50 Best-Ever Pasta Recipes for Easy Dinners

Updated on March 1, 2019 by Melissa Girimonte

If only everything in life were as reliably delicious as pasta. Whether you prefer simple spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine Alfredo or cheesy lasagna, this staple food always delivers. Celebrate Italy’s famous export with our 50 best-loved pasta recipes.

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Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

A pasta lover's version of a favourite meal that’s on the table in an hour. A chicken Parmesan-inspired filling is stuffed into jumbo shells, which are then coated in marinara sauce and smothered with mozzarella before being baked to perfection. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-parmesan-stuffed-shells/21359/" target="_blank">Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells</a>
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Spaghetti and Meatballs with Veal and Ricotta

An Italian meatballs recipe is made best-ever, with veal, ricotta and Parmesan. A simple but stunning San Marzano tomato sauce and al dente pasta complete this eye-catching <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-ever-pasta-recipes/#!chicken-parmesan-stuffed-shells" rel="noopener" target="_blank">spaghetti and meatballs dinner</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/spaghetti-and-meatballs-with-veal-and-ricotta/21293/" target="_blank">Mark McEwan’s Spaghetti and Meatballs with Veal and Ricotta</a>
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Ina Garten's Mac and Cheese

Nutty Gruyère ensures the sauce in this family favourite stands up to the toothsome macaroni and sweet roasted tomatoes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-mac-and-cheese/15431/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese</a>
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Grilled Seafood Pasta Fra Diavolo

Giada turns up the heat with this spicy, decadent dish that serves up the bounty of the sea with a tantalizing medley of grilled lobster, shrimp and clams. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-seafood-pasta-fra-diavolo/20382/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Grilled Seafood Pasta Fra Diavolo</a>
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Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna

Cauliflower stars in this healthier lasagna (we're talking 8 cups' worth) that's elevated with part-skin ricotta, whole-wheat noodles and all the other classic lasagna fixings. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-cauliflower-lasagna/19525/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Roasted Cauliflower Lasagn</a>a
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Vegan Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulgent fettuccine alfredo gets a healthy, vegan twist by using eggless noodles, soy cream cheese, and nutritional yeast. It's a high-fiber, low-fat and dairy-free version that's as satisfying as the comfort classic. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-lemon-fettuccine-alfredo/20855/" target="_blank">Vegan Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo</a>
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Squash & Spinach Pasta Rotolo

Rotolo is a more uncommon Italian pasta dish that involves rolling pasta sheets into gorgeous wheel-shaped bites. This tasty recipe incorporates butternut squash, spinach and feta cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/squash-and-spinach-pasta-rotolo/13776/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Squash & Spinach Pasta Rotolo</a>
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Slow Cooker Beef Ragout with Rigatoni

Any recipe that is Anna Olson approved is a must-make in our books. This slow cooker beef ragout makes a hearty batch to get you through the week ahead. Pair with your favourite pasta noodle like rigatoni, as Anna does here. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-beef-ragout-with-rigatoni/12810/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Slow Cooker Beef Ragout with Rigatoni</a>
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Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

This decadent dish is truly as delicious as it looks. Classic mac and cheese is topped with a creamy butter chicken sauce for a satisfying casserole that spells comfort. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butter-chicken-mac-and-cheese-casserole/19828/" target=“_blank”>Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole</a>
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Lemon and Pea Alfredo

Traditional pasta alfredo is brightened up with lemon zest, peas, and pink peppercorns. Giada skips the heavy cream and uses Mascarpone cheese instead. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-and-pea-alfredo/20944/" target="_blank">Giada Laurentiis' Lemon and Pea Alfredo</a>
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Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

Don’t be intimated by this healthy pasta’s gorgeous presentation — preparing it is much easier than it looks. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-and-artichoke-stuffed-shells-with-arrabbiata-sauce/15503/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce</a>
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Drunken Spaghetti with Black Kale

The "drunken" element of this spaghetti comes from the addition of dry Italian red wine, which also gives the pasta its vibrant purple hue. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/drunken-spaghetti-with-black-kale/19474/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Drunken Spaghetti with Black Kale</a>
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Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna

Pasta lovers, meet your new favourite dinner hack: one-pot skillet lasagna with a healthy twist. Toss ground turkey, veggies, bow-tie pasta and cheese into an extra-large skillet and voila! – dinner will be served in under an hour. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-skinny-skillet-lasagna/17248/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna</a>
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Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Orecchiette, or “little ears” pasta, presents perfect little cups for trapping delicious combinations of sweet tomato sauce, soft bocconcini and tender, herb-infused turkey meatballs.Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/orecchiette-with-mini-chicken-meatballs/15505/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs<a>
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Turkey Bolognese

