You’ve probably had your fill of crisp salads and light, no-cook dinners during the dog days of summer, but with the changing of the seasons, the craving for creamy, hearty fare returns. Among all the options out there, there’s nothing like a big pot of cozy pasta to warm you up from the inside out. It’s a great way to showcase the flavors of autumn—think pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash—and invite lingering at the table with loved ones. From cheesy one-pot pastas and five-ingredient weeknight dishes to delicious dinner party favorites, these fall pasta recipes deliver comfort in every bite.
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and melty Swiss come together for a decadent pasta that takes its namesake soup to the next level. Orecchiette (“little ears” in Italian) is the ideal shape for catching all the jammy bits of goodness.
Get the recipe: One-Pot French Onion Pasta
One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta
Canned pumpkin puree is a fall pantry staple that shines in this savory vegetarian main. Spaghetti cooks right in the mixture for a more flavorful bite with less fuss, and the trifecta of butter, Parmesan, and cream adds wonderful richness to the pasta.
Get the recipe: One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta
Five-Ingredient Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Incorporating both roasted and grated Brussels sprouts creates a dynamic texture in this satisfying (and super easy) pasta. Grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice round out the flavor profile with umami and a pop of brightness.
Get the recipe: Five-Ingredient Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Brown Butter Butternut Squash Rigatoni
In under half an hour, whip up this autumnal pasta featuring earthy-sweet squash cooked in nutty brown butter with chopped sage. It’s a cozy ode to the season that the entire family will fall for.
Get the recipe: Brown Butter Butternut Squash Rigatoni
Easy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Give the classic comfort food a fall-forward twist by blending cooked squash with milk and butter to create a delectable pasta sauce. American cheese stirred in at the end makes this five-ingredient dish rich and creamy—you may never go back to the traditional version!
Get the recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Creamy Kale Pasta
Turn just five ingredients into a satisfying meal you’ll make on repeat. Ricotta and Parmesan add creamy decadence to the green leafy vegetable, creating a beautifully green pesto that’s tossed with penne.
Get the recipe: Creamy Kale Pasta
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken-Ricotta Meatballs
Give traditional spaghetti and meatballs a lighter (but just as cozy) twist with tender chicken meatballs simmered in marinara sauce and tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. It’s an easy, hearty recipe perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the recipe: Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken-Ricotta Meatballs
Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Rich, crispy bacon bits are a natural pairing for seasonal Brussels sprouts in this comforting pasta featuring chewy, pillowy gnocchi. Lemon zest and juice bring brightness, and a splash of maple syrup balances out all the flavors.
Get the recipe: Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese
This crowd-pleasing, set-it-and-forget-it meal is ideal for busy weeknights, tailgate parties, and everything in between. Simply dump the ingredients—veggies, beans, diced tomatoes, broth—into the slow cooker, then stir in elbow pasta at the end to serve.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese
One-Pan Penne alla Vodka
With a prep time of only five minutes, this comforting one-pan pasta is as easy as it gets—and will quickly become part of your fall rotation. Skip the boiling water altogether and let the oven do the work of cooking penne with the sauce until tender and perfectly coated.
Get the recipe: One-Pan Penne alla Vodka
