Some nights call for a meal that feels simple but is still comforting after a long day. Pasta is always a good choice because it cooks fast and comes together with just a few ingredients. These 27 easy and irresistible pasta dishes are perfect for cozy weeknights when you want dinner to feel special without making it complicated.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta, cheese, and black pepper come together to make a dish that feels rich without being complicated. This easy pasta recipe is one of the fastest to prepare and still tastes like something you would order out. Every forkful proves that comfort does not need a long list of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Potato Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy gnocchi make a dinner that feels comforting and special with very little work. This easy pasta dish comes together more quickly than most expect, yet it still delivers that homemade touch. Toss it with your favorite sauce, and you have a meal that fills you up and feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Tender chicken, salty feta, and seasoned orzo create a mix of flavors that are simple but satisfying. This easy pasta dish comes together fast and does not require much effort in the kitchen. The combination of fresh and hearty ingredients makes it a recipe worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini, chunks of chicken, and a savory broth make this soup both filling and easy to prepare. It is an easy pasta recipe that works for busy nights but still feels like a full dinner on its own. Every spoonful brings comfort and flavor that keeps you coming back.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes make this version of mac and cheese more flavorful and hearty. This easy pasta dinner is creamy, warm, and far more satisfying than the boxed kind from childhood. Baked until bubbling, it delivers comfort without needing much effort.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tender pasta, mild tuna, and fresh tomato combine for a light but flavorful dinner. This easy pasta recipe is quick enough for both lunch and dinner, making it a dependable weeknight choice. The simple ingredients create a meal that feels fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Grape tomatoes and creamy ricotta add color and flavor to a simple bowl of pasta. This easy pasta dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for a busy night. The balance of fresh and filling ingredients makes it one to keep in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Homemade Orecchiette
Hand-shaped orecchiette gives pasta night a chewy texture that feels special without being hard to make. This delicious pasta dish holds sauce in every curve, making each bite more satisfying. It is a homemade recipe that is still easy enough for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Lemon Butter Pasta
Tangy lemon and silky butter coat tender pasta for a simple but flavorful dinner. This easy pasta recipe uses just a few ingredients and comes together quickly. The balance of flavors makes it one of those dishes you want to cook again and again.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmer together in a broth that soaks up every bit of flavor. This easy recipe is simple to prepare but still feels hearty and complete. Each serving proves that quick meals can be cozy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Creamy Pea Pasta
A smooth pea sauce gives this pasta a fresh taste while keeping it rich and creamy. This easy pasta dish takes only minutes to make, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Every bite shows that simple ingredients can still create something worth serving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
Tender meatballs slowly simmer in a rich tomato sauce, filling the kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone hungry right away. This easy pasta dinner comes together without much effort, yet the flavor is deep, comforting, and something you will want to make again and again. It is a classic recipe that never loses its charm and always leaves the table quiet as everyone digs in.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups pack pasta, sauce, and cheese into portions that are quick to make and easy to serve. This easy pasta dish gives you the flavor of classic lasagna without the long prep time. Each roll is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Italian Meatball Soup
Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a savory broth come together for a meal that fills you up. This easy pasta soup feels hearty enough to serve as dinner and is simple to prepare. Every bowl is full of comfort and flavor worth making more than once.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce bake together for a casserole that feels classic and easy. This easy pasta recipe comes together in under an hour and makes enough for the whole family. Leftovers reheat well, making it a smart choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Classic Minestrone Soup
Vegetables, pasta, and beans simmer together to make a soup that is simple, hearty, and perfect for busy nights when you need comfort fast. This easy pasta soup brings big flavor without a long list of ingredients, so it feels approachable even when time is short. It is the kind of dependable recipe that always satisfies and leaves everyone at the table feeling full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Minestrone Soup
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Layers of spinach, ricotta, pasta, and sauce bake into a cheesy, hearty meal that even meat lovers will enjoy. This easy pasta recipe proves that a vegetarian dish can still be full of flavor. Every bite feels warm, filling, and worth a spot in the weekly lineup.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Thin ribbons of asparagus get tossed with creamy Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon for a fresh twist on pasta. This easy dish cooks quickly and still gives you that same rich comfort as a traditional pasta. It is simple, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Spaghetti Casserole
Layers of spaghetti, savory sauce, and plenty of melted cheese bake together into a warm and hearty dish that feels like comfort in every bite. This easy pasta recipe is loaded with familiar flavors that always satisfy, making it a go-to option when you want dinner to feel both simple and special. It is a dependable choice for busy nights or Sunday suppers when you need a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken, noodles, broccoli, and cheese bake together under a crisp topping for a hearty meal. This easy pasta recipe is filling, flavorful, and simple to prepare in about an hour. It is a comforting dish that works well for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne
Creamy tomato sauce coats pasta and slices of savory sausage for a dinner that feels rich and complete. This easy pasta dish is simple to prepare but bold in flavor. It is the kind of recipe that makes a weeknight feel more satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Delicate strands of pasta are coated in a buttery Beurre Blanc sauce and topped with a golden seared scallop. This pasta dish feels elegant while still being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The balance of rich sauce and tender noodles makes it worth savoring.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Tender noodles, beef, shrimp, and crisp vegetables come together in a savory stir fry. This easy noodle recipe cooks quickly, making it a smart choice for busy evenings. The mix of protein, veggies, and noodles makes it hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Creamy ranch dressing coats pasta and bacon for a salad that is flavorful and filling. This easy pasta recipe can work as a side dish or a main meal, depending on what you need. Its bold flavors and simple ingredients make it worth keeping on hand.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta, salmon, and vegetables get tossed in a creamy dressing for a salad that feels both fresh and filling. This easy pasta dish is quick to make and works as either a side or a main meal. The balance of flavors makes it a recipe worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta, beans, and vegetables simmer together in a broth that is rich and comforting. This easy pasta soup is simple to prepare and tastes even better than the restaurant version. It is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Avocado Pesto Pasta
Creamy avocado pesto coats pasta for a dish that is rich, fresh, and full of flavor. This easy pasta recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. The mix of silky sauce and tender noodles makes it a dependable choice when you want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta