Finding dinners that the whole family will eat can be tricky, especially on busy weeknights. These 23 easy pasta recipes take the guesswork out of dinner and make mealtime something everyone looks forward to. From cheesy baked dishes to simple skillet meals, there are flavors that kids and adults love. Most recipes come together quickly and use ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Butter Pasta
The pasta is coated in a smooth, buttery sauce that has a bright hint of lemon to keep every bite fresh and flavorful. It comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, which makes it perfect for nights when cooking needs to be fast. This easy pasta recipe is filling, simple, and satisfying, making it one that the whole family will say yes to.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Soft pasta wraps around creamy cheese and savory sauce, giving a rich flavor without the long prep of traditional lasagna. The rolls hold together well, so each bite feels indulgent and hearty. This is a simple pasta recipe that brings comfort to the table quickly and reliably for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna mixes with pasta and tomatoes to make a filling meal that’s light but satisfying. The ingredients come together fast and need very little effort to make a balanced dish. This is an easy pasta recipe that delivers protein, flavor, and a complete meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
Tender meatballs are paired with a rich tomato sauce that sticks to the pasta and fills every bite with flavor. The dish comes together quickly without losing the taste of a classic dinner. This simple pasta recipe is full of comfort and reliably satisfying for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta is coated in a creamy mix of cheese and black pepper that makes every bite savory and rich. It cooks in just a few minutes while still feeling complete and filling. This easy pasta recipe shows that simple ingredients can make a dinner everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Simple Marinara Sauce
Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs create a rich and flavorful sauce that works with almost any pasta dish. It’s faster and tastier than most store-bought sauces, making weeknight meals easier. This simple pasta recipe is handy, satisfying, and a great way to make dinners feel homemade.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Creamy cheese covers the pasta evenly while bacon and baked tomatoes add extra flavor and texture. Every bite is rich and satisfying without being heavy, which makes it filling as a full meal. This easy pasta recipe is comforting and familiar but more interesting than a traditional mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas mix with a smooth sauce that coats every piece of pasta, giving it a light but creamy taste. It cooks quickly and needs only a few simple ingredients, which makes it perfect for weeknights. This easy pasta recipe is filling, balanced, and works well when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Homemade Orecchiette
Hand-rolled orecchiette noodles have a chewy texture that holds sauce perfectly and gives a satisfying bite. It cooks faster than expected while still feeling homemade and comforting. This simple pasta recipe is filling, reliable, and brings a hearty feel to the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Soft tomatoes and creamy ricotta mix with pasta for a mild, filling meal that’s simple to make. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for busy nights. This is an easy pasta recipe that feels fresh, homemade, and complete without needing extra ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Flaky salmon and sweet cherry tomatoes mix with pasta for a light but satisfying dinner that comes together quickly. The simple sauce allows the main ingredients to stand out in every bite. This easy pasta recipe is filling, flavorful, and looks like it took more effort than it actually does.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Tender salmon, pasta, and crisp vegetables are combined with a light, creamy dressing that doesn’t weigh down the dish. It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal while staying fresh. This easy pasta recipe is simple, satisfying, and makes a great option for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Rasta Pasta
A creamy sauce mixed with spices coats the pasta for a bold and flavorful meal that cooks in no time. It sticks to the noodles well, so every bite is rich and filling. This simple pasta recipe is easy to make and keeps dinner satisfying without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Bucatini noodles are tossed in garlic butter with tender shrimp and blistered cherry tomatoes for a flavorful, filling dish. Lemon adds brightness while red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. This easy pasta recipe is quick to make, tastes impressive, and is satisfying for any night.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Caramelized Brussels sprouts combine with bacon and sun-dried tomatoes to give the pasta a smoky, savory flavor. Garlic and parmesan bring everything together for balance. This simple pasta recipe is filling, flavorful, and works well as a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
A creamy walnut sauce coats the pasta for a rich and satisfying flavor that comes together quickly. It’s easy to make and uses ingredients that are simple and accessible. This easy pasta recipe is filling, flavorful, and adds variety to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Delicate noodles are paired with a light buttery sauce and a golden seared scallop for a dish that feels special. The sauce is smooth and balanced without being heavy. This simple pasta recipe is quick to make, filling, and perfect for a meal that tastes more elaborate than it is.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic, olive oil, and spicy peppers coat pasta for a bold, flavorful meal that cooks in minutes. Fresh basil adds brightness while keeping the dish light. This easy pasta recipe is quick, filling, and proves that simple ingredients can make a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy baked feta and sweet tomatoes stick to noodles for a bold and fresh flavor that feels satisfying. It cooks quickly, but tastes like it took more effort than it does. This simple pasta recipe is filling, flavorful, and works perfectly for nights when dinner needs to be fast.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Asparagus noodles are combined with creamy Alfredo and crispy bacon for a pasta that’s filling but not heavy. The sauce coats the noodles evenly and keeps every bite flavorful. This easy pasta recipe is simple, satisfying, and feels like a special dinner without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle
Fresh asparagus and creamy, cheesy sauce coat the pasta for a smooth and comforting meal. It cooks quickly and gives dinner a little variety from the usual pasta dishes. This simple pasta recipe is filling, flavorful, and works well when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pasta holds pizza flavors with toppings that are fun and filling in every bite. It’s quick to prepare and works well for easy dinners or gatherings. This easy pasta recipe is playful, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when a simple meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Beans and pasta are cooked in a rich tomato broth that makes a hearty and filling meal. It’s easy to prepare at home and comes together with minimal effort. This simple pasta recipe is satisfying, flavorful, and a comforting option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup