National Pasta Month is the perfect excuse to make noodles a little more often, and these 31 easy pasta recipes show how simple and satisfying pasta can be. From cheesy classics to light, fresh dishes, there is something for every mood and mealtime. These pasta ideas are perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or any time you want a comforting, simple meal.
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy stuffed shells fill tender pasta with creamy, rich cheese for a comforting dinner that feels special without extra effort. The sauce bubbles as it bakes, coating the pasta and bringing a hearty, satisfying bite. Try this dish for a simple and delicious pasta meal that works any night of the month.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Creamy Pea Pasta
Tender pasta tossed in a smooth, slightly sweet pea sauce creates a meal that’s rich but never heavy. The sauce comes together quickly and tastes like it took longer to make than it really does. Serve this easy pasta for a satisfying dinner that’s simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken and Dumplings
Soft dumplings and tender chicken simmer in creamy broth to create a hearty, comforting dish. The flavors are rich while the recipe stays simple enough for any weeknight. Enjoy this pasta favorite for a filling meal that pleases the whole table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini combines with tender chicken and flavorful broth for a soup that’s both hearty and quick to prepare. The cheesy pasta adds richness while the broth keeps it light and easy to enjoy. Make this simple pasta dish for a warm and satisfying dinner tonight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Sweet tomatoes and creamy ricotta coat tender noodles for a dish that feels fresh and satisfying. The sauce soaks into the pasta, creating flavor in every bite without much effort. Try this simple pasta recipe for a quick, delicious meal any night.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Italian Meatball Soup
Juicy meatballs float in a rich broth with pasta that soaks up all the savory flavor for a filling, satisfying meal. The combination is hearty enough for a family dinner while staying easy to make. Serve this classic pasta dish when you want something comforting on the table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Sharp pepper and creamy cheese coat tender pasta for a dish that’s quick, simple, and full of flavor. It comes together in minutes with only a few ingredients while tasting rich and satisfying. Try this classic pasta recipe for a simple dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tender noodles combine with savory tuna and a light tomato sauce for a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and filling. The flavors feel complete without extra fuss or preparation. Make this easy pasta dish when a quick and satisfying dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Warm orzo blends with fresh spinach and savory ingredients to create a pasta salad that is light yet filling. The flavors are balanced and simple to enjoy as a main dish or side. Serve this fresh pasta dish for a quick, flavorful meal any day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Soft noodles rolled around sauce and cheese bake into a golden, bubbly dish that tastes rich and satisfying. The preparation is faster than traditional lasagna while still delivering all the comfort. Try this pasta recipe for a simple weeknight dinner that pleases the whole table.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Homemade Orecchiette
Soft, chewy orecchiette hold sauce perfectly and make any pasta dish feel a little more special without extra effort. Hand-shaped pasta adds texture and interest while staying simple to cook. This recipe shows how a simple twist on pasta can turn dinner into something worth making.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmer in thick tomato sauce that clings to tender pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. The sauce adds richness while the meat makes the dish filling and comforting. This recipe is an easy way to enjoy classic pasta flavors any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Crispy bacon, juicy tomato, and creamy cheese mix with soft noodles to create a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. The baked top adds a golden crunch while the sauce stays smooth and rich. This pasta proves that simple ingredients can make a meal feel special.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Veggie Pasta Salad
Tender noodles mix with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing for a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish. The textures and flavors balance in every bite to make a filling and easy meal. This salad is a simple way to make pasta a highlight of any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Lemon Butter Pasta
Tangy lemon and creamy butter coat noodles in a bright, flavorful sauce that feels lively without extra work. The pasta soaks up all the sauce for a smooth and satisfying bite. This dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh pasta flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Tender chicken combines with soft orzo and herbs to create a balanced, flavorful dish that’s easy to serve. The pasta captures all the seasonings for a rich and satisfying bite. This recipe is a straightforward way to bring a tasty pasta meal to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Ramen Noodles Cold Salad
Ramen noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing make a light yet filling pasta salad. The textures and flavors keep every bite interesting while staying simple to prepare. This recipe shows that pasta can be bright, easy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodles Cold Salad
Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini
Tender pasta combines with creamy sauce and savory turkey for a meal that comes together quickly but still feels rich and satisfying. The sauce clings to every noodle, creating a smooth, hearty bite that makes the dish feel complete and comforting. This recipe is a simple way to enjoy a filling pasta dinner that tastes like it took more effort than it actually does.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini
Pumpkin Pasta
Creamy pumpkin sauce with spices and cheese coats tender pasta for a dish that feels smooth, rich, and satisfying. The subtle sweetness balances the savory flavors, making it easy to enjoy. This recipe is a simple way to turn everyday pasta into something special.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Tender pasta combines with crisp bacon and creamy dressing to make a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and easy to serve. The mix of textures keeps every bite satisfying and simple to enjoy. This recipe is a quick and easy pasta dish that works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese come together in a warm, hearty bake that fills the plate with rich flavor. The cheese blends smoothly with the noodles for a comforting, satisfying bite every time. This recipe is a simple way to enjoy a classic pasta meal that feels like a treat any night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Crumbled sausage cooks through soft pasta, adding spice and bold flavor to every bite. The slightly bitter broccoli rabe balances the dish, making it hearty without being heavy. This pasta shows how a few simple ingredients can create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tender noodles mix with creamy sauce and hearty tuna to make a filling dish that comes together quickly. The sauce coats the pasta perfectly, keeping every bite smooth and comforting. This casserole is a simple and familiar way to enjoy pasta without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Cheesy noodles combine with seasoned ground beef for a pasta dish full of bold, savory flavor. The sauce is thick and rich, making every bite hearty and satisfying. This dish turns classic Sloppy Joe flavors into a pasta dinner that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Pasta
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Soft pasta layers mix with creamy ricotta and tender spinach for a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and filling. The melted cheese binds the layers into a smooth, satisfying bite. This lasagna is a simple way to enjoy a classic pasta favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Alfredo Steak Pasta
Tender steak slices coat soft noodles in a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels rich without being complicated. The sauce clings to every noodle for a balanced and satisfying bite. This dish is an easy way to serve a restaurant-style pasta meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta
Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta
Creamy cheese sauce, seasoned taco meat, and soft noodles make a bold, hearty pasta dish ready in minutes. The flavors feel familiar yet fun, combining comfort with a quick weeknight twist. This recipe is an easy way to turn leftovers into a satisfying pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta
Rasta Pasta
Soft pasta mixes with creamy sauce, colorful peppers, and bold spices for a vibrant, flavorful dish. It’s quick to make and easy to adjust for different tastes or diets. This pasta shows how a simple, colorful recipe can stand out without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna
Layers of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and savory vegetables create a dish that’s rich but balanced in flavor. Every bite is smooth, satisfying, and full of texture. This lasagna is an easy way to make a pasta dinner feel special without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Tender noodles, savory beef, and creamy sauce bake together until hot and bubbling for a smooth, hearty meal. The flavors blend perfectly, making every bite comforting and satisfying. This recipe is a simple way to serve pasta in a way everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Meatball Pasta Bake
Juicy meatballs, soft noodles, and melted cheese combine in a warm, rich dish that feels hearty and filling. The tomato sauce brings the flavors together for a satisfying, cohesive meal. This pasta bake is an easy way to make a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake