick, yet impressive, family dinner.

For the best garlic butter sauce for pasta, use way more garlic than you’d think. This recipe serves two people and calls for a whole head—and nope, that’s not a mistake. When sizzled in melted butter until golden and toasty, this ingredient goes from sharp and bracing to warm and cozy, the sort of savory flavor that’s hard to overdo. Make sure that once it’s done cooking, you don’t drain the pasta into a colander. We want that salty, starchy water on call to bump up the seasoning and loosen the sauce as needed. It’ll thicken as it sits at the table, so err on the side of saucier than not. The optional bonuses are just that: totally optional. As in all Big Little Recipes, less is more here. Think: roughly chopped parsley (or basil or thyme), red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper, or grated Parm or pecorino. Opt for three picks, tops, so the butter and garlic can shine—they’re the stars of this show. Some additional tips for garlic butter sauce success: Any butter will do the trick here. But if you’re like me, and there’s a so-called “special butter” that you reserve for morning toast and baked potatoes (I love higher-fat, sunny-hued Kerrygold), this is a great time to use it. After all, the butter is half of the sauce. And if you only have salted butter on hand, that’s okay; just tone down the salt in the rest of the recipe, then increase to taste at the very end. On that note, when I say to “generously” season the pasta water with salt, I aim for about 1 tablespoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt per 1 quart of water. But! You can tone that down to 2 teaspoons, 1 teaspoon, or even 1/2 teaspoon of salt per quart of water. It all depends on your personal preference. And no need to measure the salt or the water; just eyeball both. This makes sure the pasta is taken care of. Any pasta shape will excel (thrive! soar!) in this context. I prefer a chunky variety with lots of nooks and crannies (say fusilli, rigatoni, or cavatappi), where the garlic bits can take refuge. But something long and twirly like spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini would be excellent, too. And if nutty whole-wheat pasta is your thing? Go for it. Helpful tools for this recipe: Five Two Stainless Steel Skillet Benedetto Cavalieri Italian Dried Pasta (Set of 2) Banner Grass-Fed Butter —Emma Laperruque

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is easy to make and so good!

This butternut squash tomato pasta features pasta coated in roasted chunky butternut squash sauce and sweet and tangy tomatoes. It's easy to make, requires a handful of ingredients and is extremely adaptable.