Lighten up a classic Bolognese sauce by swapping leftover turkey for ground beef. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-bolognese/16990/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey Bolognese</a>
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Puff Pastry-Wrapped Angel Hair Pasta Pie

This deep-dish Italian pie conceals a hidden surprise inside: angel-hair pasta, combined with spicy Italian sausage, tomato sauce, spinach and melted mozzarella cheese. Make it once and it’s guaranteed to become a family favourite! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/puff-pastry-wrapped-angel-hair-pasta-pie/20872/" target="_blank">Puff Pastry-Wrapped Angel Hair Pasta Pie</a>
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Chicken Carbonara

Featuring thinly sliced pancetta, Parmesan, egg yolks, herbs and shredded chicken, this spaghetti dish is far from average. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-carbonara/15474/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken Carbonara</a>
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Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Try doubling the recipe on this simple casserole dinner for a meal that keeps on giving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-penne-with-roasted-vegetables/15496/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables</a>
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Classic Risotto with Authentic Italian Flavours

Every pasta lover needs a classic risotto recipe in their arsenal, and this version by Chef Michael Smith is it. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-risotto-with-authentic-italian-flavours/12912/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Classic Risotto</a>
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Sausage and Eggplant Fusilli

Making a classic eggplant Parm could have you in the kitchen all day, but Giada brings that mouthwatering flavour to a simple, hearty pasta dish. Smoked provolone and sweet Italian sausage combine beautifully with seasoned aubergine, cherry tomato and fusilli. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sausage-and-eggplant-fusilli/21446/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Sausage and Eggplant Fusilli</a>
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Chicken Tetrazzini

This hearty dinner is a saucy combination of shredded chicken, fresh peas and herbs. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tetrazzini/15457/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken Tetrazzini<a>
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Butter Chicken Lasagna

Butter chicken and lasagna, two of the world’s most popular comfort foods, come together for a meal that can only be described as crazy delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butter-chicken-lasagna/13129/" target="_blank">Butter Chicken Lasagna</a>.
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Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls

Ricotta cheese, pumpkin purée and subtle inflections of nutmeg create a creamy main dish that's fragrant with fall flavours. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/creamy-pumpkin-lasagna-rolls/17589/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls</a>
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Crab and Cherry Tomato Fettuccini

Make any meal a special occasion with this easy dish from Giada De Laurentiis. Tender jumbo crabmeat and sweet cherry tomatoes are tossed with ribbons of pasta and finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crab-and-cherry-tomato-fettuccini-/21129/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Crab and Cherry Tomato Fettuccini</a>
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Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

For a quick weeknight dinner (that tastes even better as leftovers) toss together this flavourful pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, olives and feta cheese. You'll love the homemade dressing! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-feta-pasta-salad/15367/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Pasta Salad</a>
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Mussel and Chorizo Pappardelle

Homemade pasta turns this already over-the-top dish into a gourmet masterpiece. Don’t worry if you prefer using store-bought noodles — this dinner will still impress.</a> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mussel-and-chorizo-pappardelle/13504/" target="_blank">Mussel and Chorizo Pappardelle</a>
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Pumpkin and Pancetta Pasta

Colourful, healthy and hearty, this gorgeous pumpkin and pancetta pasta is the perfect base for leftover roasted squash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-and-pancetta-pasta/14927/" target="_blank">Pumpkin and Pancetta Pasta</a>
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Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi

A switch-up to traditional potato gnocchi, this pillowy ricotta version is lighter, easier to make and just as versatile. Served with a luxurious gorgonzola cream sauce, the Italian dumpling will be your new go-to for an extraordinary dish that’s a breeze to pull off. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/mark-mcewans-ricotta-gnocchi/21133/" target="_blank">Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi</a>
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter

Sweet potato gnocchi coupled with ricotta cheese and topped with a decadent brown butter sauce belongs on your dinner table. It's the perfect dish to make when hosting. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-gnocchi-with-maple-cinnamon-sage-brown-butter/19243/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter</a>
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Anna Olson's Beef Stroganoff

Forget the TV dinner versions — Anna Olson’s real beef stroganoff is nearly as easy and much more delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-beef-stroganoff/12806/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Beef Stroganoff</a>
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Spanish Mac & Cheese with Chorizo

While you can't go wrong with traditional mac & cheese, Lynn Crawford gives the classic comfort dish a gourmet twist with the addition of chorizo sausage, smoked paprika and Dijon mustard. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spanish-mac-and-cheese-with-chorizo/21280/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford's Spanish Mac & Cheese with Chorizo</a>
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Lasagna Rolls

