Tired of scrambling for dinner ideas on cold winter nights? These 13 filling pasta recipes will take the pressure off your weeknight meals. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a hearty dish that will warm you up and leave everyone full and happy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Flaky tuna and sweet tomatoes blend together with pasta to create a flavorful and quick meal that’s perfect when time is short. This easy recipe is filling and always delivers on taste. It’s a reliable choice for busy nights, offering just the right balance of protein, flavor, and ease of preparation, making it a great go-to dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
These large pasta shells are filled with rich, creamy ricotta cheese and baked until golden brown, creating a hearty, comforting meal. The melted cheese and soft pasta make this dish feel like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cacio e Pepe
Pecorino Romano and black pepper create a bold, rich flavor in this classic pasta dish. It’s simple and quick, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a filling meal without much effort. This recipe is reliable, always satisfying, and has just the right balance of spice and creaminess to make it a go-to option for an easy, flavorful dinner.
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Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Juicy, flavorful chicken, creamy feta, and tender orzo pasta come together to create a deliciously hearty and satisfying meal. The bold flavors in this dish work together to offer a balanced, filling dinner that’s easy to make. With its mix of protein, cheese, and pasta, it’s a well-rounded dish that’s sure to keep everyone at the table happy.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Veggie Pasta Salad
Fresh vegetables like peppers and tomatoes add a burst of flavor to this pasta salad, while feta and vinaigrette tie everything together in a simple, yet satisfying dish. Light but hearty enough to be a full meal, this recipe is perfect for a quick, easy option any time of the week. The combination of crisp veggies and tender pasta will keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
A rich cheddar sauce coats every bite of this creamy mac and cheese, turning it into a comforting meal that’s full of bold, savory flavors. This quick recipe is perfect for anyone craving a bit of comfort food without a lot of effort. It’s a simple upgrade to the classic dish, offering a delicious twist on a family favorite that’s sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
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Lemon Butter Pasta
The tangy freshness of lemon combined with the rich creaminess of butter creates a pasta dish that is both light and satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe offers a burst of flavor that’s perfect for a quick dinner on busy nights. It’s filling, but light enough to enjoy without feeling heavy, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for anyone looking for a simple but delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas and creamy Parmesan sauce come together to create a flavorful pasta dish that’s light but still filling. This quick, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for those looking for a simple meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The creamy texture of the sauce paired with the sweetness of the peas makes it a favorite dish that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.
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Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy, flavorful meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato sauce to create a satisfying pasta dinner that everyone will love. This dish is simple but packed with comfort and delicious flavors that bring a classic meal to life. It’s a reliable choice for any weeknight, perfect for filling up hungry appetites with ease.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Potato Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi is tossed in either sage butter or pesto for a rich, hearty dish. The tender texture and full-bodied flavors make this meal a satisfying choice that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe always pleases with its simple ingredients and comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies simmer in a savory broth to create a hearty and satisfying soup. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s both filling and comforting, making it perfect for family dinners. The rich, hearty flavors will keep everyone coming back for more, and it’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require much time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken and soft dumplings are simmered in a savory broth to create a filling, satisfying dish that’s sure to please. The richness of the broth, combined with the light, fluffy dumplings, brings comforting flavors to every bite. This dish is easy to prepare, making it a go-to option when a cozy meal is needed that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups filled with cheesy goodness offer a fun twist on the classic lasagna. These roll-ups are easy to prepare, filled with satisfying flavors, and perfect for a quick family dinner. The simple layers of pasta and cheese make it a hearty, comforting meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups