Top 10 pasta recipes to feed a crowd
If you're entertaining a large group, why not serve a delicious batch of pasta? These crowd-pleasing recipes are simple to make and full of flavour
When you’re entertaining family members and friends, deciding on a menu that everyone will enjoy can be tricky. Pasta is a good option as it only takes 8-11 minutes to cook, and it's versatile, too. Check out our helpful guide full of tips and tricks on how to cook pasta. We've gathered our top 10 pasta recipes that serve over six people. From pasta bakes to big batches of bolognese, classics to vegan twists, we have something for everyone.
If you’re trying to save on energy costs during this cost of living crisis, check out our guide on how to cook pasta in the microwave and our best no-cook pasta sauce recipes.
As we leave the winter chill behind and welcome the spring sunshine, check out our favourite bright and beautiful spring pasta recipes.
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
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.
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2. Fajita-style pasta
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
