Kids always know what they like, and pasta is one meal they never get tired of. Whether it’s cheesy, creamy, or packed with hearty flavors, these 17 recipes are the ones they ask for the most. Each dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table every time.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Shake up pasta night with a dish that’s full of bold flavors and easy to make. Juicy chicken, tender orzo, and creamy feta come together with oregano and thyme for a fresh and satisfying meal. This is one of those pasta recipes that feels special without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Creamy Pea Pasta
Make dinner feel comforting and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. A smooth and creamy pea sauce coats every bite of pasta, while freshly grated Parmesan adds the perfect touch of sharpness. This is one of those delicious pasta recipes that turns simple ingredients into something rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Keep dinner easy without sacrificing flavor by making this quick and satisfying meal. Flaky tuna and juicy tomatoes mix with pasta for a dish that’s light yet hearty, while fresh herbs add a bright finish. This is one of those easy pasta recipes that always comes through when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken and Dumplings
Settle in with a warm and comforting meal that never disappoints. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings soak up a rich, savory broth packed with deep flavor from slow cooking and fresh herbs. This is one of those hearty pasta recipes that makes any night feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Lemon Butter Pasta
Keep things simple while still making a pasta dish that’s packed with flavor. A buttery lemon sauce clings to tender pasta, bringing a perfect mix of richness and brightness to every bite. This is one of those quick and satisfying pasta recipes that works for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Skip the box and make a mac and cheese that’s rich, creamy, and full of bold cheddar flavor. The smooth sauce coats every bite, turning a childhood favorite into something even better with just a little extra effort. This is one of those comforting pasta recipes that proves mac and cheese isn’t just for kids.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Spinach Orzo Salad
Add something fresh and flavorful to the table without a lot of work. A bright lemon vinaigrette ties together tender orzo, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta, while red onion adds the perfect amount of punch. This is one of those fresh and vibrant pasta recipes that works as a side or a light meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Warm up with a bowl of soup that’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. A savory broth surrounds tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables, making every spoonful satisfying. This is one of those pasta recipes that always hits the spot when a comforting meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Homemade Orecchiette
Take pasta night up a notch with a dish that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day. Soft, chewy orecchiette soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and full of flavor. This is one of those easy-to-make pasta recipes that brings something special to the table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Treat the table to a pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying. Jumbo shells are filled with a ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked under a golden, bubbling layer of cheese. This is one of those pasta recipes that turns any meal into a comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Potato Gnocchi
Make a pasta dish that’s soft, pillowy, and packed with flavor in every bite. These tender potato dumplings pair perfectly with everything from a rich butter sauce to a bright pesto, soaking up flavor beautifully. This is one of those hearty pasta recipes that always delivers on both comfort and taste.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Get all the flavors of classic lasagna without the extra work. These roll-ups are packed with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and seasoned ground meat, then baked until golden and bubbling. This is one of those easy-to-make pasta recipes that brings big flavor to the table with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Cacio e Pepe
Let simple ingredients do the work in a pasta dish that’s rich, bold, and full of flavor. Pecorino Romano and black pepper melt into a creamy sauce that clings to every bite, creating a dish that’s anything but ordinary. This is one of those hearty pasta recipes that proves the best meals don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Veggie Pasta Salad
Brighten up any meal with a pasta dish that’s fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor. A mix of peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes brings the perfect crunch, while tangy feta and a zesty vinaigrette tie everything together. This is one of those fresh and vibrant pasta recipes that keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Meatballs and Sauce
Make a pasta dinner that’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Juicy meatballs simmer in a bold tomato sauce, soaking up deep flavors with every bite and pairing perfectly with a plate of pasta. This is one of those pasta recipes that always has people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Shake up pasta night with a dish that’s bright, fresh, and packed with flavor. A lemony sauce coats pasta and fresh spinach, while creamy feta adds a bold kick that makes every bite satisfying. This is one of those pasta recipes that bring something light yet flavorful to the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Skip the takeout and make a bold, spicy noodle dish that’s packed with flavor. Wide rice noodles soak up a savory sauce filled with fresh Thai basil, tender chicken, and just the right amount of heat. This is one of those flavorful pasta recipes that delivers a big taste with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken