If you want a dinner that comes together quickly but still feels satisfying, pasta and noodles are a smart choice. These 29 recipes are simple enough for busy nights yet full of flavor that makes them feel special. From classic pasta dishes to noodle mixes with vegetables or protein, each meal proves that easy cooking can still be delicious. Keep this list handy for times when you want a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Potato Gnocchi
Soft gnocchi have a pillowy texture that makes each bite feel cozy and comforting. Even though it looks like a special dinner, it comes together with less effort than most people expect. Try this simple and delicious pasta dish when you want a meal that feels complete and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Rolled pasta stuffed with cheese and sauce gives you all the flavor of classic lasagna in less time. The dish is hearty, cheesy, and easy to serve without long prep. Make these lasagna roll-ups when you want a delicious pasta dish that fills the table and pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Juicy chicken, salty feta, and orzo pasta create a mix of flavors that feel balanced and filling. This recipe comes together quickly but tastes like something that took time to prepare. Cook this easy pasta dish to enjoy a meal that is both comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Lemon Butter Pasta
A bright touch of lemon with silky butter turns simple pasta into a flavorful dinner. It comes together quickly and feels complete with just a few ingredients. Try this easy pasta recipe when you want something light, tasty, and effortless to make.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken simmers with fluffy dumplings in a broth that absorbs every bit of flavor. The recipe is simple but filling, making it a reliable choice for any night. Serve this dish to show that comfort and ease can come together in a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Creamy Pea Pasta
A smooth pea sauce coats every strand of pasta with fresh flavor and gentle creaminess. This recipe only takes a few minutes to make, but still delivers a meal that tastes special and filling. Make this simple pasta dish when you want a dish that is both easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta, cheese, and black pepper come together in a dish that feels rich and full of flavor. It is one of the fastest pasta recipes to prepare, yet it never fails to satisfy. Try this simple pasta recipe when you want dinner that is quick but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmer in tomato sauce for a dinner that feels hearty and complete. The steps are simple, but the flavors are deep and satisfying. Make this classic pasta dish when you want comfort food that is easy to cook.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes turn mac and cheese into a creamy, filling meal. Baked until bubbling, it gives a dish that feels warm and comforting without much effort. Try this easy pasta recipe when you want a familiar dish that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Mild tuna mixes with juicy tomatoes and pasta for a meal that feels light but satisfying. It takes very little time and works for both lunch and dinner. Cook this easy pasta dish when you want a flavorful meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Homemade Orecchiette
Hand-shaped orecchiette add a chewy texture that makes each bite more satisfying. The process feels special but is simple enough for home cooks. Try this easy pasta dish when you want a meal that looks homemade but comes together without stress.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini floats with chunks of chicken in a broth that is both hearty and comforting. This recipe is quick to prepare yet still feels like a full dinner. Serve this easy pasta soup when you want a warm and satisfying meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Italian Meatball Soup
Tender meatballs, pasta, and a savory broth make a meal that fills you up with every spoonful. The steps are simple, but the flavors are rich and comforting. Make this pasta soup when you want a dish that is both easy to cook and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta blend into pasta for a dish that feels fresh but filling. It only takes about half an hour to prepare, making it a smart choice when time is short. Try this easy pasta recipe when you want a meal that is simple, satisfying, and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Meatball Pasta Bake
Tender meatballs mix with pasta and cheese in a casserole that bakes into bubbling comfort. The recipe is straightforward, giving you a hearty meal with little effort. Serve this pasta bake when you want a dish that fills the table and pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake
Classic Minestrone Soup
Vegetables, pasta, and beans simmer together in a broth that tastes both rich and wholesome. This recipe is simple to make but creates a meal that feels complete and hearty. Make this easy pasta soup when you want dinner that is filling and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Classic Minestrone Soup
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Delicate pasta is coated in a buttery Beurre Blanc sauce and topped with a golden seared scallop. The dish feels elegant but is simple enough to make at home. Try this pasta recipe when you want a meal that impresses without taking hours to cook.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Spicy Harissa Pasta
Creamy and spicy harissa coats pasta for a dish that is bold, flavorful, and satisfying. This plant-based recipe is quick to make and full of character. Cook this pasta when you want a meal that adds spice and excitement without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Tender noodles mix with beef, shrimp, and crisp vegetables in a stir fry that is fast and satisfying. This recipe cooks quickly but still delivers plenty of flavor. Try this easy noodle dish when you want a meal that is filling, tasty, and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Avocado Pesto Pasta
Creamy avocado blended into pesto coats pasta with a fresh, rich flavor that is satisfying without being heavy. This recipe comes together quickly and is simple enough for a busy night. Try this easy pasta dish when you want something light, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta
Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and Romano cheese mix with pasta to create a dish that has bold flavor and a gentle kick. The recipe is quick to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of effort. Serve this pasta when you want a meal that brings some spice without taking over your evening.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken, noodles, broccoli, and cheese bake together under a crisp topping to create a filling and comforting meal. The steps are simple, and the dish comes together without much hassle. This is the kind of casserole that makes dinner feel hearty and complete.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Spaghetti Casserole
Layers of spaghetti, cheese, and carefully mixed ingredients bake into a warm, familiar dish that pleases everyone at the table. The recipe is straightforward but delivers satisfying flavors. Make this pasta casserole when you want a crowd-pleasing meal that is easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Creamy ranch dressing coats pasta and crispy bacon to make a salad that is both flavorful and filling. This recipe can work as a main or a side, depending on what you need. Try this pasta salad when you want simple ingredients that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce bake together for a classic casserole that feels both hearty and easy to make. The recipe comes together quickly and makes plenty for the family. Serve this noodle dish when you want a meal that is reliable, filling, and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Ground walnuts turn into a creamy, nutty sauce that clings to every strand of pasta for full flavor. The recipe is simple and can be made quickly without sacrificing taste. Try this pasta dish when you want a meal that feels special but is easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Layers of spinach, ricotta, and pasta bake into a cheesy dish that is hearty and satisfying. This recipe is simple to make while still feeling like a complete, comforting dinner. Serve this lasagna when you want a pasta dish that impresses and fills the table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta, salmon, and vegetables are tossed in a creamy dressing to make a dish that is both fresh and filling. This recipe comes together quickly and works as either a light main or a side. Try this pasta salad when you want a simple, flavorful meal that is ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne
Penne pasta mixes with sausage and a creamy tomato coating for a dish that is rich and satisfying. The recipe is easy to prepare and comes together quickly. Serve this pasta when you want a hearty meal that delivers comfort without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne