Skip to content
Open menu Close menu

Feed your appetite for cooking with Penguin’s expert authors

penguin logo

16 warming pasta dishes for colder days

by Francesca Sleet

published on 4 November 2022

Make dinner something to look forward to on chilly, dark evenings with one of these cold-weather pasta recipes. Packed with seasonal heroes and plenty of comforting touches, read on for sixteen soul-soothing plates of pasta from the likes of Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Rick Stein and more.

Pasta all’ Amatriciana

Pasta all’ Amatriciana

This classic pasta recipe is the only one of the four Roman classics (carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and alla gricia) to feature a tomato-based sauce. And what a sauce it is. Rich, smoky, sweet and just a little spicy, it’s perfect for cold evenings.

Paccheri, ‘Nduja and Burrata

Paccheri, ‘Nduja and Burrata

by Dino Joannides

This warming pasta dish provides a balanced combination of fiery ‘nduja, sweet tomato and creamy burrata with every bite.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca

Spaghetti alla puttanesca

Anna del Conte presents her easy recipe for classic Italian favourite spaghetti alla puttanesca. Made with tomatoes, anchovies and olives, it’s the ultimate storecupoard pasta.

Pasta Carbonara with Cavolo Nero

Pasta Carbonara with Cavolo Nero

This seaonal take on a classic adds a subtle bitterness in the form of cavolo nero, which perfectly complements the sweet and salty carbonara sauce. For a more traditional version, take a look at this recipe from Jamie Oliver.

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta with Creamy Sauce, Crispy Garlic, Cauli Leaf Bread Crumbs

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta with Creamy Sauce, Crispy Garlic, Cauli Leaf Bread Crumbs

Made using only seven ingredients, this easy meat-free pasta transforms your favourite roast dinner side dish into a luxurious smooth sauce. Packed with cauliflower, it’s perfect for getting more vegetables onto your plate.

Pici Cacio e Pepe

Pici Cacio e Pepe

by Tim Siadatan
from Trullo

The classic Roman pasta dish of pici cacio e pepe is surprisingly easy to make thanks to this authentic recipe from London-based institution, Padella.

Macaroni Cheese with Smoky Bacon

Macaroni Cheese with Smoky Bacon

This truly indulgent take on a classic from Rick Stein is the ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and salty smoked bacon. Looking for a fresh take? Try the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen’s Middle Eastern version, complete with za’atar pesto, crispy onions and plenty of feta.

Butternut, Cashew, and Sage Pasta

Butternut, Cashew, and Sage Pasta

by Amelia Freer

This rich, vegan pasta dish pairs the classic combination of sweet butternut squash and fragrant sage, for a satisfying and simple midweek pasta dish.

One-pan Creamy Squash Pasta

One-pan Creamy Squash Pasta

by Georgina Hayden

A midweek meal favourite, this comforting and substantial one-pan pasta is quick and easy to throw together. Leave out the optional pancetta to make this a fully vegetarian dish.

Jamie Oliver’s Lasagne: Slow-cooked fennel, sweet leeks and cheeses

Jamie Oliver’s Lasagne: Slow-cooked fennel, sweet leeks and cheeses

Sweet fennel and leek meet layers of heavenly pasta and four delicious cheeses in Jamie’s ultimate vegetarian comfort food. For meat-based lasagne, take a look at Nadine Levy-Redzepi’s recipe here.

Lazy Lasagne

Lazy Lasagne

by Roxy Pope & Ben Pook

This totally vegan lasagne is also a complete time-saver. Made in one pan without the fuss of layering the different components, this comforting dish comes together in no time.

Nigella Lawson’s Pappardelle with Cavolo Nero and ‘Nduja

Nigella’s simple six-ingredient pasta brings together smoky, spicy’nduja and bitter cavolo nero. Swap the ‘nduja for harissa for a vegetarian take.

Beef Ragù Pasta

Beef Ragù Pasta

The very definition of a classic, a traditional beef bolognese will always be a favourite for the whole family. It can also be a steal for cooking on a budget if you keep your eyes peeled for cheaper mince. For a fully vegetarian option, try this recipe from Jamie Oliver.

Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pappardelle

from One

Comforting and delicious, this quick one-pan pasta will be on the table in just fourteen minutes. Don’t forget to top with a generous grating of Parmesan.

Jamie Oliver One Cover
From the book

One

Nigella Lawson’s Chicken in a Pot with Lemon and Orzo

Nigella Lawson’s Chicken in a Pot with Lemon and Orzo

This one-pot masterpiece from Nigella leaves you with not just a delicious brothy, lemony pasta dish, but a golden roast chicken too. We love to serve it on Sundays as an alternative to a classic chicken roast.

Mary Berry’s Bolognese Bake

Mary Berry’s Bolognese Bake

This all-in-one pasta bolognese bake from Mary Berry is comfort in a tin. A rich meaty sauce and plenty of melted cheese make this a winter warmer that the whole family will enjoy.

Share

You might also like


View all

Features

Our favourite fakeaways: easy homemade takeaway recipes

Whether you fancy Friday night fish and chips or a weekend curry feast, make it cheaper, healthier and tastier by ditching the takeaway menu and making your own fakeaways at home.

Features

Melissa Hemsley’s tips for healthy working lunches

Soggy salads and unsatisfying sandwiches be gone: 2025 is the year you give yourself the lunches you deserve. Most of us eat five lunches al desko or in the office...

Recipe Collections

Budget-friendly Christmas recipes

Christmas cooking doesn’t have to break the bank. This selection of budget-friendly recipes, from slow-cooked ham to tasty sides and delicious puds, will help you save on much needed cash without compromising on flavour.

newsletter

Subscribe to The Happy Foodie email newsletter

Get our latest recipes, features, book news and ebook deals straight to your inbox every week