Some dinners feel heavy, but pasta does not have to be one of them. With the right mix of fresh ingredients, pasta can be simple, easy, and full of flavor. These 25 pasta dinners show how simple recipes can bring comfort without weighing you down. They’re all worth savoring before the chill sets in and make dinner feel satisfying without the fuss.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Creamy Pea Pasta
Brighten your meal with pasta that combines sweet peas and creamy sauce for a dish that feels both fresh and balanced. Count on the natural sweetness of the peas to keep it filling without weighing it down. Try this recipe when you want an easy-to-make light pasta that feels comforting and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Lemon Butter Pasta
Bring zest to the table with lemon and butter that coat pasta in a way that is rich yet refreshing. The flavors blend smoothly to create a dish that feels satisfying without being heavy. Make this recipe when you want pasta that is quick, delicious, and simple to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cacio e Pepe
Turn a few simple ingredients into bold flavor with pasta coated in sharp black pepper and creamy cheese. This recipe shows that comfort does not have to be complicated or heavy. Use it as a go-to when you want pasta that is easy, flavorful, and worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Freshen up dinner with juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta that make pasta taste bright and satisfying. The ingredients come together quickly to create a dish that feels clean and filling without effort. Try this recipe when you want a delicious light pasta meal ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Mix tuna and tomatoes into pasta for a dish that is hearty yet still fresh enough to enjoy often. The combination is quick to make while offering bold flavor that stays light on the plate. Make this recipe when you need a pasta dinner that is simple, tasty, and never heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Add color and freshness to the table with spinach and orzo tossed into a salad that feels filling but easy to enjoy. The flavors stay clean, making each bite light and satisfying. Try this pasta salad when you want a dish that is thoughtful without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Keep dinner bright with shrimp, vegetables, and orzo tossed into a dish that feels flavorful yet easy to enjoy. Fresh herbs tie everything together while keeping it light and balanced. Use this recipe when you want pasta that feels refreshing and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Punch up pasta with garlic, shrimp, and tomatoes that create a meal full of flavor without heaviness. The ingredients work together to make something bold but still approachable. Try this recipe when you want pasta that feels satisfying while staying simple.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Add a kick to dinner with garlic, olive oil, and spicy peppers that turn pasta into something bold and fresh. Basil finishes the dish with brightness that keeps it easy to enjoy. Make this recipe when you want pasta that proves simple flavors can go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Keep pasta fresh with salmon and sweet cherry tomatoes that blend into a light sauce full of flavor. The mix feels balanced and never too heavy, making it easy to enjoy often. Use this recipe when you want a pasta dish that is simple, filling, and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Greek Spaghetti
Bring bold Mediterranean flavor to the table with tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes tossed into pasta. Feta adds creaminess while keeping it fresh and not overwhelming. Try this recipe when you want pasta that feels hearty but still easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Rasta Pasta
Shake up dinner with pasta coated in creamy sauce and lively spices that feel bold but not too heavy. The recipe comes together simply while still tasting full of flavor. Make this pasta when you want a meal that is colorful, fresh, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Brighten your plate with pasta tossed in tuna, pesto, and spinach for a mix that tastes rich yet stays light. The bold flavor comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Try this recipe when you want pasta that is fresh, filling, and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Bring something different to dinner with pasta coated in creamy walnut sauce that feels hearty but not heavy. The simple mix delivers bold flavor without much effort. Use this recipe when you want a pasta dish that is easy to make and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Lighten up mealtime with pasta tossed in shrimp, tomatoes, and garlic for flavor that feels bright but filling. Each bite delivers taste without weighing you down. Try this recipe when you want pasta that is both bold and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Add freshness to dinner with pasta mixed with lemon, feta, and spinach for a dish that feels zesty and clean. The flavors balance creaminess and brightness in every bite. Make this recipe when you want pasta that feels rich but still light enough for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Spicy Harissa Pasta
Turn up the heat with pasta tossed in creamy harissa sauce for spice that feels bold but not heavy. The balance of warmth and richness makes it filling without overdoing it. Try this recipe when you want pasta that delivers flavor fast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Put together salmon, pasta, and vegetables for a salad that feels hearty but still fresh and light. The creamy dressing gives flavor without weighing it down. Make this recipe when you want pasta that feels quick, crisp, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Mix rotisserie chicken and pasta with vegetables for a dish that feels easy and balanced. The creamy dressing ties everything together while staying light and approachable. Use this recipe when you want a pasta salad that is fast, fresh, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad without Mayo
Keep things simple with pasta tossed in Italian dressing for a salad that feels crisp and refreshing. The flavors stay clean and easy without heaviness. Try this recipe when you want pasta that works as a quick meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Pack in flavor with noodles, chicken, and vegetables that come together for a dish that feels bold yet light. The seasoning adds kick while keeping the meal easy to enjoy. Make this recipe when you want pasta that feels exciting without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Bring heat to the table with pasta tossed in spicy tomato sauce that is bold but still easy to enjoy. The recipe uses simple ingredients while staying full of flavor. Try this dish when you want pasta that adds spice without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Seafood Pasta Salad
Toss shrimp, crab, and pasta into a creamy dressing for a dish that feels filling but light enough for every day. The mix comes together quickly while keeping flavors fresh. Use this recipe when you want a pasta salad that is simple and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Mix crisp Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon into pasta for a dish that feels hearty but not too heavy. The flavors come together for a meal that feels bold yet balanced. Try this recipe when you want pasta that adds freshness with a touch of richness.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Pancit Bihon
Fill your plate with noodles, chicken, and vegetables that come together for flavor that is fresh and approachable. The seasoning highlights the ingredients without making it heavy. Make this recipe when you want pasta that is light, tasty, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon