Pasta is one of those meals that always brings people to the table. These 23 simple pasta recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and great for nights when time is tight. You don’t need special ingredients or complicated steps to make something good. When dinner needs to be fast and still make everyone happy, these meals do the trick.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
When you’re short on time and low on groceries, this pasta pulls through without missing a beat. The tuna adds just enough richness, and the tomatoes bring everything together in a warm, savory way. It’s the kind of pasta meal that takes little work but tastes like you planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Potato Gnocchi
These pillowy gnocchi cook in minutes and turn any sauce into something extra satisfying. They’re soft, filling, and bring that cozy feel without needing a bunch of prep. This is one of those pasta dinners that feels like a reward at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These rolled-up lasagna bites give you all the cheesy, saucy layers you love without the mess. They bake fast and come out bubbling and golden with hardly any effort. It’s a smart pasta recipe that makes weeknights feel a little more fun and a lot more filling.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Large pasta shells hold a creamy mix of ricotta and spinach that bakes into a rich, bubbling dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting but doesn’t ask for much effort. This pasta dinner is one you’ll want to make again because it’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Sweet tomatoes burst in a pan while creamy ricotta adds just enough richness to keep every bite smooth. It only takes a few ingredients to make this dish come together, but it still feels special. This is an easy pasta recipe that works on the busiest nights without letting anyone down.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup is filled with cheesy tortellini and tender chicken in a warm, seasoned broth that comes together fast. It’s simple but full of comfort, and perfect when you don’t have the energy for a big meal. This is a great pasta option for days when you need dinner to be both quick and soothing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
A smooth, cheesy sauce coats every noodle, while the peas bring a sweet, fresh pop to each bite. It feels light but still fills you up, and it doesn’t take much to get it on the table. This is one of those pasta recipes that’s always worth keeping in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
This version skips the box but keeps the comfort, thanks to a rich sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s fast to make and tastes like something you put a lot more work into. This is a pasta dish that brings warmth and flavor without overcomplicating dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Lemon Butter Pasta
A quick squeeze of lemon and a little butter can turn a plain bowl of pasta into something that feels bright and full. It’s a simple dish that’s fast to make and light enough for any night of the week. This is a great pasta recipe when you want something fresh without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Soft orzo and fresh spinach mix with a light dressing that’s easy to toss together in one bowl. It feels filling without being heavy and works as a full dinner or a side. This is one of those pasta dishes that makes everything feel simple and pulled together.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Cacio e Pepe
With just black pepper, pasta, and cheese, this dish proves that simple ingredients can still bring big results. It’s bold, creamy, and ready in less time than most takeout. This is the kind of easy pasta meal you’ll turn to when you want something fast but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Homemade Orecchiette
These small pasta rounds hold onto sauce better than most and feel soft but chewy in every bite. Making them by hand may sound tough, but it’s surprisingly doable and always worth it. This pasta recipe brings something special to the table without asking for much in return.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender dumplings and shredded chicken come together in a thick broth that tastes like home. It cooks in one pot and doesn’t take long, which makes it perfect for nights when you’re short on energy. This pasta-style meal gives you a full, hearty dish without a lot of steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Meatballs and Sauce
Big, tender meatballs simmer in a tomato sauce that clings to every bite of pasta just right. It’s the kind of dinner that fills you up without feeling too heavy. This is a pasta recipe that’s always a hit when you want something classic that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Juicy chicken and soft orzo mix with bold flavors to create a dish that tastes like you worked harder than you did. It’s fast to prepare and feels bright and filling in every bite. This is a pasta recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for nights when time is short and dinner still matters.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
This dish uses Palmini noodles and baked feta to create something creamy and flavorful with very little effort. It’s light but still feels rich, and the whole thing comes together in the oven without much cleanup. This pasta dinner works great when you want something fun, fast, and different.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Singapore Noodles
These noodles get tossed in curry, veggies, and shrimp for a one-pan meal that brings plenty of flavor. It’s quick, satisfying, and doesn’t need anything extra to make it feel complete. This is a pasta-style dish that keeps things exciting without making a mess.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot
Spicy sausage and sweet peppers cook together with pasta in a single pot for a meal that feels full and rich. It’s simple to throw together and easy to clean up after. This pasta recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, speed, and less time spent in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot
Alfredo Steak Pasta
Tender strips of steak mix with a creamy Alfredo sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It tastes bold and comforting, but it’s still quick enough to pull together after a long day. This is a great pasta dish for nights when you want something filling without spending hours at the stove.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Creamy pasta gets tossed with spicy buffalo chicken and baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prep ahead if you need to save time. This pasta bake is a favorite for anyone who wants big flavor with very little work.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Avocado Pesto Pasta
A creamy blend of avocado and pesto turns this pasta into something fresh and smooth with every bite. Chickpeas add a little texture and help make it feel like a full meal. This recipe is a fun way to change up pasta night without making things complicated.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
This pasta gets its richness from a creamy walnut sauce that feels filling without being too heavy. It’s made with just a few ingredients but still delivers plenty of flavor in every bite. This is a great pasta option when you want something simple but different.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
This pasta salad combines soft noodles, flaky salmon, and crisp veggies in a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It works well for dinner and makes great leftovers for the next day. This is one of those pasta recipes that makes life easier while still tasting like a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad