Some pasta dishes are so simple and satisfying that you wonder why you don’t make them more often. These 21 pasta recipes are full of flavor but never feel heavy, making dinner easy and enjoyable. Each recipe comes together quickly and uses fresh, simple ingredients to create meals you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
Cacio e Pepe
Sharp black pepper and creamy cheese create pasta that is bold in flavor yet easy to enjoy. The simple ingredients come together quickly while still tasting special and satisfying. Enjoy this pasta as a flavorful weeknight option that proves simple dishes can feel indulgent without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Lemon Butter Pasta
Bright lemon and creamy butter mix for pasta that is smooth, fresh, and full of flavor. It feels rich without leaving a heavy feeling, making it a smart choice for easy dinners. Bring this dish to the table to enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal that is simple to prepare and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta blend for pasta that feels bright, fresh, and full of flavor. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for busy nights. Let this pasta show how minimal ingredients can create a dish that is satisfying and worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Fresh spinach and tender orzo mix into a pasta salad that feels light yet filling. The simple flavors stay clean, making it easy to enjoy every bite without heaviness. Turn this dish into a fresh and satisfying meal that will make quick dinners feel thoughtful and complete.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas add a pop of freshness to creamy pasta that balances flavor and lightness. The natural sweetness blends with the sauce, keeping it filling without being heavy. Count on this pasta to deliver a meal that is both comforting and bright, perfect for easy dinners any night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tender tuna and juicy tomatoes combine with pasta for a dish that is fresh and satisfying. The ingredients come together quickly, making it a convenient weeknight option. Use this pasta to enjoy bold flavor in a light, easy-to-make dinner you’ll want again soon.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Flaky salmon and crisp vegetables mix with pasta for a salad that feels light but hearty. The creamy dressing adds just enough richness without weighing it down. Bring this dish to the table for a fresh, satisfying dinner that is quick to toss together and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Crisp Brussels sprouts and savory bacon create pasta that is full of taste while staying light. The combination feels hearty without becoming heavy, keeping every bite enjoyable. Let this pasta brighten a meal while offering bold flavors that satisfy without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Zesty lemon, creamy feta, and tender spinach blend with pasta for a dish that tastes fresh, bright, and satisfying. The flavors balance richness with lightness in every bite, keeping it approachable and easy to enjoy. Make this pasta part of your weeknight rotation to enjoy a meal that feels both easy and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and soft orzo create a salad that is fresh, flavorful, and light. Fresh herbs lift the dish, keeping it satisfying without feeling heavy. Let this pasta salad become a go-to for meals that feel effortless but taste impressive.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Seafood Pasta Salad
Tender shrimp, crab, and pasta tossed in a creamy dressing that feels light while still filling. The simple combination comes together fast, making it a great choice for easy dinners. Bring this salad into your routine when you want a dish that is fresh, satisfying, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Greek Spaghetti
Juicy tomatoes, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes combine for pasta that tastes hearty but stays light. Feta adds creaminess without overwhelming the dish, keeping flavors bright and fresh. Turn this pasta into a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of bold, approachable flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy baked feta and sweet tomatoes coat light palmini noodles for a pasta that is bold but fresh. The noodles keep it easy to enjoy without heaviness, while flavors stay balanced and lively. Make this dish a dinner option to enjoy comforting pasta that feels light and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spicy tomato sauce brings heat and bold flavor while keeping pasta light and easy to enjoy. The simple ingredients make it quick to prepare, offering a fiery dish that doesn’t feel heavy. Let this pasta spice up dinner with a meal that is easy, flavorful, and satisfying to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet cherry tomatoes and tender salmon blend with pasta in a light sauce that keeps flavors fresh and clean. Every bite highlights the ingredients without feeling heavy or complicated. Add this pasta to your menu for a dinner that is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Spicy Harissa Pasta
Creamy harissa sauce gives pasta a bold, spicy flavor while keeping it light on the plate. The heat is balanced with richness, making each bite satisfying without being heavy. Turn this pasta into a quick, flavorful meal that delivers spice and ease at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta
Pancit Bihon
Soft rice noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables mix for a dish that feels full of flavor yet light. The simple seasonings highlight freshness while keeping it easy to enjoy. Make this pasta a part of your weeknight rotation for a dish that is tasty, satisfying, and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Fresh tuna, bold pesto, and tender spinach create pasta that tastes rich while staying light on the plate. It comes together quickly, making it a smart choice for fast dinners. Bring this pasta into your routine to enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that keeps dinner satisfying and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Tender chicken, soft noodles, and crisp vegetables combine for pasta that is full of flavor but light to eat. The seasonings are bold without weighing down the dish, keeping every bite satisfying. Let this pasta be your go-to for a meal that feels bold, fresh, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Creamy walnut sauce coats pasta in a way that is rich but still light and easy to enjoy. The simple ingredients create a bold taste without a lot of effort. Turn this pasta into a meal that is both hearty in flavor and easy enough for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Rotisserie chicken, crisp vegetables, and pasta tossed in a creamy dressing that feels light while staying filling. The flavors are fresh and approachable, making it simple to prepare quickly. Use this pasta salad to enjoy a fast, satisfying dinner that is easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad