Top 10 pasta recipes to feed a crowd

Or, if you want to impress your guests, try making pasta from scratch by following our expert tips from Olivia Cavalli on how to make pasta.

1. Chicken pasta bake

A large dish of chicken pasta topped with cheese next to a serving on a plate

Try our chicken pasta bake for a gooey and cheesy family favourite that's easy to make midweek. It can be prepared in three steps, and we have a helpful video tutorial with our chef Cassie Best. This recipe is perfect for serving up to six people, and you could chill any leftovers and give them to the kids for lunch.

2. Fajita-style pasta

Bowl of pasta with tomato, chicken and fajita seasoning topped with herbs and cheese

Take the aromatic flavours of a classic Mexican fajita and combine them with pasta for this easy, low-calorie, vibrant meal. It’s an excellent option for serving a large group as it can be on the table in 35 minutes. This recipe also tastes delicious cold for packed lunches.

3. Vegetable pasta bake

Large baking dish of pasta topped with breadcrumbs and cheese next to a serving on a plate

This delicious vegetarian pasta bake is loaded with vegetables, counting as four of your five-a-day. Get the maximum flavour from all your veg by pan-frying before baking for 15 to 20 minutes. You can freeze this dish for up to three months, too, making it a fantastic midweek meal to heat up when needed.

4. Nduja lasagne

Large baking dish of lasagne with a serving missing and being held above.

Upgrade a classic lasagne with the help of spicy nduja, which brings extra richness to this family favourite. Pair it with a crisp green salad, like our green salad with avocado or shredded greens salad.

5. Big batch bolognese

Plate of spaghetti bolognese topped with parmesan shards

Healthy and high in protein, whip up a big batch of this bolognese for a big gathering, or freeze half for when you need a speedy midweek meal on standby. You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker to save on cooking costs. Check out our slow cooker bolognese.

6. Vegan mac & cheese

Baking dish of mac and cheese with a portion missing served on a plate to the left

Make the ultimate comfort dish, macaroni cheese, suitable for vegans. Our recipe is quick and easy to make, so it's a great meal for busier days. Remember to soak your cashew nuts overnight for the best results, but if you forget, you can soak them in boiling water for 15 minutes instead.

7. Lentil bolognese

Two bowls of spaghetti with lentil bolognese topped with parmesan, next to parmesan and a grater

If you struggle to get your five-a-day, this vegetarian lentil bolognese is the perfect recipe for you. Not only is it healthy and high in protein, but it's also freezable, so you can reheat it midweek. This recipe serves six people, but it can be easily doubled.

8. Stuffed pasta bake bolognese

Stuffed pasta shells in a flower pattern, on top of tomato sauce and topped with basil

Combine two favourites – bolognese and stuffed pasta shells – to make the ultimate pasta bake. Stuff your pasta shells with mascarpone, mozzarella, basil and garlic for a flavourful oozy pasta shell. Serve bubbling from the oven for a true comfort food dish.

9. Tuna & sundried tomato pasta bake

A baking dish filled with pasta, tuna and sweetcorn.

This tuna and sundried tomato pasta bake is a great budget-friendly dinner recipe, mainly using affordable storecupboard ingredients. It takes only 25 minutes to make, and it's freezable if you have any leftovers, too.

10. Chicken, spinach & bacon alfredo pasta bake

Baking dish of pasta, tomato, bacon and spinach

Make the popular Italian-American pasta dish, chicken alfredo. We’ve used chicken, spinach and crispy bacon crumbs, but mushrooms are a good addition, too. The unbaked dish can be frozen for up to two months.