20 Ways with Strozzapreti, Farfalle, and More Fun Pasta Shapes

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Whimsical Pasta Shapes

Lots of whimsical pasta shapes invite inspiration in the kitchen and are just plain fun to eat. These recipes offer appetizing flavors that all ages will enjoy, with fun pasta shapes that might make vegetables seem less daunting to your little ones.

Our first dish tastes as amazing as it looks. Strozzapreti with Favas, Peas, and Prosciutto uses twisty strozzapreti which gripes the prosciutto and peas. Riccioli, another great shape, are tightly curled spirals that would work well too.

View Recipe: Strozzapreti with Favas, Peas, and Prosciutto

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Farfalle with Fava Beans, Morel Mushrooms, and Mascarpone

An ideal dish to make as the weather gets warmer, this farfalle pasta recipe is so good you’ll be craving it year-round. You can use shiitake mushrooms and edamame as good year-round alternatives to morels and fava beans.

View Recipe: Farfalle with Fava Beans, Morel Mushrooms, and Mascarpone

Photo: John Autry

Rotini with White Beans and Escarole

Surprising ingredients create an exciting dish with mouthwatering aromas and flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for a mid-week meal for the whole family.

View Recipe: Rotini with White Beans and Escarole

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Pasta with Prosciutto and Spinach

Dress up pasta night with a hearty bowl of fresh cheese tortellini tossed in a homemade sauce. Serve with toasted bread for a complete meal that’s ready in no time.

View Recipe: Pasta with Prosciutto and Spinach

Photo: John Autry

Mini Farfalle with Roasted Peppers, Onions, Feta, and Mint

Ready in just 20 minutes using three easy steps, this recipe incorporates fun-sized pasta with high-flavor ingredients for an unbeatable dinnertime combination.

View Recipe: Mini Farfalle with Roasted Peppers, Onions, Feta, and Mint

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Fusilli with Caramelized Spring Onions and White Wine

This fusilli dish is low in calories and saturated fat, without sacrificing any flavor. Tip: Spring onions are those that have been harvested early—they look like scallions with large white bulbs. If they're unavailable, use Vidalia onions.

View Recipe: Fusilli with Caramelized Spring Onions and White Wine

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Garganelli with Asparagus and Pecorino Cheese

This cheesy pasta dish uses asparagus and lemon rind for a boost of flavor and terrific texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a dish that is perfect for family dinner or to serve to company on a special occasion.

View Recipe: Garganelli with Asparagus and Pecorino Cheese

Photo: John Autry

Rotini and Cheese

This hearty one-dish meal combines smoky bacon with tangy cheddar for a family-friendly midweek meal that comes together in a flash.

View Recipe: Rotini and Cheese

Photo: John Autry/Randy Mayor

Creamy Butternut, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Cavatappi

Cavatappi pasta offers a fun element to an easy weeknight dish. Full of exquisite, flavors from the walnut and blue cheese, this dish offers a pleasant palate of tastes and textures.

View Recipe: Creamy Butternut, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Cavatappi

Photo: John Autry

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Orecchiette (little ears pasta) is a classic shape that's ideal for this chunky sauce. You can also substitute short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, if desired.

View Recipe: Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Warm Tortellini and Cherry Tomato Salad

Extra virgin olive oil and two kinds of vinegar make an easy, classic dressing for this pasta-and-vegetable salad. You can also try this with chicken or mushroom tortellini or cheese ravioli.

View Recipe: Warm Tortellini and Cherry Tomato Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bacon Mac

This macaroni and cheese meal is sure to gather rave reviews from kids and adults alike. This family-friendly one-dish meal gets it richness from sharp cheddar cheese, which mellows the heat from the hot sauce.

View Recipe: Bacon Mac

Photo: John Autry

Lemon-Splashed Shrimp Salad

To ensure efficiency, you can purchase peeled and deveined shrimp to reduce prep time. Chop, measure, and prepare the remaining ingredients while the pasta water comes to a boil.

View Recipe: Lemon-Splashed Shrimp Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Quick Chicken Noodle Soup

The fun shape of the fusilli pasta in this chicken noodle soup rendition adds a little something special to this dish. To ensure the soup is ready in just 20 minutes, heat the broth mixture in the microwave to jump-start the cooking. Meanwhile, sauté the aromatic ingredients in your soup pot to get this dish under way.

View Recipe: Quick Chicken Noodle Soup

Photo: John Autry

Warm Pasta Salad with Shrimp

Toss warm pasta with the tangy dressing so it will absorb more flavor. If you prefer to serve this salad chilled, make it up to a day ahead, toss, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

View Recipe: Warm Pasta Salad with Shrimp

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Rotini with Chicken, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

Reminiscent of a pasta salad, this recipe coats rotini and colorful vegetables with a basil-flecked balsamic vinaigrette.

View Recipe: Rotini with Chicken, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

Photo: John Autry

Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This one-dish meal will win over adults and children alike. Substitute English peas or fresh spinach for the broccoli, if you prefer.

View Recipe: Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Photo: Randy Mayor

Farfalle Carbonara

It’s common to associate carbonara with spaghetti, but this dish uses fun farfalle-shaped pasta for a small twist on a delicious Italian classic.

View Recipe: Farfalle Carbonara

Photo: Anna Williams

Orecchiette with Peas, Shrimp, and Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

This herby pasta salad is perfect for a picnic or potluck gathering; double the recipe to serve a crowd.

View Recipe: Orecchiette with Peas, Shrimp, and Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Farfalle with Cauliflower and Turkey Sausage

Pierce sausage casings with the tip of a knife before combining them with the cauliflower to ensure they retain their uniform shape as they cook. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley.

View Recipe: Farfalle with Cauliflower and Turkey Sausage