23 Throwback Pasta Dinners From the 1970s

The 1970s brought plenty of creative pasta dishes to dinner tables across America. These recipes mix comfort with nostalgia, featuring casseroles, baked pastas, and hearty skillet meals that defined the decade. Full of cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, these throwback dishes are worth making again.

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Indulge in this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired pasta bake where tender chicken meets black beans, sweet corn and zesty tomatoes. Smothered in creamy sauce and cheese, this fiesta casserole brings bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole
Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This savory Chinese-inspired casserole combines ground beef with classic chow mein flavors for an easy weeknight dinner. Simple ingredients transform into a delicious fusion dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something different!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This mouthwatering casserole combines savory ground beef with melty cheese, fresh vegetables, and black beans, all served over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a flavor-packed weeknight dinner solution your whole family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This comforting casserole combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and two melty cheeses with tender pasta for a meal your family will request again and again. It’s simple to prepare on busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Casserole

Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef

Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef
Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef. Photo credit: International Hospitality.

This hearty Mexican casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy enchilada sauce, and layers of melty cheese for a dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Dive into pure comfort with this irresistible Cheesy Baked Tortellini. Cheese-stuffed pasta nestled in a velvety tomato sauce and crowned with bubbling mozzarella creates a simple yet spectacular dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in no time. This creamy chicken spaghetti casserole combines tender pasta, savory bacon, and gooey melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Hot Dog Spaghetti

Hot Dog Spaghetti
Hot Dog Spaghetti. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Transform your family dinner with this playful twist on pasta! Hot dog spaghetti combines two beloved classics into one budget-friendly, kid-approved meal that’s ready in minutes. The savory hot dogs add a delightful flavor to the traditional pasta dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Hot Dog Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This beloved classic combines al dente spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce that’s simmered to perfection. The rich blend of ground beef, sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic and fragrant herbs creates a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti
Easy Baked Ziti. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this cozy baked ziti that combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with creamy ricotta and gooey melted cheese. Make it ahead for a stress-free dinner solution that brings restaurant-quality comfort food to your family table any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Ziti

Olive Garden Capellini Primavera

Olive Garden Capellini Primavera
Olive Garden Capellini Primavera. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this light yet satisfying pasta primavera bursting with garden-fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Every twirl delivers restaurant-worthy flavor without the guilt. Your perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Capellini Primavera

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

This scrumptious chicken tetrazzini transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic. Tender chicken nestled in a velvety mushroom sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. A family favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini

30-Minute American Goulash

30-Minute American Goulash
30-Minute American Goulash. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This soul-warming beef goulash transforms everyday pantry staples into pure comfort food without breaking the bank. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight solution when you crave something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute American Goulash

Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles

Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles
Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This hearty Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort. Tender beef slowly simmers with earthy mushrooms, creating a rich gravy that coats every strand of pasta. It’s an effortless stovetop dinner that brings warmth to any weeknight table.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles

Chili Mac

Chili Mac
Chili Mac. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This hearty one-pot wonder combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, zesty tomatoes and beans under a blanket of melted cheddar. It’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Indulge in our velvety slow cooker chicken fettuccine alfredo that practically makes itself. This comforting pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Pair with a crisp salad for a complete meal the whole family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Linguine with Clam Sauce

Linguine with Clam Sauce
Linguine with Clam Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Dive into a coastal Italian classic with tender linguine swimming in a buttery, wine-infused clam sauce. This restaurant-worthy dish comes together in minutes, bringing elegant seafood flavor to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Linguine with Clam Sauce

Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Lasagna Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Indulge in the best of both worlds with our Lasagna Stuffed Shells! These jumbo pasta pockets filled with creamy cheeses and topped with savory meat sauce offer all the flavors of traditional lasagna with easier serving. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals!
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Four Cheese Manicotti

Four Cheese Manicotti
Four Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in tender pasta pillows stuffed with four Italian cheeses, all smothered in a homemade slow-simmered meat sauce. This make-ahead comfort classic brings authentic Italian flavors right to your family table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Manicotti

Classic Spaghetti Pie

Classic Spaghetti Pie
Classic Spaghetti Pie. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Transform ordinary spaghetti ingredients into a showstopping pie that will delight your family. This classic dish reinvents the Italian favorite into a sliceable, shareable creation that’s both familiar and excitingly new—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Classic Spaghetti Pie

Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This classic Italian soup marries tender pasta with creamy white beans, colorful vegetables, and savory broth for a comforting meal that nourishes both body and soul. Each spoonful delivers traditional flavors that have made this humble dish a beloved favorite for generations.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fagioli

Creamy Pesto Pasta

Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Stetted.

This velvety pesto pasta comes together in minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights. Customize with grilled chicken, succulent shrimp or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Keep this versatile recipe handy for those times when you need dinner on the table fast!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!

Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!
Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the ultimate comfort food upgrade with this homemade one-pot Beef Stroganoff. Deliciously creamy, packed with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes—it puts the boxed version to shame. Skip the processed ingredients and treat your family to this satisfying weeknight wonder.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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