Put that box of rotini pasta to work with one of these fun recipes.
Our Favorite Rotini Pasta Recipes
Updated on Sep. 29, 2023
Colorful Rotini 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. Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, but I prefer rotini. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
1/26
2/26
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 314 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
3/26
Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without grated Parmesan cheese): 420 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
4/26
Southwest Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first saw this Southwest corn salad recipe in the Omaha paper a few years ago. It’s ideal for family get-togethers of all kinds. Hearty enough to serve during winter, this salad always brings back memories of summer picnics! —Joanna Lonnecker, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 323 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
5/26
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken bacon ranch casserole is a dinner that both of my wonderful (but picky!) children will eat. I can easily make it ahead and then bake it right before serving. Sometimes I add 2 cups of cooked veggies, like peas or chopped broccoli, for a complete meal. —Rebekah Schultz, Mantua, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
6/26
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For special days, I make this cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken and all sorts of veggies. Want a vegetarian version? Use vegetable stock and garbanzo beans. —Liz Bellville, Havelock, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 357 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
7/26
Sausage Spaghetti Spirals
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this flavorful casserole with hearty chunks of sausage and green pepper. The recipe makes a big pan, so it's nicely sized for a potluck. —Carol Carolton, Wheaton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 592 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1071mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
8/26
Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 661 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
9/26
Cheddar Spirals
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kids always loved this cheesy pasta and would sample a spoonful right from the slow cooker when they walked by. Adding cocktail sausages, sliced Polish sausage or cubed ham makes it a hearty dinner. —Heidi Ferkovich, Park Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 19g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
10/26
Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve swapped in other meats—such as chicken sausage, veal or ground pork—and added in summer squash, zucchini, green beans and mushrooms, depending on what’s in season. Also, fresh herbs really perk up the flavors. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 377 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
11/26
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
12/26
Garlic Bread Pasta Torte
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to stuff spiral pasta inside bread for a clever dinner torte. We save the bread crusts to make garlicky croutons for salad. —Melissa Birdsong, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without additional marinara sauce): 409 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
13/26
Sausage Pizza Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's pizza in a bowl! Here's a terrific (and tasty) way to make sure your kids get the whole grains and vegetables they need to grow up big and strong. —Danna Holt, Shoals, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 358 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
14/26
Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 251 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
15/26
Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. —Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 263 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
16/26
Spinach Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dazzle your hungry visitors with this crunchy salad. It showcases an interesting mixture of chicken, pasta, spinach and other vegetables. The delectable dressing complements the colorful ingredients. A hearty plateful makes a satisfying entree. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
17/26
Lasagna Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
All the traditional flavors of lasagna come together in this heartwarming bowl of comfort. —Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
18/26
Chicken Club Casseroles
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 casseroles (5 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken club casserole freezer meal is a warm, welcoming casserole that tastes as fresh and creamy after it's frozen as it does right out of the oven! — Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 584 calories, 34g fat (10g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1161mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
19/26
Turkey Sausage with Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You'll be craving what's good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sausage mixture with 1 cup pasta: 396 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
20/26
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
21/26
Triple Cheese Twists
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our stovetop macaroni and cheese is extra special, thanks to the buttery crumb topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 527 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
22/26
Meatball Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is just like a meal in a bowl ... or for heartier appetites, serve it with a sandwich. It's great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 248 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
23/26
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
24/26
Quick Antipasto Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always told my sister, Karen, I'd marry a cowboy—and I did! Patrick and I had a festive farm-style wedding. My mother prepared all the side dishes, including this tongue-tingling salad. —Kendra Waterbury, East Thetford, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 281 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
25/26
Basil-Lemon Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though I'm not known for my green thumb, I've somehow managed to keep a kitchen herb garden going. I chose this skillet lemon basil chicken to debut my first batch of fresh herbs. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with about 3 tablespoons sauce (calculated without pasta): 372 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
26/26
Curly Noodle Chicken Soup
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
9 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe to serve at a dinner I hosted for a group of friends. The main course was Italian, and I needed a good soup, so I converted a favorite tortilla soup recipe by substituting pasta and adding different seasonings. —Maxine Pierson, San Ramon, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 223 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
