If you’re thinking about what to cook today, pasta is a simple choice that almost everyone loves. These 17 pasta recipes are easy to make and don’t need a lot of ingredients to get you there. It doesn’t matter if you’re craving something creamy, saucy, or fresh; there’s a recipe here for you. Pasta cooks quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to eat.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Meatballs and Sauce
Instant Pot meatballs turn a classic comfort meal into something quick that still tastes like it’s cooked all day. The meatballs come out tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens just enough to coat everything with rich flavor. This is an easy dinner recipe that saves time without giving up what makes the dish satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Creamy Pea Pasta
You’ll love this meatless Creamy Pea Pasta that balances smooth sauce and fresh flavors. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness that pairs well with the creamy sauce. It’s a good choice when a quick, tasty pasta is needed and cooking time is short.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This easy tuna and tomato pasta recipe is a great weeknight meal when you need something fast and satisfying. It comes together in about 25 minutes, includes protein to keep you full, and is simple enough for kids to help with in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Simple Marinara Sauce
Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic combine in this easy marinara sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s great for tossing with pasta or dipping crusty bread, adding a homemade taste with little effort. Making this sauce at home helps bring simple ingredients together for a meal that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
Lemon Butter Pasta
Lemon butter pasta blends rich butter with a bright lemon flavor for a dish that’s light but still comforting. It uses just a few ingredients and comes together fast, making it perfect for busy nights. The creamy, tangy sauce makes this pasta a dish people will look forward to eating again. It’s a reliable choice when dinner needs to be tasty, easy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Homemade Orecchiette
This soft, chewy orecchiette pasta soaks up sauce perfectly, creating a cozy and flavorful meal. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen but still delivers on comfort and taste. This dish is a great pick when a homemade pasta dinner is wanted without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
This recipe rolls classic lasagna flavors into cheesy portions that are easier to serve and faster to make. It’s a hearty dish that’s great for family dinners without the usual long prep time. These roll-ups provide comfort and taste with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe looks like a fancy meal, but it is actually very easy to make in about 15 minutes. The mix of cheese and black pepper gives this pasta plenty of flavor without many ingredients. It’s a simple, cheesy dish that hits the spot when a quick, comforting dinner is needed. This recipe is proof that great taste doesn’t have to come with extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Combining just a few fresh ingredients, this bigoli pasta with grape tomatoes and ricotta offers a balanced and tasty dinner ready in half an hour. The cheese’s creaminess works perfectly with the tomatoes’ sweetness, creating a dish that’s simple but full of flavor. It’s a great choice when time is short but quality matters.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but this version adds tomato and crispy bacon for extra flavor. It takes the familiar dish up a notch while keeping the creamy texture everyone loves. This baked recipe offers a comforting, cheesy meal that still feels special. It’s perfect for when a familiar dish needs a little boost to make dinner more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
This pasta gets its bold flavor from garlic, olive oil, and spicy peppers, making a dish that’s simple but full of taste. Fresh basil adds a burst of brightness to keep it light and fresh. The recipe is quick to prepare and satisfying without being too heavy or complicated. It fits perfectly when just one flavorful dish is enough for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Turning asparagus into noodles adds a fresh twist to this pasta dish. Paired with creamy Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon, every bite is rich without being too heavy. This recipe combines fresh ingredients and comfort food in a meal that’s both easy and tasty. It’s a solid option when only one dish is on the table but needs to impress.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Bucatini noodles coated in garlic butter come with tender shrimp and blistered cherry tomatoes for a dish that’s both rich and easy. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, and red pepper flakes bring just a touch of heat. Topped with parmesan, this pasta feels special but takes little time to make. It’s an ideal choice when a quick yet impressive meal is all that’s needed.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Capellini pasta with beurre blanc sauce and bronzed sea scallops feels like a restaurant meal but is easy to make at home. The sauce is smooth and buttery with a hint of citrus that keeps it light. The scallops add a tender, flavorful protein that pairs well with the delicate pasta. This recipe shows how a simple sauce and a few good ingredients can make a pasta dish worth making anytime.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Flaky salmon and sweet cherry tomatoes come together in a pasta dish that’s light but full of flavor. The white wine sauce, with hints of garlic and thyme, keeps the dish fresh and delicate. It’s simple enough for any night but has enough taste to feel a bit special. Every bite brings a bright, satisfying mix that works well for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy baked feta and sweet tomatoes cling to palmini noodles in this pasta recipe that bursts with fresh, bold flavors. It’s quick to make and satisfying without feeling heavy or rich. This dish works well when dinner has to be simple but still tastes like it took more time. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without any extra weight.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Bold smoky flavors come from caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes in this pasta dish. Garlic and parmesan bring everything together while keeping the meal light yet filling. This is a simple recipe that doesn’t skimp on character or taste. It’s a reliable choice when dinner needs to be quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta