12 Cozy Winter Pasta Recipes for Cold Days

Are you in the mood for pasta? I’m literally always in the mood for pasta! It’s on the menu in my household at least once a week, especially on those nights when I want to serve up something satisfying and kid-friendly, whilst also being in and out of the kitchen in about 30 minutes. I love cooking with seasonal ingredients and making meals that match the vibe of the time of the year, and that’s why I’ve created this collection of 12 of my favorite winter pasta recipes. 

Some are celebrations of the beautiful produce that we can easily find right now, like butternut squash and sprouts, some are made with mostly store-cupboard staples for when you want to stay cozy indoors and don’t feel like a trip to the store, and all of them are warming, comforting, and the kind of dishes that your family will ask for again and again. 

A quick tip for making pasta dishes that are just right, every time: salt the water! This step makes a whole world of difference to the final flavor, and it’s worth taking a little time to get it right. Experts typically recommend that you use a heaped tablespoon of salt per gallon of water, or per pound of dry pasta. Give it a taste once the salt has dissolved – you want it to be briny, but not excessively salty like the sea.

With that covered, let’s get down to the recipes…  

1. Pumpkin Pasta Bake

You really can’t beat a pasta bake on a cold winter evening, and this recipe uses canned pumpkin puree for convenience, and three types of cheese for extra gooey satisfaction. It’s a veggie friendly dish that’s really easy to make, and I like to serve it alongside some garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a balanced, visually appealing dinner. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups spinach, fresh
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in cooked pasta and spinach until well combined.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

2. Winter Sausage Pasta

This winter sausage pasta is simple yet so flavorsome, and it brings Italian vibes to the table without having to spend ages at the stove. I sometimes to like to add a shake of dried red chili flakes to bring a little heat to the party, but it’s completely optional. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings and chopped
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. It should resemble ground meat by the time it’s cooked through. 
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes, then cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve a little of the pasta water. 
4. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. If you like a more saucy dish, you can add a little of the pasta water to thin it out. 

3. Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

To make this dish, you’ll create a delicious sauce with chunks of roasted butternut squash. It’s so much fresher and more flavorsome than any sauce you’ll ever buy in a jar, so it’s definitely worth that little bit of extra effort! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Reserve some of the pasta water. 
3. In a blender, combine roasted squash, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Blend until smooth.
4. Toss the pasta with the sauce, loosening up with a little of the pasta water if you like, and serve warm.

4. Ground Turkey Pasta

If you love a meal that incorporates a really decent serving of protein and some healthy veggies, this one’s for you! Ground turkey is full of flavor and it’s so budget friendly, and that’s exactly why this recipe is one of those staples that I often come back to when I have no idea what to make for dinner. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground turkey until browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and serve hot.

5. Rigatoni Bolognese

This classic Italian dish features rich meat sauce served over rigatoni, perfect for a comforting winter dinner. It has a wonderful depth of flavor, and it’s seriously cozy. I’ve kept the ingredients list here super simple because my intention is always for you to be able to create a family dinner with the least possible amount of fuss. If you’re feeling a little more fancy though, I recommend adding a good glug of red wine to the sauce. The acidity really makes the flavors sing, and adds a beautiful depth and richness. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz rigatoni
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Toss the sauce with cooked rigatoni and serve, garnished with fresh basil.

6. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This dishes indulgent yet really easy to make, and it’s a great choice if you love a dinner with sophisticated vibes. I’ve often served this one to friends for informal dinner parties and get togethers, and it’s always a safe yet delicious choice for a crowd. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Reserve a little of the pasta water. 
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms until golden. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, turn to a lower heat, and simmer until your sauce is the desired consistency. If you want to loosen it up a little, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve warm.

7. Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million dollar spaghetti has been hugely popular over the past couple of years, and it’s definitely worth adding into your repertoire. Think of it a little like a lasagna, but with spaghetti instead of pasta sheets! I’ve made this often for when I have people over for dinner and I want something that’s easy to make but sure to satisfy everyone’s appetites. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, cottage cheese, sour cream, half of the mozzarella, and the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.

8. Sausage and Kale Rigatoni

Super cozy, and a great way to get some extra green goodness into your diet! This dish feels like winter in a bowl, and it’s probably my favorite from this collection. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Reserve a little of the pasta water. 
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage until browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in kale, cooking until wilted. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, simmering until thickened. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if you want to thin it out a little. 
4. Toss the sauce with cooked rigatoni and serve hot.

9. Tomato and Goat Cheese Pasta

This winter pasta recipe is light and tangy, yet filling and satisfying, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a meat-free option that’s really easy to prepare. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Reserve a little pasta water. 
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in goat cheese until melted and creamy. Toss with cooked penne and a splash of the reserved pasta water if you want to make a slightly thinner sauce. Serve, garnished with fresh basil and a little extra crumbled cheese.

10. One Pot French Onion Pasta

This pasta recipe combines all the flavors of French onion soup for a ridiculously more-ish dinner! I first came across this concept over on TikTok where it’s been having a viral moment for quite a while now. I tweaked and tested with some of my favorite ingredients (I absolutely LOVE gruyere cheese!), and I think this version is a real winner. If you want to really push the boat out, I suggest adding a splash of white wine. The acidity helps to bring out all the gorgeous flavors, but it’s an optional and you don’t have to run out and buy a bottle if you don’t already have one open in the kitchen. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions until caramelized (about 15 minutes).
2. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in Gruyere cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. I like to serve it with a green side salad or some steamed veggies for a splash of color. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rotini according to package instructions; drain and set aside. 
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in beef broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer. Add Parmesan and cooked pasta, mixing well.

12. Lemon Parmesan Sprout Pasta

I know sprouts have a bit of a bad reputation, but trust me – when they’re prepared with a little TLC and are teamed with the right ingredients, they can be absolutely delicious. This dish celebrates the produce of the season, whilst still being light and zesty. So good! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté brussels sprouts until tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, cooking until heated through.
4. Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve hot.

Whether you want a pasta bake, a veggie based dish, or something creamy, there’s a winter pasta dish here that you’ll love. Which one will you be trying first? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!