Macaroni Grill Pasta Milano: Classic Italian-Style Pasta Dish

This copycat Macaroni Grill Pasta Milano combines roasted garlic Alfredo and pesto with mushrooms, spinach and Roma tomatoes for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill Recipe

This Pasta Milano-inspired dish delivers rich, layered flavors that taste like a restaurant meal but are simple to prepare at home. The sauce blends creamy Alfredo and bright pesto, while mushrooms, spinach and Roma tomatoes add texture and freshness.

Mushrooms and pasta are a favorite combo for many, and the spinach and tomatoes extend the vegetable flavor while keeping the dish light. It’s a satisfying vegetarian entrée, though you can easily add chicken or Italian sausage if you prefer more protein.

Made in one skillet in about 25–30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings. Serve it with warm, buttery bread or cheesy garlic toast to round out the meal.

If you enjoy make-at-home versions of restaurant favorites, this falls right in line with other easy copycat recipes that bring comforting, familiar flavors to your kitchen.

There’s a generous amount of sauce in this recipe, so serve it in a shallow bowl or on a plate to show off the creamy sauce and vegetables.

Tips for Making Pasta Milano

• Farfalle is bowtie-shaped pasta; shells can be substituted if you prefer.
• Use refrigerated Alfredo and pesto for fresher flavor when possible.
• Thoroughly wash and dry spinach; if tomatoes release excess liquid, drain some to avoid a soupy sauce.
• Fresh mushrooms, garlic and tomatoes make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage if you want a meatier dish, but the vegetarian version is filling and flavorful.

Ingredients Needed

• 16 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 Roma tomatoes, cut into chunks
• 8 ounces fresh spinach
• 16 ounces roasted garlic Alfredo sauce
• 6 ounces pesto
• 1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese

How to Make Macaroni Grill Pasta Milano

Prepare and measure ingredients before you start. Dry the spinach well and let the tomatoes drain a little if they are very juicy.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and cook it to al dente according to package directions while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced red onion, sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.

Add the chunked Roma tomatoes and cook another two minutes until they warm through. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. If there is excess liquid in the skillet, drain it before adding the sauces.

When the pasta is cooked and drained, either add it directly to the skillet if there’s room or plate the pasta and spoon the sauce over each portion.

Using regular large-leaf spinach is fine because it wilts down quickly; baby spinach works well too if you prefer it.

Finishing The Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the roasted garlic Alfredo into the skillet, stirring to incorporate it with the vegetables. Add the pesto and mix until the sauce is uniform and heated through.

Sprinkle or shave the Parmesan over the sauce, cover briefly to warm everything evenly, and taste for seasoning. Heat thoroughly but avoid boiling once the cream-based sauce is added.

Stir the drained pasta into the skillet if space allows, or spoon the sauce and vegetables over plated pasta. Adults often prefer extra sauce, while kids may like more pasta—serve as you prefer.

Serve warm and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–4 days. Leftovers also freeze well up to three months; freezing single portions makes reheating quick and convenient.

Restaurant Quality Meals to Make at Home

• Farmhouse Ham Loaf – a savory loaf made with ground pork and ham and a sweet pineapple glaze.
• TikTok Alfredo Spaghetti – spaghetti tossed in Alfredo, topped with red sauce and cheese for a flavorful combo.
• Cheesy Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Sausage – an easy family meal that freezes and reheats well.
• Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells – hearty stuffed shells with familiar burger flavors in a simple, satisfying dish.