15 Perfect Pasta Dishes for Potluck Parties

Looking for the perfect pasta dishes to bring to your next potluck party? Look no further! Pasta dishes are a crowd favorite and are incredibly versatile. From creamy and cheesy to light and fresh, there’s a pasta dish for every taste. Here are 15 perfect pasta dishes that will impress everyone at the party.

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until softened. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. This hearty and savory dish is perfect for any potluck.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Cook 1 pound of pasta and let it cool. Toss with 1 cup of pesto sauce (made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil), 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup of sliced olives. Serve cold. This vibrant and flavorful salad is ideal for summer gatherings.

Baked Ziti

Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta and mix with 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. This comforting and cheesy dish is perfect for feeding a large group.

Macaroni and Cheese

Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni and set aside. In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter, stir in 1/4 cup of flour, and gradually add 2 cups of milk. Cook until thickened, then add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix the cheese sauce with the macaroni and transfer to a baking dish. Optional: top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This creamy and cheesy classic is a crowd-pleaser.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Cook 1 pound of rotini pasta and cool. Toss with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, and 1/4 cup of chopped basil. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette and serve cold. This simple and elegant salad is perfect for potlucks.

Chicken Alfredo

Cook 1 pound of fettuccine pasta. In a pan, cook 2 sliced chicken breasts until golden. In a separate saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter, add 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens, then combine with the pasta and chicken. This rich and creamy dish is sure to impress.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Cook 1 pound of pasta and cool. Mix with 2 cans of drained tuna, 1 cup of peas, 1/2 cup of diced celery, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Serve cold. This hearty and flavorful salad is easy to make in advance.

Lasagna

Layer cooked lasagna noodles with a mixture of 1 pound of cooked ground beef, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden. This classic Italian dish is perfect for feeding a large group.

Greek Pasta Salad

Cook 1 pound of pasta and cool. Toss with 1 cup of chopped cucumbers, 1 cup of chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup of sliced red onions, 1/2 cup of olives, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of Greek dressing and serve cold. This colorful and flavorful salad is perfect for potlucks.

Stuffed Shells

Cook 1 pound of large pasta shells and cool. Fill each shell with a mixture of 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Place in a baking dish with 2 cups of marinara sauce and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. This cheesy and impressive dish is perfect for sharing.

Pasta Primavera

Cook 1 pound of pasta and set aside. Sauté 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, 1 cup of sliced zucchini, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil until tender. Toss with the pasta and a light garlic and olive oil sauce. This light and fresh dish can be served warm or cold.

Cajun Pasta

Cook 1 pound of pasta and set aside. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir until thickened, then toss with the pasta and 1 pound of cooked chicken or shrimp. This spicy and flavorful dish is best served hot.

Pasta Carbonara

Cook 1 pound of pasta and set aside. In a pan, cook 1/2 cup of diced pancetta until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Combine the hot pasta with the pancetta and egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. This rich and indulgent dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Tortellini Salad

Cook 1 pound of cheese-filled tortellini and cool. Toss with 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette and serve cold. This fun and tasty salad is perfect for potlucks.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti

Cook 1 pound of manicotti pasta and cool. Fill each tube with a mixture of 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Place in a baking dish with 2 cups of marinara sauce and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. This impressive dish is perfect for sharing.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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