10 Cozy Pasta Recipes for Fall
the cozy FALL pasta recipes you need to make this SEASON
FIRST PUBLISHED 9/26/233, LAST UPDATED 10/30/24
‘Tis the freakin’ season for all things comfy-cozy and I, for one, could not be more excited. I mean, there’s just so much to love about this time of year. The clothes (aka cozy sweaters), the decor (Hi pumpkins!), the produce (figs, apples, pears galore), the activities (apple picking and pumpkin carving), the cozy movies (“When Harry Met Sally” anyone?!). But I think we can all agree that the absolute best part of fall is the food. No other season delivers the way that fall does. Between the hearty dishes and the warming spices, the fall soups and the comforting baked goods and the flavorful roasts and the cozy pasta recipes, there’s just such an abundance of autumnal goodness. It’s truly my favorite time of year to cook (and eat, obviously).
Now, sure, I gravitate towards pasta anytime of year (I am Italian, after all), but I really relish in a cozy pasta dish during the autumn months. They just feels extra comforting and decadent and flavorful this time of year, ya know what I mean? And truly what is more cozy on a cool, crispy fall evening than a warm, savory bowl of pasta?! Whether it’s a weeknight pasta recipe that can be whipped up in no time or the ritual of a Sunday supper that revolves around your favorite pasta dish, or any of the beloved pastas in-between, there’s an ease and versatility, a sense of comfort and home, that can be found in every one and there’s truly no better meal to usher in the cooler months than one that involves pasta. To inspire your own seasonal cooking, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite cozy pasta recipes that will keep you warm, comforted and full all season long.
10 cozy pasta recipes to celebrate comfort food season
1. CREAMY PUMPKIN PASTA
If there was ever a poster child for cozy fall pasta recipes, this one would be it. Think of it like spicy vodka sauce’s fall cousin, but richer and with pumpkin. Obviously it’s super cozy, but it’s also comforting, it’s decadent, it’s hearty and yet, somehow, despite all of that, it’s still quick and easy to make. So on a chilly fall day, when you want to spend more time curled up watching Gilmore Girls re-runs than you do cooking in the kitchen, but all you’re craving is a big bowl of comforting goodness, this creamy pumpkin pasta is just what you need. It’s also perfect to serve at a fall gathering, but fair warning- guest will either fall in love with you or fight with each over over who gets to scrape the pan clean.
KEY INGREDIENTS- Besides pumpkin, the things that make this pasta recipe a standout are the ‘nduja, which adds a spicy, smokiness to the dish (you can find this at your local Italian market), and crispy sage, which finishes the dish off with the perfect subtle amount of rich earthy, nuttiness.
SERVES- 4-6
WHY IT’S GREAT- Because it’s a fall twist on the classic spicy vodka sauce
BEST FOR- Hosting an intimate, casual and cozy fall dinner
2. SPICY FUSILLI
A classic for a reason, and one that couldn’t be more perfect for cozy season. You just know when you make this pasta recipe that it’s going to be perfectly decadent, delicious and comforting, like a warm fall hug but, ya know, in pasta form.
KEY INGREDIENTS- The thing that makes this dish? Lots of cream, lots of cheese, using the pasta water to thicken the sauce (key) and calabrian chili paste (but of course) to spice things up.
SERVES- 4-6
WHY IT’S GREAT- Because it’s the epitome of classic, cozy pasta in a bowl
BEST FOR- Anytime you need something extra decadent and cozy, but quick and easy, for dinner
3. SHORT RIB RAVIOLI
These ravioli are not here to play around. They are dressed to impress. And by dressed I mean decked out in all sorts of flavorfull goodness. Sure, they’re a bit time consuming to make, but let me tell you, they are so, so worth it. I mean, they quite literally melt in your mouth and the flavors are just unreal. So next time you have some extra time on your hands (Ha! I know. Because does anyone have that these days?!), say maybe on a cold and rainy Saturday, and if you’ve got nowhere to be and not a whole lot to do, I’m telling you, these short rib ravioli are your game plan.
KEY INGREDIENTS- Braised and slow roasted short ribs combined with buttery, herby mushrooms get wrapped up in homemade pasta dough.
SERVES- 4 (48 ravioli)
WHY IT’S GREAT- Because these ravioli are a unique and decadent treat
BEST FOR- Special occasion and celebratory meals or a date night at home
4. SHORT RIB + MUSHROOM PAPPARDELLE
If you’re craving the short rib ravioli but just don’t have the time to commit to them (which is totally understandable), opt for this pasta dish instead. Yes, the short ribs still need time to slow roast, but there’s less hands on cooking time involved, yet you’ll still end up with a rich and decadent pasta dish that’s warm and flavorful and perfect for date night in, Sunday suppers or entertaining guests.
KEY INGREDIENTS- Short ribs and mushrooms, of course. I suggest using a mix of mushrooms for an even richer, more diverse umami flavor.
