The night before a big game calls for a dinner that’s filling without making the evening complicated. These pasta dishes bring plenty of hearty options to the table, from creamy chicken and cheesy casseroles to sausage-packed favorites and one-pot meals. Pick one, add an easy side, and dinner is covered before the busy weekend begins.
Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
Flaky salmon, pesto, cream, and Parmesan turn a bowl of pasta into a filling dinner without a long night in the kitchen. It comes together in about 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time to get ready for the next day's plans.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta (One Pot)
Tender chicken and creamy orzo make this one-pot pasta substantial enough for a busy night before the big game. Fresh lemon keeps the rich sauce bright, and the 30-minute cook time means cleanup won't take over the evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta (One Pot)
Creamy, Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Cheese-filled tortellini and tender chicken are coated in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a hearty meal that feels a little special. Better yet, this satisfying pasta dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
One Pan Pasta with Italian Sausage, Onions and Apples
Italian sausage gives this pasta plenty of staying power, while apples and caramelized onions bring a sweet and savory fall twist. Everything comes together in one pan for a cozy dinner that won't leave a mountain of dishes behind.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Pasta with Italian Sausage, Onions and Apples
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and pasta get tossed in a smoky chipotle Parmesan cream sauce for a dinner with plenty of bold flavor. It's ready in about 25 minutes, making it a practical choice when the evening before game day is already packed.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Baked Spaghetti with a Creamy Vodka Sauce
Thick pasta and creamy vodka sauce bake together into a comforting meal that's especially useful when there are several hungry people at the table. Prep is quick, and the finished casserole is easy to portion out for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spaghetti with a Creamy Vodka Sauce
Italian Sausage and Broccolini Pasta with Lemon Cream
Savory Italian sausage and broccolini make this pasta filling, while a lemon cream sauce adds a fresh finish. It's a balanced pasta dinner for the night before everyone heads out for a busy game day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Broccolini Pasta with Lemon Cream
Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with Ground Beef
Ground beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese make this baked pasta especially hearty. It's also designed for feeding a crowd, which comes in handy when there are extra appetites around before game day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with Ground Beef
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Spinach
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Chicken and spinach add substance to this creamy pasta while fresh lemon keeps every bite bright. With a 30-minute cook time, it works well when you want a filling dinner without spending the whole evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Johnny Marzetti (One-Pot Hamburger Casserole with Egg Noodles)
This Midwestern favorite combines ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, and melted cheese in one comforting casserole. It's hearty, familiar, and built for feeding hungry people before a full weekend gets underway.
Get the Recipe: Johnny Marzetti (One-Pot Hamburger Casserole with Egg Noodles)
Cajun Sausage Spaghetti
Andouille sausage and peppers give this creamy spaghetti a Cajun-inspired kick. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, so you can serve something substantial without making dinner an all-night project.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Sausage Spaghetti
30 minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Artichoke Hearts
Penne gets plenty of flavor from Italian sausage, tangy artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes in this hearty pasta dinner. The 30-minute cooking time makes it easy to fit into a busy evening before the weekend's activities begin.
Get the Recipe: 30 minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Artichoke Hearts
Tomato Basil Pasta
Fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Calabrian chili paste make this pasta simple but far from plain. It's a lighter option among the heavier casseroles while still putting a warm bowl of pasta on the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Pasta
Creamy Kielbasa Mac and Cheese
Smoky kielbasa turns creamy mac and cheese into a filling one-pan meal instead of just a side dish. It's comforting, straightforward, and well suited to feeding hungry appetites the night before a game.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Kielbasa Mac and Cheese
Easy Taco Spaghetti Casserole
Taco night and pasta night meet in this cheesy spaghetti dinner with plenty of bold flavor. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it an easy choice when the family wants comfort food before a busy Saturday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Ravioli with Creamy Pasta Sauce
Ravioli, creamy sauce, and melted cheese bake into a comforting casserole with the feel of lasagna but less work. It's a good option when you want a hearty Friday-night dinner that can feed several people easily.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli with Creamy Pasta Sauce
Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and Frank's Red Hot give this baked mac and cheese a game-day-worthy kick. Serve it the night before and you'll get the fun flavors of the weekend in a filling pasta dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
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