I Used These 19 Pasta Recipes to Keep Dinner Simple but Satisfying

ByMandy

Weekdays don’t come with a pause button, but these 19 pastas made it through without any last-minute panic. They worked when nothing was thawed, time was tight, and everyone was acting like they hadn’t eaten in a week. Turns out, keeping it simple isn’t lazy—it’s just efficient with better leftovers.

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mixing creamy and bold flavors, Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta brings together comfort and richness in every bite. It delivers a smooth sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Perfect for an easy dinner when you want something hearty. This dish makes you appreciate how simple ingredients can be so versatile.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright and refreshing, Best Lemon Pasta is a good choice for light meals. It’s balanced with citrus and pasta, giving every bite a fresh twist. Great for dinner when you’re craving something easy yet flavorful. This recipe keeps things uncomplicated while still feeling special.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Packed with cheesy goodness, Three Cheese Manicotti is perfect for filling your plate with hearty pasta. It combines layers of creamy texture in every bite. Ideal for a comforting meal without too much effort. It’s a great way to enjoy something rich without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A little heat pairs wonderfully with pasta in Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. It has a bold kick that stands out while still being simple to make. Perfect for nights when you want something out of the ordinary but still quick. It’s a flavorful way to enjoy pasta with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing back classic vibes, Mac and Cheese delivers creamy, nostalgic comfort. It blends perfectly with pasta. Great for a meal that doesn’t need overthinking. Enjoy this go-to when you’re in the mood for something simple and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simplicity shines with Cacio e Pepe, showcasing how basic ingredients can bring bold flavor. The dish is easy to put together but tastes far from basic. It works well as a quick dinner option. Perfect for those times you want pasta without too many extras.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layered goodness defines Homemade Lasagna, combining pasta, cheesy filling, and rich flavors effortlessly. It’s a timeless classic that feels comforting with every bite. The layers make it a meal worth taking your time to enjoy. Ideal for sharing or keeping leftovers for later.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized yet packed with flavor, Cheese Ravioli makes for a quick and easy dinner option. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with pasta. A straightforward way to enjoy something special without too much hassle. Great for those looking for a filling meal without complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish.
Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With rich and creamy elements, Marry Me Tortellini makes a comforting dinner choice. The pasta and sauce blend together easily for a warm, satisfying meal. A perfect balance between hearty and light for everyday dinners. Enjoy this recipe when you need something simple but special.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a twist to pasta night, Italian Pasta with Salami combines smoky and bold flavors perfectly. The mix of pasta and protein makes it a fantastic dinner option. It’s easy to make without sacrificing taste. Perfect for switching things up from standard pasta recipes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A warm and comforting bowl, Minestrone Soup blends wholesome elements into a complete meal. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting. Perfect for cozy dinners when you want something filling. This recipe works for any time a hearty soup sounds like the right choice.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Close-up of a chicken noodle casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining two great classics, Chicken Noodle Casserole brings pasta and comfort food together easily. It’s a simple meal option that feels like home. Easy to prep while staying flavorful. Great for any dinner when you want something dependable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Mushroom Pasta

Close-up of fusilli pasta with mushrooms, garnished with rosemary and black pepper.
Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Earthy and rich flavors blend perfectly with pasta in Mushroom Pasta. The recipe creates a comforting and warm bite without being overcomplicated. Perfect for dinners that focus on deeper, hearty notes. Simple enough to enjoy on a busy night without much work.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Levels up pasta night with restaurant-inspired flavors, Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta delivers bold sauce and perfectly paired ingredients. It’s a tasty way to bring fancy-feeling meals into your kitchen. Easy to prep while keeping flavors special. Perfect for treating yourself without going out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich layers meet bold flavors in Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna, making it a great dinner option. The combination of textures and filling creates a hearty dish. Perfect for adding variety to your pasta rotation. A classic recipe for those who enjoy pasta with more depth.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A perfectly balanced mix of creamy sauce and pasta defines Pasta Carbonara. It’s one of the best options for quick dinners that still feel homemade. Great for any meal when you want something flavorful without effort. Ideal for busy nights or classic dinner ideas.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Combining cheesy layers and hearty pasta, Million Dollar Spaghetti feels like a meal made for sharing. It’s a filling dish that works great for family dinners. It brings pasta to another level without overcomplicating things. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

An easy and comforting dinner is exactly what you get with Easy Chicken Casserole. Pairing pasta and chicken gives this dish a great balance. Ideal for those nights when you want something quick but still homemade. It’s a dependable meal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bold flavors meet simplicity in Pasta alla Norma, making it a standout pasta option. The combination creates a great balance without overdoing it. Perfect for adding variety to your usual pasta lineup. This recipe feels special while being easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

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