When it comes to making dinner in the winter, do you always seem to gravitate towards comfort food? It’s natural on those cold nights to want something warm and hearty. And there may be no meal more comforting than pasta!

The great thing about pasta is that there are so many different varieties and so many ways you can prepare it! If you’re looking for a few new recipes to add to your menu, then check out these!

• Cacio e Pepe: If you want a delicious dinner that has minimal ingredients, then here’s your recipe! Cacio e Pepe has only four ingredients – but tons of flavor! This cheesy, peppery pasta will be a family fave!
• Toasted Ravioli: How about a pasta snack or meal that’s perfect for movie night? Everyone will love dipping these in their favorite marinara sauce!
• Classic Baked Lasagna Bolognese: You can’t go wrong with a classic like lasagna! With all of the delicious layers and a homemade bechamel sauce, your family will think you are a professional Italian chef when you serve them this.
• Sausage Ragu: Here’s another easy one that you can have prepped in about 5 minutes and on the table in about 45 minutes. Based on your family’s preferences, you could use sweet, mild, or spicy sausage in this recipe.
• Lemon Garlic Pasta: If you want a pasta meal that’s comforting but not super heavy, then give this one a go. The flavor is bold and bright – and makes a great accompaniment to most proteins – like fish or chicken.
• Penne alla Vodka: Yes, this dish does have vodka in it, but the alcohol cooks off – so it’s fine for the entire family. Plus, it has a ton of other ingredients that make the sauce spectacular! Better than anything you could buy in a jar.
• Spaghetti alla Puttanesca: Fans of anchovies and black olives will love this pasta dish! (And even if you think you’re not a fan – you should try it!) It’s yummy!
• Three Cheese Stuffed Manicotti: If you like your pasta stuffed with ooey, gooey cheese, then here’s a recipe that will hit the mark! Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are your three kinds of cheese, and they make for one fantastic combination in this dish.
• Baked Five Cheese Ziti al Forno: This recipe ups the cheese ante by using five kinds of cheese: mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, fontina, and emmental (or cheddar). Ziti or penne is the recommended pasta, and you’ll love how baking it in the oven gives it a little “crust.”
• Chicken Florentine Pasta: Want a pasta dish that doesn’t involve a red sauce? Try Chicken Florentine Pasta. It has a creamy sauce with mushrooms and baby spinach, and it’s definitely comforting on a winter’s night.
• Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: Do you love shrimp? How about spinach and cherry tomatoes? And garlic cream sauce? If you’re nodding your head yes, then Tuscan Shrimp Pasta should be on your menu. This is a great weeknight dish because it can be done in around 25 minutes!
• Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli: Here’s a pasta dish that has your vegetable (broccoli) and your protein (sausage) built right into it! Serve it with some warm bread and butter, and you’ll have a complete meal.
• Gnocchi Carbonara: Every culture seems to have a type of dumpling – and for the Italians, it’s gnocchi. Gnocchi Carbonara is rich and creamy, and the pancetta and parmesan add just the right amount of saltiness.

This winter, add some pasta dishes to your repertoire. They’ll be warm and comforting – and just what you need after a long day of work.