15 Must-Try Pasta Recipes for Friday Night

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for ending the week with a delicious meal.

These 15 Friday pasta recipes feature a variety of flavors and styles, from creamy and cheesy dishes to light, veggie-packed options.

Each recipe is simple, flavorful, and ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings.

Whether you love classic spaghetti, baked ziti, or creative pasta bowls, these recipes are designed to satisfy every craving.

Enjoy Friday dinners that are easy to prepare, hearty, and absolutely delicious!

15 Must-Try Pasta Recipes for Friday Night

Friday pasta recipes prove that quick, satisfying meals can be full of flavor.

These 15 recipes offer a mix of classic, baked, and creative pasta dishes perfect for any palate.

From creamy Alfredo and tomato-based sauces to vegetable-packed and protein-rich options, there’s a dish for everyone.

Experiment with herbs, spices, and ingredients to customize your favorites.

With these Friday pasta recipes, you can enjoy hearty, delicious, and comforting meals that make the end of the week extra special.

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta

This creamy garlic Alfredo pasta is rich, smooth, and comforting.

Tender fettuccine noodles are coated in a luxurious sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan for a perfect Friday dinner.

It’s ideal as a main course that satisfies every pasta lover.

Each bite delivers a rich, garlicky flavor with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
• Toss pasta in the sauce until fully coated.
• Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

This creamy garlic Alfredo pasta is rich, smooth, and indulgent.

Each bite delivers tender noodles coated in garlicky, cheesy sauce.

Perfect for a cozy Friday dinner.

A classic, comforting dish.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple, flavorful, and aromatic.

Al dente spaghetti is tossed with sautéed garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley for a quick Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a light yet satisfying pasta dish.

Each bite delivers tender noodles with a delicate balance of heat and garlic flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and reserve some pasta water.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until golden.
• Add chili flakes and stir briefly.
• Toss cooked spaghetti with the garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
• Season with salt and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple, aromatic, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers perfectly cooked noodles with garlicky, lightly spicy flavor.

Perfect for a quick Friday dinner.

A minimalist, delicious pasta.

Baked Penne with Vegetables

This baked penne with vegetables is hearty, colorful, and comforting.

Penne pasta is combined with roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted cheese for a delicious Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a main course for a family-friendly meal.

Each bite delivers tender pasta, roasted veggies, and gooey melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook penne according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Roast vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
• Mix pasta, roasted vegetables, and marinara sauce; transfer to a baking dish.
• Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

This baked penne with vegetables is hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with roasted vegetables and rich melted cheese.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A colorful, comforting dish.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This shrimp scampi pasta is garlicky, buttery, and light.

Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, white wine, and lemon juice, then tossed with linguine for a Friday dinner.

It’s perfect for seafood lovers seeking a quick yet elegant meal.

Each bite delivers tender shrimp with bright, savory, and citrusy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet; sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
• Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer 2 minutes.
• Toss shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine.
• Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley and serve hot.

This shrimp scampi pasta is light, garlicky, and flavorful.

Each bite delivers tender shrimp with buttery, citrusy sauce over pasta.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A quick, elegant dish.

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is fresh, vibrant, and satisfying.

Pasta is tossed with homemade or store-bought basil pesto and halved cherry tomatoes for a simple Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a light main dish bursting with flavor.

Each bite delivers al dente pasta with fresh, herbaceous pesto and sweet, juicy tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Toss warm pasta with pesto and olive oil until evenly coated.
• Add cherry tomatoes and mix gently.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

This pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is fresh, vibrant, and flavorful.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with herbaceous pesto and juicy, sweet tomatoes.

Perfect for a light Friday dinner.

A quick, satisfying dish.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

This chicken Alfredo bake is creamy, cheesy, and comforting.

Tender pasta is combined with juicy chicken pieces and Alfredo sauce, then baked to perfection for a hearty Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a family-friendly main course.

Each bite delivers creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Mix pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish.
• Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

This chicken Alfredo bake is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers tender chicken with rich, flavorful pasta.

Perfect for a hearty Friday dinner.

A comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Cajun shrimp pasta is spicy, bold, and flavorful.

Juicy shrimp are sautéed with Cajun seasoning and tossed with creamy pasta for a zesty Friday dinner.

It’s perfect for spice lovers seeking a quick yet exciting meal.

Each bite delivers tender shrimp with creamy, lightly spicy pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
• Add heavy cream and Parmesan; simmer 2–3 minutes.
• Combine shrimp and sauce with pasta.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

This Cajun shrimp pasta is spicy, creamy, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers bold, tender shrimp with rich pasta.

Perfect for a flavorful Friday dinner.

