56 Pasta Recipes to Bring to Your Next Potluck

Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake

When I take this dish to potlucks, there’s never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Baked Spaghetti with Cream of Mushroom Soup

This cheesy crowd-pleasing dish puts a different spin on spaghetti. The leftovers, if there are any, freeze well for a quick future meal. —Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio

Taco Pasta Casserole

My preschooler doesn’t eat ground beef unless it’s taco flavored, so I came up with this casserole we all like. To make assembly easy, I prepare the taco meat and freeze several bags at a time. —Kathy Wilson, Romeoville, Illinois

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

Friends of ours served this homey dish when we visited them in Maryland. We just had to get the recipe, and we have since added a few ingredients to make it even tastier. —Carole Rago, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Macaroni Coleslaw

My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota

Southern Mac and Cheese

No down-home meal is complete without southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts

Chili Mac Casserole

This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

Bacon Macaroni Salad

This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

Southwestern Casserole

I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Toasted Ravioli Puffs

I call toasted ravioli a fan favorite because it disappears faster than I can make it. With just five ingredients, this is how you start the party. —Kathy Morgan, Temecula, California

Stuffed Pasta Shells

These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri

Summer Orzo Salad

I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pizza Casserole

Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina

Creamy Macaroni Salad

When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Strawberry Pasta Salad

Bow tie pasta with strawberries makes a refreshing salad, especially with a little chopped mint. I multiply it for brunches, potlucks, even tailgates. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

Penne and Smoked Sausage

This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California

Antipasto Pasta Salad

This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. — Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It’s so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee

Veggie Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn’t come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon

Kielbasa Casserole

When I first made this dish, my 2-year-old liked it so much that he wanted it for every meal! You can use almost any pasta that will hold the sauce. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Mac and Cheese Bites

Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York

Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni

To make this twist on traditional baked pasta, we start with creamy goat cheese and build from there with mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheese. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio

Texas-Style Lasagna

With its spicy flavor, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. It's wonderful with side servings of picante sauce, guacamole and tortilla chips.— Effie Gish, Fort Worth, Texas

Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad

A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

Pastitsio

My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom’s.—Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana

Spinach Pasta Salad

This healthy recipe will shine as is, or double the vinaigrette and use half to marinate and grill chicken breasts if you want to add a protein. Slice and add to the salad. —Benice Silver, Carmel, Indiana

Taco Spaghetti

I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I’m lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

I am the mac and cheese maker for all family functions, and this version was created with my love of buffalo wings in mind. This spicy and tangy three-cheese macaroni is a huge hit at tailgates and potlucks. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Sloppy Joe Pasta

Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it’s become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Meet your new favorite mash-up: pulled pork mac and cheese. Pulled pork is swirled into the creamy pasta, and the dish is baked until it’s bubbly and has crispy golden-brown edges. It’s a great option to bring to a potluck, especially if you want to be invited back! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Sweet Macaroni Salad

A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida

Seafood Mac and Cheese

I wanted to try a luxurious version of mac and cheese with two of my favorite ingredients; lobster and cavatappi pasta. The result features gruyere, cheddar cheese and the perfect mix of seasonings—a little cayenne and nutmeg. —Rose Muccio, Methuen, Massachusetts

Vegetable Lasagna

I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It’s absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Homemade cottage cheese mac and cheese is made even better with salty, tangy cottage cheese and two kinds of cheddar. Not only does cottage cheese add a lovely tanginess to this decadently rich mac and cheese, but it’s also high in protein. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Cajun Mac and Cheese

This special mac and cheese recipe is the perfect combination of rich cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, smoky andouille sausage and touch of heat from Cajun seasoning. If you make it once, be ready for friends and family to ask you to make again! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Thai Chicken Casserole

When my family goes out, I can count on someone ordering chicken pad thai. I decided to make an easy version at home. Top it with a sprinkle of peanuts and cilantro. —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York

Tuna Mac and Cheese

We all know (and love!) tuna pasta salad or tuna noodle casserole. But tuna mac and cheese? Yes, please! The mild tuna and creamy, cheesy, buttery and toasty mac and cheese come together to create a decadent flavor combination of simple pantry ingredients. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Fried Prosciutto Tortellini

My take on Italian street food, these fried tortellini are crunchy, gooey good. For the sauce, use the best quality tomatoes you can find. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey

Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Experience a heavenly blend of cheeses perfectly combined in this classic comfort food casserole. Al dente pasta is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that combines the sharpness of aged cheddar, the nuttiness of Gruyere, the creamy indulgence of fontina and the salty punch of Parmesan. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Manicotti

This is the first meal I ever cooked for my husband and all these years later, he still enjoys every bite. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Gingered Spaghetti Salad

We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Yep, get ready for a comfort food riff on the classic jalapeno popper appetizer! First chop up a few spicy peppers and add them to a rich pasta sauce filled with gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar and cream cheese, then bake it to create a melty center and crispy top. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Baked Ziti

I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes, I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania

Hot Dog Mac and Cheese

Comforting mac and cheese with hot dogs is a nostalgic combo that brings you back to simple but beloved school-night dinners. This homemade casserole version gives you an ultra creamy sauce and total control of the ingredients. Add some roasted broccoli or a tossed salad to complete the meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Sausage Mac and Cheese

Adding sausage to mac and cheese makes the classic even cozier! The secret here is using a blend of cheeses and cream cheese, then mixing in browned bulk Italian sausage for extra protein and flavor. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Rich Baked Spaghetti

It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Pimiento Mac and Cheese

Pimento mac and cheese is the happy result of two of the South’s most beloved comfort dishes combining into one. Classic pimento cheese is a rich, creamy and tangy blend of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and and pimiento peppers, served as a dip with crackers and veggies or made into sandwiches on white bread. It also is a fantastic enhancement to homemade mac and cheese. Bring this special mac and cheese to your next gathering and watch it steal the show. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Greek Orzo Salad

This tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada

Beef Noodle Casserole

When I was working on the local election board in the ’50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It’s quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck.—Mary Hinman, Escondido, California

Herbed Artichoke Cheese Tortellini

This flavor-packed meatless recipe features tomatoes, black olives and artichoke hearts tossed with tender cheese tortellini. —Karen Anzelc, Peoria, Arizona

Shrimp Pasta Salad

Elbow macaroni, shrimp and crunchy veggies like celery, sweet red pepper and onion get covered in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and yogurt. It’s the perfect go-to when you’re looking for something light and tasty. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ham & Swiss Baked Penne

As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

Eggplant Sausage Casserole

If you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. —Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with Bacon

This is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Pasta Potluck Recipes FAQ

What’s the best pasta for a potluck?

The best potluck pasta is one the cook is excited to share with friends! Keep the temperature in mind, too—a warm slow-cooker pasta is best for cold days, while a pasta salad is perfect for a summer barbecue. Though it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, short pasta shapes are ideal if people will be standing while eating.

How do you make pasta ahead for a party?

For a cold pasta salad, add half of the dressing when you make the recipe and reserve half to add just before the bowl hits the buffet. You could also prep the topping ingredients and cook the pasta ahead of time, and assemble everything when it’s time to serve.

For a dish that’s meant to be served hot, such as lasagna, check the recipe to find instructions for prepping the casserole in advance. You should be able to assemble ingredients beforehand and time the baking so that the dish comes out of the oven right before you walk out the door.

How do you keep pasta warm or cold?

For food safety, transport cold foods to a party in a well-iced cooler. To bring a hot dish, choose something that can be made in or transferred to a slow cooker. For a hot dish that won’t work in a slow cooker, use a cooler as a hotbox. Insulation works both ways! Protect the cooler by wrapping your hot, covered casserole dish in clean towels.