SERVES- 4
WHY IT’S GREAT- Because it’s cozy, hearty and easy to make but still special enough for elevated occasions
BEST FOR- Sunday supper and make-ahead meals for easy entertaining
5. PROSCIUTTO, SUN-DRIED TOMATO + BURRATA LASAGNA
Let’s talk about layering up for the colder months. And no, I don’t mean sweaters. Because, I don’t know about you but I, for one, prefer layers of things like cheese and noodles and burrata and prosciutto. And let me tell you, this lasagna recipe delivers. The layers are absolute perfection of creamy, comforting goodness that’s perfect for a Sunday supper, entertaining guests or even re-heated (ya know, if you manage to have any leftovers).
KEY INGREDIENTS- Yes, the burrata is the key to creaminess, sun-dried tomatoes are involved, too, but my favorite part about this dish (besides it’s decadence, of course) is the crispy prosciutto. It’s like bacon but a million times better and the salty crispiness really cuts through the creaminess and keeps this lasagna from feeling too, too rich.
SERVES- 8-10
WHY IT’S GREAT- A decadent meal that can feed a crowd
BEST FOR- Dinner parties, holiday gatherings and entertaining
6. ONE PAN CHICKEN PARM MEATBALL + BURRATA BAKE
If chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs and baked ziti had a baby this one pan pasta dish would be it. And it’s just perfect in every way. Oh so creamy and rich, hearty and filling and did I mention it’s all made in one pan?! Plus its great for feeding a crowd and it’s ready in under an hour from start to table.
KEY INGREDIENTS- Since everything is getting baked together the key is to use a good marinara sauce (homemade is best, but a high quality jarred option will work, too) and then either chicken broth or wine or both to ensure optimal flavor in the pasta and throughout the dish. Oh, and for even more fun and flavor, the meatballs are stuffed with extra mozzarella cheese! You’re welcome!
SERVES- 8-10
WHY IT’S GREAT- Because it’s made in one pan
BEST FOR- Cozy, hearty weeknight suppers
7. ONE PAN TOMATO SAUCE + CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI
If you’re looking for a cozy pasta dish that’s also easy, simple and quick and just a bit healthier than the other pasta recipes on this list, then this is the dish for you. It takes mere minutes to make and yet it’s still somehow the perfect comforting cozy bowl of pasta that you’ll be wanting seconds (and thirds) of.
KEY INGREDIENTS- Cauliflower gnocchi (I get mine at Trader Joe’s) are what keep this recipe quick, simple and healthy.
SERVES- 2
WHY IT’S GREAT- It’s quick, easy and healthy with minimal ingredients, steps and dishes
BEST FOR- Simple weeknight suppers that are light and healthy
8. ONE PAN BAKED ZITI
Who doesn’t love a baked ziti? I mean, it’s straight classic cheesy comfort food. And this one is made all using just one pan. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and an unsuspecting amount of veggies and protein, and is great for serving a crowd, or for those times you only want to cook once but have leftovers for at least 2-3 more meals (if you can refrain yourself from licking the pan clean as soon as it comes out of the oven).
KEY INGREDIENTS- This baby gets a whole lot of flavor thanks to the loaded up sauce, the multiple types of cheese (especially the creamy ricotta) and the wine that gets mixed in (but chicken broth could also be used, too).
SERVES- 8-10
WHY IT’S GREAT- It’s a one pan classic that everyone will love
BEST FOR- A simple meal that will serve a crowd
9. CHICKEN PARMESAN
A classic American-Italian dish thats not only cozy and comforting but also super hearty. While it can be a bit time consuming to make, it makes for a fun cozy afternoon of cooking and is especially perfect for a Sunday supper on a cold fall or winter day.
KEY INGREDIENTS- The key here is to use the freshest, high quality ingredients you can. Even things like homemade breadcrumbs for the breading make a big difference in flavor (but if you’re short on time, I promise that store bought will taste just as good).
SERVES- 4-6
WHY IT’S GREAT- A hearty classic loaded with comfort AND protein
BEST FOR- Sunday suppers and nights you’re craving American Italian comfort food
10. TRIPLE TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE
Let me tell you. You haven’t had mac and cheese, until you’ve had triple truffle mac and cheese. This stuff will leave you speechless (and also possibly in a cheese and/or truffle coma). This is definitely not an all the time kind of dish, because it is rich, but if there was ever a time to indulge in it, the colder fall (and winter) months are most definitely it.
KEY INGREDIENTS- Truffles, a whole lot of truffles, that’s the key here. But then again, I’m sure you already knew that. A few other things that make this dish- adding in sauteed mushrroms for extra umami flavor and use a pasta shape that really allows for optimal sauce in every bite.
SERVES- 6-8
WHY IT’S GREAT- It’s a special and decadent twist on a classic
BEST FOR- Holiday spreads and festive entertaining
