27 Best Fall Pasta Recipes to Warm Up Your Evenings
Fall is my favorite season, and nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm pasta dish on a crisp evening. The aroma of rich, hearty sauces and the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta just scream autumn to me. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for your family, or just craving some soul-warming food, you’re in for a treat.
I’ve gathered my 27 best fall pasta recipes to warm up your evenings, ranging from creamy and cheesy to light and veggie-packed. These recipes are easy to follow and bursting with flavor, perfect for any night of the week.
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1. Pumpkin Alfredo
Pumpkin Alfredo brings a seasonal twist to the classic Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions.
- In a saucepan, sauté garlic in a bit of butter until fragrant.
- Add the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
2. Butternut Squash Lasagna
This Butternut Squash Lasagna is a fall favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the butternut squash until tender.
- Cook the lasagna noodles.
- Layer the lasagna in a baking dish: start with marinara sauce, follow with noodles, ricotta, squash, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, topping with Parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
3. Sausage and Apple Rigatoni
The combination of sausage and apple in this rigatoni is perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, sauté the sausage until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the apples and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, letting it simmer until reduced.
- Combine the rigatoni with the sausage mixture and serve.
4. Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
These stuffed shells are a creamy, cheesy delight.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells until al dente.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Stuff each shell with the mixture.
- Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange the shells in the dish and cover with the remaining sauce.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
5. Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle
Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor to this pappardelle.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pappardelle
- 3 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle.
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in a skillet until tender.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until thickened.
- Toss the cooked pappardelle with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
6. Beef Stroganoff Pasta
This beef stroganoff pasta is hearty and filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb egg noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles.
- Sear the beef in a hot skillet, then set aside.
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms.
- Sprinkle with flour and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the sour cream and add the beef back in.
- Serve over egg noodles.
7. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pasta
The sweetness of caramelized onions pairs perfectly with tangy goat cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti.
- In a skillet, caramelize the onions in olive oil on low heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Toss the spaghetti with the caramelized onions and goat cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
These sweet potato gnocchi are a unique and tasty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, baked and mashed
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Butter and sage, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the sweet potato, flour, egg, salt, and nutmeg to form a dough.
- Roll into ropes and cut into gnocchi.
- Boil until they float.
- Toss with melted butter and sage.
9. Baked Ziti with Pumpkin Sauce
Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness to this baked ziti.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook the ziti.
- Mix the pumpkin puree with the marinara sauce.
- Layer the cooked ziti with sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
10. Pesto and Roasted Veggie Pasta
Roasted veggies and fresh pesto make this dish sing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne
- 2 cups assorted vegetables, chopped (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
- 1 cup basil pesto
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Cook the penne.
- Toss the penne with pesto and roasted vegetables.
11. Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Add bacon to traditional mac and cheese for a next-level dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni.
- Make a roux with the butter and flour.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring until thickened.
- Mix in the cheeses.
- Combine with the macaroni and bacon.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
12. Kale and Sausage Penne
This hearty dish combines the flavors of kale and sausage.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne.
- Sauté the sausage until browned.
- Add the onion, garlic, and kale, cooking until the kale is wilted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer.
- Combine with the penne.
13. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Simple and satisfying, this pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni.
- Sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in fresh basil.
- Toss with the rigatoni and serve.
14. Spaghetti Carbonara
A classic dish that’s perfect for fall evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pancetta, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti.
- Sauté the pancetta and garlic.
- Whisk together eggs and Parmesan.
- Toss the hot pasta with the pancetta and egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
15. Harvest Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is great for autumn picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Cook the rotini.
- Combine with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, feta, and pumpkin seeds.
- Toss with balsamic vinaigrette.
16. Chicken Marsala Pasta
Marsala wine and tender chicken make for a delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine.
- Sear the chicken slices and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms.
- Add the Marsala wine and chicken broth, reducing by half.
- Stir in the heavy cream and reintroduce the chicken.
- Serve over the fettuccine.
17. Roasted Garlic and Butternut Squash Pasta
Roasted garlic and butternut squash make for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 small butternut squash, cubed
- 1 head garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the butternut squash and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti.
- Toss the spaghetti with the roasted squash and garlic.
- Garnish with fresh sage.
18. Spaghetti with Clam Sauce
A fall favorite that’s light yet comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cans minced clams
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add the clams and their juice, along with white wine.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss with the spaghetti.
- Garnish with parsley.
19. Eggplant Parmesan Pasta
Combine eggplant Parmesan flavors with pasta for a hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne
- 1 large eggplant, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the eggplant at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Cook the penne.
- Combine the penne with marinara sauce and roasted eggplant.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
20. Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes make for a flavorful combo.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Toss with the fettuccine.
- Top with Parmesan.
21. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
Broccoli and cheddar complement each other perfectly in this dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 3 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni and broccoli.
- Make a roux with butter and flour.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring until thick.
- Stir in the cheeses.
- Mix with the macaroni and broccoli.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
22. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A light and zesty pasta dish that’s still comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the linguine.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add shrimp, cooking until pink.
- Toss with the linguine and lemon juice/zest.
- Garnish with parsley.
23. Beef Ragu Pappardelle
A rich and meaty dish that’s perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pappardelle
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle.
- Brown the ground beef, then set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and beef broth.
- Return the beef to the skillet and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve over pappardelle and garnish with basil.
24. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
A classic dish that’s both creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine and broccoli.
- Sear the chicken slices and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan, reducing to a thick sauce.
- Toss the fettuccine, broccoli, and chicken in the sauce.
25. Ricotta and Spinach Tortellini
This dish is light yet flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spinach and ricotta tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini.
- Heat the marinara sauce.
- Toss the tortellini with the sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and fresh basil.
26. Pappardelle with Beef and Fennel
The warmth of fennel and beef pairs beautifully in this dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pappardelle
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bulb fennel, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle.
- Brown the beef, then set aside.
- Sauté the fennel and garlic.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and beef.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Toss with pappardelle.
27. Gorgonzola and Pear Ravioli
A sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pear and gorgonzola ravioli
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup butter
- Fresh sage, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli.
- Melt the butter in a skillet.
- Add the ravioli and toast lightly.
- Toss with toasted walnuts.
- Garnish with sage.
Conclusion
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, these pasta recipes are the perfect way to bring warmth and comfort to your evenings. Cooking with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, apples, and pumpkin not only enhances the flavors but also fills your home with the delightful scents of fall. Each dish on this list offers its own unique twist, ensuring you’ll never get bored with your menu options.
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and indulgent or light and fresh, these recipes are designed to be both satisfying and simple to prepare. Grab your favorite ingredients and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of fall in every bite. Happy cooking, and here’s to deliciously warm fall evenings!