A zesty, quick dish.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This creamy mushroom pasta is earthy, rich, and comforting.

Sautéed mushrooms are combined with garlic, cream, and Parmesan to coat tender pasta for a Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a vegetarian main course or side.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with earthy mushroom flavors and creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta of choice
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender.
• Add cream and Parmesan; simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
• Toss pasta with the mushroom sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley.
• Serve hot.

This creamy mushroom pasta is rich, earthy, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with flavorful, creamy mushrooms.

Perfect for a cozy Friday dinner.

A comforting vegetarian dish.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

This pesto chicken pasta is fresh, herby, and satisfying.

Juicy chicken is tossed with pasta and basil pesto for a quick Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a light main course bursting with flavor.

Each bite delivers tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant pesto taste.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Toss warm pasta with pesto and olive oil.
• Add cooked chicken and cherry tomatoes; mix gently.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with Parmesan and serve immediately.

This pesto chicken pasta is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers tender chicken and vibrant pesto-coated pasta.

Perfect for a quick Friday dinner.

A bright, delicious dish.

Baked Ziti with Sausage

This baked ziti with sausage is hearty, cheesy, and comforting.

Pasta is combined with savory sausage, marinara sauce, and melted cheese for a filling Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a main course for family or guests.

Each bite delivers tender pasta, rich sausage, and gooey melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ziti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Mix pasta, cooked sausage, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
• Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

This baked ziti with sausage is hearty, cheesy, and flavorful.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with savory sausage and melted cheese.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A comforting, crowd-pleasing dish

Shrimp Vodka Pasta

This shrimp vodka pasta is creamy, slightly tangy, and indulgent.

Juicy shrimp are cooked in a tomato-cream vodka sauce and tossed with penne for a flavorful Friday dinner.

It’s perfect for seafood lovers craving a rich, satisfying pasta dish.

Each bite delivers tender shrimp with smooth, velvety sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink, then remove and set aside.
• Pour in vodka and simmer 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes and cream; simmer 5 minutes.
• Return shrimp to the sauce and toss with pasta.
• Garnish with basil and serve hot.

This shrimp vodka pasta is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Each bite delivers tender shrimp with velvety, tomato-cream sauce.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

An indulgent, elegant dish.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter

This butternut squash ravioli with sage butter is sweet, nutty, and aromatic.

Cooked ravioli is tossed in a simple butter-sage sauce for a comforting Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a light yet elegant main course.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with rich, buttery, and fragrant flavors.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz butternut squash ravioli
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 fresh sage leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook ravioli according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a skillet and sauté sage leaves until fragrant.
• Toss ravioli in sage butter, coating evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle Parmesan and pine nuts.
• Serve immediately.

This butternut squash ravioli is buttery, aromatic, and comforting.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with nutty-sweet squash and sage flavor.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A light, elegant dish.

Creamy Spinach Pasta

This creamy spinach pasta is vibrant, rich, and healthy.

Fresh spinach is cooked with garlic and cream, then tossed with pasta for a nutritious Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a vegetarian main dish that’s filling and flavorful.

Each bite delivers tender pasta coated in creamy, garlicky spinach sauce.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta of choice
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted.
• Stir in cream and Parmesan; simmer 3–4 minutes.
• Toss pasta with sauce and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Serve hot.

This creamy spinach pasta is rich, vibrant, and flavorful.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with garlicky, creamy spinach sauce.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A nutritious, satisfying dish.

Chicken Carbonara

This chicken carbonara is creamy, savory, and satisfying.

Tender pasta is tossed with chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and pancetta for a classic Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a rich, filling main course.

Each bite delivers creamy sauce with tender chicken and smoky pancetta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 slices pancetta, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions; reserve some pasta water.
• Cook pancetta in a skillet until crisp; add garlic briefly.
• Whisk eggs with Parmesan in a bowl.
• Toss hot pasta with pancetta, chicken, and egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
• Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley.
• Serve immediately.

This chicken carbonara is creamy, savory, and rich.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with chicken and smoky pancetta.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A classic, indulgent dish.

Lemon Garlic Pasta

This lemon garlic pasta is light, zesty, and refreshing.

Spaghetti is tossed with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and zest for a bright Friday dinner.

It’s perfect as a simple, flavorful main dish or side.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with vibrant citrusy and garlicky flavors.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Toss pasta with garlic oil, lemon juice, and zest.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with Parmesan and parsley; serve immediately.

This lemon garlic pasta is light, fresh, and flavorful.

Each bite delivers tender pasta with bright citrus and savory garlic.

Perfect for a Friday dinner.

A quick, refreshing dish.