10+ Pasta Recipes for Large Groups: Delicious Dishes Everyone Will Love

When you need to feed a large group, pasta is an excellent choice. These pasta recipes are designed to be both delicious and easy to prepare, ensuring that everyone at your gathering is satisfied. Whether you are hosting a family reunion, a birthday party, or a casual get-together, you can whip up hearty dishes that everyone will love.

Pasta dishes are versatile and can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From creamy sauces to hearty bakes, there is a pasta recipe that fits every occasion. These recipes not only save time in the kitchen but also allow you to spend more time enjoying the company of your guests.

1) Easy Caprese Pasta

Easy Caprese Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the fresh flavors of a classic caprese salad into a warm pasta meal. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for large groups.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté garlic in olive oil and add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until they soften.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the tomato mixture. Toss in fresh mozzarella and basil for that traditional caprese taste. Drizzle with more olive oil before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (0.5 kg) of thin spaghetti or linguine
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces (280 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mozzarella, cubed
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Drain pasta and combine with the tomato mixture.
5. Fold in mozzarella and basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

2) One-Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake

This One-Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake is a delicious choice for feeding a crowd. It combines the flavors of French onion soup with pasta, making it comforting and satisfying.

You’ll love the richness from caramelized onions and a creamy sauce. Just imagine melting cheese on top for a perfect finish!

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cremini or wild mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in the mushrooms and thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and cream, then bring to a simmer.
5. Add the pasta and stir until cooked, about 10–12 minutes.
6. Mix in one cup of cheese and pour into a baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly.

3) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a great dish for large gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Combining pasta, sauce, and cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at your table.

You can make baked ziti with various ingredients. For a classic version, use ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add ground meat if you want extra flavor.

This dish bakes in the oven, creating a delicious cheesy top. It’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners. You can prepare it ahead of time and heat it when your guests arrive.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 4 cups (1 liter) marinara sauce
• 15 ounces (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and mix it with marinara sauce in a large bowl.
4. In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by ricotta cheese.
5. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Add the remaining pasta and cheeses on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

4) Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a great dish for feeding a crowd. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in a creamy sauce. Topped with breadcrumbs, it gets a tasty crunch.

This recipe is easy to prepare. You just mix everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. In about 90 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup creamy sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

5) Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

This creamy chicken Alfredo casserole is a perfect dish for feeding a crowd. It’s simple to prepare and very satisfying. You can make it with cooked chicken, pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce.

Start by mixing cooked pasta, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, and some cheese in a large bowl. Stir everything well to combine the ingredients. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with more cheese for that delicious, gooey finish. Bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

Your casserole will be ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve it hot and enjoy a tasty meal with your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce.
3. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6) Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna

Homestyle ground beef lasagna is a comforting dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for feeding a large group. With layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, it’s hearty and satisfying.

To make this lasagna, start by cooking the ground beef with onions until browned. Then mix in your favorite pasta sauce. Cook the noodles according to the package directions.

In a big baking dish, layer the noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with extra cheese on top. Bake in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.

Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers stay together. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups pasta sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.
3. Stir in pasta sauce and simmer.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. In a baking dish, layer noodles, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers and top with more mozzarella.
7. Bake for about 45 minutes.

7) Fajita-Style Pasta

Fajita-style pasta is a fun and flavorful dish perfect for large groups. It combines pasta with classic fajita ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, and onions.

You’ll start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. As your pasta cooks, sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until they’re tender. Then, add cooked chicken and fajita seasoning for extra flavor.

Mix everything together with your pasta for a hearty meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra richness.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (like penne or ziti)
• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add sliced chicken and fajita seasoning. Cook until chicken is done.
5. Toss cooked pasta with chicken, peppers, and onions.
6. Top with cheese if desired and serve hot.

8) Vegetable Pasta Bake

A Vegetable Pasta Bake is a delicious option for feeding a crowd. It combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and cheese for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

You can use a mix of your favorite veggies. Common choices include bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. This not only boosts flavor but also adds color to your dish.

For extra creaminess, use a creamy tomato sauce. Topping it with two types of cheese makes it even more special.

This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for parties.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, spinach)
• 1 jar (about 24 ounces) of creamy tomato sauce
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions; drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix the pasta, vegetables, and sauce.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

9) Nduja Lasagne

Nduja lasagne is a great choice for feeding a crowd. This dish combines layers of pasta with rich sausage and creamy cheeses. It’s packed with flavor, making it a hit at any gathering.

To start, prepare the nduja sauce. Nduja is a spicy, spreadable salami that adds a unique kick to your dish. Mixing it with beef mince creates a delicious ragu.

Stack the layers of pasta, sauce, and a mix of mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan. This combination makes the lasagne extra creamy and satisfying. Bake until bubbly and golden.

It’s perfect for serving with a fresh salad on the side. Your guests will love this tasty twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagne sheets
• 250g nduja
• 250g beef mince
• 200g mascarpone
• 200g mozzarella, shredded
• 100g parmesan, grated
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, cook the beef mince until browned.
3. Add nduja and chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a baking dish, layer pasta, ragu, and cheeses.
5. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

10) Big Batch Bolognese

Making a big batch of bolognese is perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty sauce is great for family gatherings or meal prep. You can freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ground meat. Once browned, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and your favorite herbs. Let it simmer for a few hours to deepen the flavors.

This sauce can comfortably serve 24 people, or you can freeze half for busy nights. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a delicious and filling meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 cans (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
5. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.