Lasagna noodles are an easy stand-in for cannelloni in this stunning recipe that features spinach, ricotta, prosciutto and alternating ribbons of marinara and béchamel sauce. Plus, you can make a double batch and freeze for later. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lasagna-rolls/15475/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Lasagna Rolls</a>
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Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil

A light and bright shrimp-topped linguine gets added sunshine — and flavour — from its homemade lemon oil drizzle. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/linguine-with-shrimp-and-lemon-oil/15499/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil</a>
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Beef and Cheese Manicotti

You’ll want to stuff yourself with this stuffed manicotti filled with ground beef and whole-milk ricotta, doused in a delicious Italian marinara sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beef-and-cheese-manicotti/15447/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Beef and Cheese Manicotti</a>
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No-Pain Lo Mein

This aptly named one-pot pasta can be pulled together in 20 minutes flat. Prep and chop the ingredients ahead of time, and simply toss everything into a skillet for a hearty dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-pain-lo-mein/18360/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Lo Mein</a>
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Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel

This comforting one-dish meal requires minimal fuss, but the end result is heavenly. The combination of sweet Italian sausage, cream, white wine and fennel is both familiar and sophisticated and is a welcome end note to a busy weekday. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rigatoni-with-sausage-and-fennel/20409/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel</a>
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Macaroni and Cheese

Classic mac and cheese gets a fancy update from rich béchamel sauce and a herb-butter crumble. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/macaroni-and-cheese/14334/" target="_blank">Macaroni and Cheese</a>
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Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic use for Thanksgiving and Christmas leftovers, but it’s worth roasting a bird just to mix it with rich mushrooms and soft egg noodles, topped off with bread crumbs and toasted almonds. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-tetrazzini/16993/" target="_blank">Tyler Florence's Turkey Tetrazzini</a>
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Spaghetti Carbonara

Carbonara is the lazy gourmand’s dream: rich and decadent, it’s ready in a flash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/david-roccos-spaghetti-carbonara/16569/" target="_blank">Spaghetti Carbonara</a>
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Bow Tie Skillet Alfredo

Cute, kid-friendly bow tie pasta absorbs the creamy Alfredo sauce, providing playful contrast to juicy grape tomatoes and barely-wilted spinach. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bow-tie-skillet-alfredo/16612/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Bow Tie Skillet Alfredo</a>
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Chicken Spaghetti

Pantry staples and deli chicken come together for an easy, cheesy weeknight casserole that even kids can help make. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-spaghetti/15518/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti</a>
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Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi

‘Quattro Formaggi’ is Italian for ‘four cheeses,' but if a blend of fontina, Parmesan, Romano and goat cheese doesn’t entice you, how about savoury button mushrooms and fresh parsley on a bed of delicate angel hair pasta? Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pasta-ai-quattro-formaggi/16499/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi</a>.
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Mexican Baked Pasta

Italian pasta gets a dose of Mexican flavour in this easy fusion favourite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mexican-baked-pasta/16838/" target="_blank">Mexican Baked Pasta</a>
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Real Meatballs and Spaghetti

Veal, pork and beef create toothsome meatballs that are perfect for tossing with al dente spaghetti and a Chianti marinara sauce in this dinnertime favourite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/real-meatballs-and-spaghetti/15417/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Real Meatballs and Spaghetti</a>
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Cavatelli in a Cherry Tomato and Pancetta Sauce

Fresh pasta ensures quick cooking time in this easy dish featuring juicy cherry tomatoes and salty pancetta. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cavatelli-in-a-cherry-tomato-and-pancetta-sauce/17304/" target="_blank">Cavatelli in a Cherry Tomato and Pancetta Sauce</a>
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Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Pepper Coulis

Rich goat cheese gnocchi is a creamy foil for the zing of smooth red pepper and white wine coulis. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-gnocchi-with-pepper-coulis/9967/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Pepper Coulis</a>
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Mushroom Ravioli with Asparagus and Tarragon

A wine and broth-based sauce decreases calories while increasing flavour in this fragrant dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mushroom-ravioli-with-asparagus-and-tarragon/12807/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Mushroom Ravioli with Asparagus and Tarragon</a>
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Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

Soft, pillowy gnocchi is the perfect base for a tangy Gorgonzola cream sauce. You'll be serving this to your family every week from now on. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gnocchi-with-gorgonzola-cream-sauce/16395/" target="_blank">Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce</a>
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Penne with Basil Pesto

It doesn't get much simpler — or more delicious — than this pesto pasta. Whip up a gourmet dinner almost as fast as you can say, “presto pesto!” Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/penne-with-basil-pesto/13252/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Penne with Basil Pesto</a>
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Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Make your ordinary mac and cheese extraordinary with succulent chunks of lobster and buttery, crisp breadcrumbs. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lobster-macaroni-and-cheese/5762/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Lobster Macaroni and Cheese</a>
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