Warm up this fall with 27 delicious pasta dishes that are simple to make and full of flavor. Each recipe brings comfort with fresh ingredients, hearty noodles, and rich textures that fill the kitchen with a cozy aroma. From quick weeknight dinners to dishes you can share with friends, these pastas make it easy to enjoy a warm meal any day of the week.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian meatball soup brings together tender pasta, hearty meatballs, and rich broth for a dish that feels simple yet complete. The pasta soaks in flavor while the meatballs add strength in every bite. It is filling enough to stand as the main course without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup mixes cheesy pasta and tender chicken in a broth that tastes rich but stays light. Using rotisserie chicken keeps the recipe quick while still packing flavor. The tortellini adds texture and balance that make it satisfying in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is made with just pasta, cheese, and pepper, yet feels complete and bold. The flavor is sharp and smooth without needing many ingredients. It is quick enough for a busy night but strong enough to feel special at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Simple Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce made with tomato, garlic, and herbs gives pasta a bold but balanced flavor. It works with any noodle and can even double as a dip or pizza base. The recipe is simple to make but strong enough to carry a full meal.
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Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Orzo with chicken and feta makes a meal that is light but filling, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. The chicken adds strength, the feta gives creamy saltiness, and the pasta ties all the flavors together in every bite. Fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can lift it even more, but it works on its own without needing much on the side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Veggie Pasta Salad
Pasta salad with corn, tomatoes, and feta feels fresh while staying filling. The vegetables add balance, color, and a light crunch that keeps every bite interesting. The feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. The pasta makes the dish hearty enough to serve as a full meal or a satisfying side, making it easy to enjoy any time.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy pea pasta blends sweet peas with a smooth sauce that coats every bite. The pasta soaks in flavor, making it rich but never too heavy, and the peas add a bright, fresh taste that keeps it light. A few simple ingredients bring everything together quickly, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The dish can be served on its own or paired with a side salad for an easy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Orzo with spinach and savory add-ins creates a dish that is light yet filling. The spinach adds fresh color and flavor, while the other ingredients bring a savory punch that makes each bite interesting. The pasta keeps the dish hearty enough to serve on its own, and it comes together quickly for busy days. It works well as a side or a main, making it a flexible option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Homemade Orecchiette
Orecchiette has a chewy bite that holds sauce in every curve, making each forkful full of flavor. Its unique shape makes it stand out on the plate and gives meals a homemade touch without any extra effort. The pasta cooks quickly, so it works well for busy nights, yet it still feels rich and satisfying at the table. Combined with simple ingredients like vegetables or cheese, orecchiette turns an ordinary dinner into something special that the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese with tomatoes and bacon adds smoky flavor, crunch, and freshness to the classic. The sauce stays creamy while the extras add texture and depth. It feels familiar but more complete, steady enough for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Bigoli with grape tomatoes and ricotta takes only 30 minutes but feels balanced and rich. The tomatoes add bright freshness, and the ricotta gives a smooth, creamy texture that coats each bite. A few simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels complete and satisfying. This pasta is easy to make, but it has enough flavor and texture to make any dinner feel special.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta come together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. The tuna adds protein that keeps the dish satisfying, while the tomatoes bring a fresh, bright flavor that balances the richness. A few seasonings and a little olive oil make it flavorful without extra work. This pasta is easy to make, filling enough for a complete meal, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
Meatballs simmer in tomato sauce that tastes bold and rich, yet the Instant Pot keeps the process quick and easy. The sauce has a deep, slow-cooked flavor even though it is ready much faster than traditional methods. Paired with pasta, each bite delivers the classic comfort of a hearty meal. This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Lemon Butter Pasta
Lemon butter pasta covers each noodle in a sauce that is creamy yet fresh. The lemon cuts through the butter, keeping the flavor balanced and satisfying with only a few ingredients. It comes together quickly and feels light without losing comfort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Brussels sprouts, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes give this pasta a bold flavor and a mix of textures that keep each bite interesting. Garlic and parmesan pull the ingredients together, giving the dish a rich taste while keeping it light enough for any meal. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it is full of character that makes every forkful satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Thick bucatini noodles hold a buttery garlic sauce with shrimp and blistered cherry tomatoes. The shrimp cook quickly and stay tender while the tomatoes add a burst of sweetness with every bite. Lemon brightens the flavors, and red pepper flakes give a gentle heat that lingers just enough. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds creamy richness without much effort, making this dish feel special while staying simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Flaky salmon and sweet cherry tomatoes pair with a white wine sauce that feels light but is still rich in taste. Garlic and thyme add depth and warmth without making the dish heavy. The flavors come together easily, creating a meal that feels balanced and fresh. With just a few simple steps, this dish is ready to serve for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Tender pasta in a butter sauce topped with seared scallops feels polished yet simple. A touch of citrus keeps the dish bright and fresh without weighing it down. The scallops add a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta. This meal is easy enough to make at home but still feels complete and special, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Beans, pasta, and tomato broth create a soup that is hearty but not too heavy. The flavors are bold and simple, letting each ingredient shine without extra work. Warm and satisfying, it fills the kitchen with a cozy smell while staying easy to make. The soup is filling enough to serve as a full meal on its own or pair nicely with bread or a light salad.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Salmon and crisp vegetables turn pasta into a salad that feels fresh yet filling. The vegetables add crunch and color, while the salmon brings a mild, savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. A creamy dressing adds richness without making the dish heavy, keeping it light and easy to enjoy. This salad comes together quickly but is balanced enough to serve as a full meal, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic, olive oil, and peppers give this pasta a bold, flavorful kick while fresh basil keeps each bite bright and lively. It feels light but satisfying, with every forkful balancing heat and freshness in a simple way. The pasta cooks quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights when time is short. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes can take it up a notch without adding extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Rasta Pasta
A creamy sauce with fresh spices brings comfort without feeling heavy. The ingredients mix together quickly, creating a balanced, filling meal that satisfies without weighing you down. Fresh herbs and seasonings add bright flavor that lifts every bite. This dish is hearty enough for dinner but simple enough to make on any weeknight, making it a reliable choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Greek Spaghetti
Tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes bring tang and freshness to pasta, giving each bite a bright, lively flavor. Feta adds a creamy touch while keeping the dish light and easy to enjoy. The pasta cooks quickly, making it a fast option for any night, yet the combination of ingredients keeps it balanced and satisfying from start to finish. This dish works well as a main meal or a side that pairs easily with other fall favorites.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
A spicy tomato sauce gives this pasta heat while still keeping it balanced. The recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers plenty of flavor in every bite. Fresh herbs and seasonings add depth without making the dish complicated. It cooks quickly and never feels too heavy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed meal with friends.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Shrimp, tomatoes, and garlic seasonings make this pasta fresh and flavorful. The ingredients blend easily to create a dish that tastes bright and satisfying. It comes together quickly, needing little work, so dinner can be ready in no time. The pasta feels light while still filling, making it a simple and balanced meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Lemon, feta, and spinach with pasta create a dish that is fresh and satisfying. The flavors stay light while still giving a balanced taste in every bite. The spinach adds a bright, leafy texture, and the feta brings a creamy, tangy touch that complements the lemon. This dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and it works well for lunch, dinner, or even as a make-ahead meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Fresh tuna, pesto, spinach, and tomatoes turn pasta into a dish that feels light but is still full of flavor. The mix comes together fast, making it simple yet satisfying. It keeps the right balance of freshness and comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta