Do you have a craving for pasta tonight, but not sure what you want to make? We can definitely help you out with that! We’ve found 40+ mouth-wateringly delicious easy pasta recipes sure to give you all the flavor you can handle!
Pasta is such a great meal addition, and whether you want a pasta side dish or main dish, you can enjoy a filling and delicious meal. To make your pasta dinners even healthier, consider using whole grain pasta or pasta made with alternative flours or rice. For meat, you can use nearly anything.
You’ll find pasta dishes such as chicken pasta, lasagnas, vegetarian pasta, seafood pasta, pasta bakes, meaty pasta, pasta soups, and salads!
Pasta is an incredibly versatile and satisfying dish loved by people all over the world. With a rich history dating back centuries, pasta has evolved into a staple in many households and cultures, particularly in its birthplace, Italy.
From time-honored classics like spaghetti carbonara and fettuccine alfredo to modern interpretations like zucchini spaghetti and truffle mac and cheese, the pasta realm is filled with a wealth of options to suit every taste bud. Whether one is a vegetarian, meat-lover, gluten-free, or dairy-free, there’s no shortage of mouth-watering recipes to discover and savor.
Moreover, pasta recipes can be tailored to the skill level and time constraints of home cooks, from quick and simple weeknight dinners to elaborate and indulgent dishes for special occasions. With these myriad of choices available, anyone can master the art of pasta-making and delight in the delicious results.
Plus, these pasta dinner ideas are effortless to make with straightforward, step-by-step directions.
Below, check out our 41 of the best pasta recipes around.
If you’re looking for vegan pasta meals that add a new twist to some of your favorite classics, then this recipe is just what you’re looking for. This dish is loaded with creamy, rich cheese sauce that secretly contains lots of yummy veggies!
Some of the best pasta dishes are also the simplest, and this baked mac and cheese recipe hits a homerun! This dish has cheesy, creamy, and cozy pasta topped with delicious, crunchy breadcrumbs, all baked in minutes.
Many pasta dinner ideas give classic dishes a new twist, and this recipe has yummy lasagna noodles filled with meat and cheese sauce all rolled. Plus, you can make this dish ahead, and it’s freezer-friendly!
Fettuccine Alfredo is one of those classic pasta dinner recipes that never goes out of style. This delicious traditional Italian dish is just full of creamy, delicious flavor.
Italian Pasta Salad is one of the best easy pasta dishes you can whip together in just minutes. You can make it up to three days before your big event and store it in the fridge for a side dish sure to delight.
One of our favorite pasta ideas is this recipe for Creamy Turkey Orzo Soup. This soup is hearty, wholesome, flavorful, and filling. Plus, it’s a 30-minute one-pot meal that’s the perfect way to use leftover turkey.
This savory dish combines orecchiette pasta with plump sausage and Broccoli Rabe for a mix of flavors that are out of this world but on your table in under 30 minutes!
Despite its complex name, Turkey Tetrazzini is super-easy to make. This creamy, cheesy, comforting dish also has delicious spinach, and you can substitute the turkey for chicken. We recommend using rotisserie chicken.
If you’re looking for a new way to shake up your spaghetti, this recipe for Avacodo Basil Pesto is just the ticket! Add this sauce to your spaghetti or any pasta, or you can use it as a delicious dip or sandwich sauce. Yum!
Don’t let the fancy name fool you. Cacio e Pepe is a very flavorful and straightforward Italian classic dish made with just a few ingredients in under 20 minutes.
Another vegetarian twist on an iconic Italian classic is this recipe for butternut squash lasagna. This warm and cozy meal is perfect for when you’re craving comfort food.
We keep our lasagna train rolling with this incredible recipe for lasagna soup. It has all the flavors of a classic Italian pasta dish in one pot of soup!
You can enjoy this fantastic Mediterranean pasta salad, which is quick and easy to make and features fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and veggies tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a light, healthy, and delicious meal.
Another slight twist on a classic pasta dish is this recipe for Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar. It’s a fast 20-minute meal packed with three kinds of cheese for an unforgettable flavor!
This authentic Italian pasta dish is simple and combines pesto with garlic, chives, and asparagus for a delicious dinner ready to eat hot or cold in under 20 minutes.
With Chicken Pesto Pasta with Mascaphone recipe, you get a tasty, creamy chicken pasta dish with a unique cheesy garlic flavor in just under 20 minutes.
This Mussels Pasta with creamy tomato sauce recipe is the ideal meal you can make in under 30 minutes for a light, fresh, and simple seafood pasta dish.
For a simple Italian dish with a name sure to impress your diners, Bucatini all amatriciana strikes all the right notes with its unique and flavorful ingredients.
One healthy vegetarian dish that packs the “WOW factor” in both taste and name is this recipe for Butternut Squash Carbonara Pasta with Fried Sage and Caramelized Onions.
If you love mushrooms, you’ll love this recipe for Mushroom Pesto Pasta. It’s loaded with a delicious garlic flavor that’s on your plate in 30 minutes.
This light, smooth, and hearty orzo soup features tender chicken, orzo, celery, carrots, and more in a zesty lemony broth that tastes like heaven in a bowl.
Packed with juicy, tender shredded chicken, savory spinach, and creamy cheese, this is another delicious pasta dish that’s easy to make and freeze for any occasion.
Finally, we have this zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta and Spinach recipe that you can make in less than 15 minutes and is packed with fresh, simple ingredients and mind-blowing flavors!
For more incredible pasta dinner ideas, be sure to check out this video.
Our 40+ BEST Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes (+Italian Pasta Salad)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
