Noodles, Zoodles & More: 8 Recipes For Pasta Lovers

Smothered in sauce, covered in cheese, or floating in soup -- dinner is full of pastabilities! These pasta recipes have all been tested, perfected, and family-approved.

1. Baked Penne with Spinach, Ricotta & Fontina

In this quick and easy riff on spinach and ricotta cannelloni, penne pasta is tossed in a creamy spinach, basil and ricotta sauce, topped with cheese, and then baked until gold brown. GET THE RECIPE

2. Pasta e Fagioli

This wonderful Pasta e Fagioli recipe is adapted from Chef Joe Cicala's recipe in the The Washington Post. The base of the soup is made with pancetta, vegetables and white wine, which add depth of flavor, and the broth is thickened with puréed beans, which makes it rich and satisfying. GET THE RECIPE

3. Fettuccine Bolognese

This pasta in a richly flavored meat sauce is perfect for Sunday night family dinner. The sauce simmers on the stove for several hours, making the house smell delicious and inviting. GET THE RECIPE

4. Orecchiette with Sausage & Broccoli

This hearty pasta dish is adapted from Lidia's Italian Table by Lidia Bastianich. Not only is it quick and easy to make -- 25 minutes tops -- the whole family eats it up, broccoli and all. GET THE RECIPE

5. Spaghetti & Meatballs

Here's a quick and delicious Spaghetti and Meatball recipe to add to your weeknight repertoire. To cut down on cooking time, cheat and use a good quality store bought sauce -- no one will notice! GET THE RECIPE

6. Spaghetti Squash Gratin

Spaghetti squash is like a gift from the diet gods. When cooked, it miraculously transforms into golden, spaghetti-like strands. Here, I've tossed it with with marinara sauce, sprinkled it with breadcrumbs and cheese, and baked it until golden brown and crispy. You won't miss the pasta -- promise! GET THE RECIPE

7. Zoodles with Pesto & Pine Nuts

Peeling zucchini into wide ribbons and discarding the seeds makes it less watery and creates more surface area for the sauce to coat, like pasta. Pesto loaded with garlic and basil adds vibrant flavor. GET THE RECIPE

8. Sausage Lasagna

Made with a quick Sausage bolognese sauce and no-boil lasagna noodles, this is a crowd-pleasing lasagna recipe that's easy to make and foolproof. GET THE RECIPE