Some nights call for a meal that feels easy but still tastes fresh and satisfying. Pasta is a favorite because it cooks fast, works with many ingredients, and always brings comfort to the table. These 23 pasta recipes bring fresh flavor to your dinner tonight while keeping things simple and stress-free. They’re filling without feeling heavy, giving you a plate that is both fresh and enjoyable.
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tender tuna and juicy tomatoes mix with pasta for a dish that feels fresh and satisfying without being too heavy. The ingredients come together fast, making it a simple choice for weeknights when you want dinner ready with little effort. This pasta is a great way to enjoy bold flavor while still keeping your meal light and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Lemon Butter Pasta
Bright lemon and creamy butter blend together for a pasta that tastes smooth, refreshing, and full of flavor. It feels rich on the plate but never leaves you feeling weighed down, which makes it perfect for an easy dinner. This recipe shows how pasta can be simple, fresh, and comforting all at once.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cacio e Pepe
Sharp black pepper and creamy cheese create a pasta that is bold in taste but still easy to enjoy. The short list of ingredients makes it quick to prepare, yet it feels like something special once it hits the table. This dish is proof that pasta can be rich and flavorful without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas add a pop of freshness to creamy sauce, giving this pasta balance and flavor. The natural sweetness makes the dish taste light while the sauce keeps it filling and comforting. It’s a great choice when you want pasta that feels hearty but doesn’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta come together for pasta that feels bright and full of flavor. The dish is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it an easy go-to for busy nights. This recipe shows how pasta can be satisfying with just a few simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Fresh spinach and tender orzo mix into a pasta salad that is light but still filling. The flavors stay clean and simple, making it a meal you can enjoy without feeling too full. It’s the kind of dish that proves pasta can be both fresh and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Spicy Harissa Pasta
Creamy harissa sauce brings heat and bold flavor while keeping the pasta light and easy to enjoy. The spice adds excitement without making the dish feel too heavy or overwhelming. This is a pasta that shows you can have richness and balance in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta
Pancit Bihon
Thin rice noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables mix together for a dish that feels flavorful yet light. The simple seasonings keep it fresh while still making it satisfying enough for a full meal. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy noodles that are tasty without being too heavy.
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Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and soft orzo create a pasta salad that is fresh and full of flavor. Fresh herbs keep it light and bright while still making every bite satisfying. This dish is a smart option when you want pasta that feels easy and refreshing.
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Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet cherry tomatoes and tender salmon pair with pasta for a dish that is full of flavor but not too heavy. The light sauce keeps it simple while still letting the fresh ingredients shine. It’s a recipe that makes dinner both easy and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Fresh tuna, bold pesto, and tender spinach combine for pasta that feels rich in flavor yet light on the plate. The dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for nights when you need something fast. This recipe is a reminder that pasta can be hearty without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy baked feta and sweet tomatoes coat light palmini noodles for a dish that is bold and fresh. The noodles keep the meal easy to enjoy without the heaviness of traditional pasta. It’s a simple way to make dinner taste comforting and still feel light.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spicy tomato sauce brings heat and bold flavor while keeping the pasta fresh and not too heavy. The simple ingredients make it quick to prepare, perfect for when you want something fiery but easy. This dish proves pasta can be both exciting and simple at the same time.
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Greek Spaghetti
Juicy tomatoes, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes bring fresh flavor to pasta that feels hearty but not heavy. Feta cheese adds richness without taking away from the lightness of the dish. It’s an easy recipe that shows how pasta can be simple and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Garlic, shrimp, and tomatoes blend with pasta for a dish that feels fresh and full of taste. The ingredients are straightforward but work together to keep it light and satisfying. This is the kind of meal that proves pasta can be bold without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Rasta Pasta
Creamy sauce mixed with fresh spices creates pasta that is rich in flavor but not too heavy. The recipe is simple to make, yet it feels like a dish you’d want to serve anytime. It’s proof that pasta can be colorful, flavorful, and still light enough for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Crisp Brussels sprouts and savory bacon give this pasta plenty of flavor while keeping it fresh. The combination makes it feel hearty but never too heavy to enjoy. It’s a smart choice for when you want pasta that tastes bold but still feels light.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic, olive oil, and spicy peppers mix together to bring a punch of flavor to pasta that feels simple, fresh, and light. The heat is balanced with smooth olive oil, giving the dish depth without making it too heavy. Fresh basil adds brightness that makes every bite taste clean and easy to enjoy. This recipe proves that pasta can be bold, satisfying, and full of flavor while using only a few fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Tangy lemon, creamy feta, and tender spinach mix with pasta for a dish that feels fresh and bright. The flavors balance richness and lightness in a way that makes every bite satisfying. It’s an easy option for when you want pasta that feels both flavorful and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Creamy walnut sauce coats pasta in a way that feels rich but never too heavy. The recipe uses a few simple ingredients to create bold flavor without a lot of work. It’s a dish that proves pasta can feel hearty while still being light and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Tender chicken, soft noodles, and crisp vegetables come together for a dish that is full of flavor yet not too heavy. The simple seasonings bring depth while keeping it light and balanced. This recipe is a great way to enjoy noodles that feel both bold and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Sweet tomatoes and juicy shrimp mix with garlic and pasta for a dish that feels fresh and filling. The flavors are bold but never too heavy, keeping the meal easy to enjoy. It’s a recipe that makes dinner feel simple, satisfying, and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Flaky salmon and crisp vegetables tossed with pasta for a salad that is hearty but still light. The creamy dressing adds just the right touch of richness without making the dish too heavy. This recipe is an easy way to enjoy pasta that feels fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad