Some nights, figuring out what to make for dinner feels harder than cooking itself. That is where pasta comes in because it is fast, easy, and always a safe bet. These 13 pasta recipes do not need a lot of steps or fancy ingredients, but they still taste like a win. When nothing else sounds good, these meals help you get dinner on the table without the stress.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Try a fun twist on lasagna with these easy roll-ups that skip the stacking but still deliver all the cheesy layers you want. They bake quickly and come out bubbly, so you get that comforting feel without spending all night in the kitchen. This is a great pasta recipe for when you want something hearty that doesn’t take forever to make.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Potato Gnocchi
These soft, pillowy gnocchi cook fast and taste amazing with almost any sauce you’ve got. They make dinner feel warm and filling, even when you don’t have much energy left. This is one of those pasta recipes that turns a simple night into something that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
When the fridge looks empty, this is the pasta to make with a can of tuna and some tomatoes. It’s rich, savory, and comes together before you even think about ordering takeout. This is a go-to pasta recipe when you need something fast and still want it to taste like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
You only need a few ingredients for this one, but the flavor is big and the texture is smooth and creamy. Sweet tomatoes mix with soft ricotta to make a sauce that feels fresh and full. This easy pasta recipe works great when you want a good meal without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini and tender chicken float in a warm broth that takes just a few steps to pull together. It tastes comforting and homemade, even though it’s ready fast. This is one of those pasta meals that works every time you want something quick and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
This pasta gets tossed in a creamy sauce with sweet peas that add a soft bite and a touch of color. It’s quick to cook, easy to stir together, and leaves you full without feeling too heavy. This is one of those pasta recipes that always feels like a smart choice on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
This mix of soft orzo, fresh spinach, and light dressing is easy to throw together when time is short. It fills you up without weighing you down and works well as a meal or a side. This pasta salad is a great option when you want something fast, light, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Lemon Butter Pasta
A little lemon and a bit of butter go a long way in this simple pasta recipe that comes together fast. It feels bright and light but still manages to fill you up. This is the kind of dinner to keep in your back pocket when the day has been long and you need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Big shells stuffed with creamy ricotta and spinach bake into a dish that feels rich and filling without needing a bunch of steps. It comes out bubbling and golden, and it always makes a full plate. This is a pasta dinner that’s simple to make but hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Homemade Orecchiette
These small, round pasta shapes hold sauce in every bite and bring a soft, chewy texture that feels just right. Making them by hand might sound hard, but it’s easier than you think and worth the extra step. This is one of those pasta recipes that’s fun to make and even better to eat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Chicken and Dumplings
Soft dumplings float in a thick broth with tender chicken that cooks together in one pot without much fuss. It tastes rich and comforting, and works great when you don’t have much time to cook. This pasta-style meal gives you something warm, full, and easy to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta, cheese, and black pepper come together to make something that’s way more than the sum of its parts. It’s bold, creamy, and done in the time it takes to boil water and stir. This easy pasta dish is perfect for nights when you want something simple that still tastes like a win.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Skip the boxed kind and stir up this creamy pasta that feels rich without being too heavy. It’s fast, cheesy, and hits all the right notes when you need something warm on a busy night. This is a pasta recipe you’ll want to keep around for when dinner needs to be easy and good.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese