40+ Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes

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!

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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!

Closeup,Of,Group,Of,People,Eating,Pasta,On,The,Kitchen

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.

Source: skinnytaste.com

1. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

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!

Source: thechunkychef.com

2. Baked Mac and Cheese

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.

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

3. Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach

This heavenly pasta dinner includes farfalle pasta, spinach, and mushrooms for an incredible and healthy Italian pasta experience.

Source: bellyfull.net

4. Lasagna Roll-Ups

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!

Source: loveandlemons.com

5. Fettuccine Alfredo

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.

Source: jessicagavin.com

6. Italian Pasta Salad

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.

Source: blog.myfitnesspal.com

7. Creamy Turkey Orzo Soup

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.

Source: dinnerthendessert.com

8. Easy Meat Lasagna

As we said, you can’t go wrong with the classics. And this recipe for easy Meat Lasagna will save you a lot of time.

Source: boldsimplecooking.com

9. Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe

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!

Source: theforkedspoon.com

10. Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

For a pasta dinner that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this recipe for Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta with shrimp! You won’t be able to put down your fork!

Source: myrecipes.com

11. Turkey Tetrazzini with Spinach

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.

Source: createmindfully.com

12. Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti

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!

Source: giallozafferano.com

13. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (Pecorino and black pepper spaghetti)

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.

Source: platedcravings.com

14. Spinach and Tomato Vegetarian Lasagna

Enjoy all the deliciousness of classic lasagna in this vegetarian spinach and tomato recipe that doesn’t use meat but delivers an outstanding flavor!

Source: healthyseasonalrecipes.com

15. Butternut Squash Lasagna

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.

Source: saltandlavender.com

16. Lasagna Soup

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!

Source: foxandbriar.com

17. Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

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.

Source: jehancancook.com

18. Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar

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!

Source: nourishedtheblog.com

19. Spring Pesto Pasta with Asparagus

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.

Source: wellseasonedstudio.com

20. Chicken Pesto Pasta with Mascarpone

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.

Source: honestcooking.com

21. Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage

We call comfort food in one hot bowl: rich and creamy tortellini soup with spinach, basil, parmesan cheese, and sausage.

Source: eatingeuropean.com

22. Mussels Pasta in Tomato Sauce

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.

Source: ifoodreal.com

23. Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

For a delicious casserole the entire family can enjoy, this recipe for Ground Turkey Pasta Bake has it all, including healthy garlic and kale.

Source: lilluna.com

24. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

These fried mac and cheese balls feature a crispy outside and creamy inside for the perfect cheesy crunch combination.

Source: threeolivesbranch.com

25. Pesto Caprese Penne Pasta

This quick, light, and simple pasta dish features delicious cherry tomatoes mixed into a seasoned pesto sauce with penne pasta.

Source: cafedelites.com

26. Macaroni Salad

Another classic pasta salad is this recipe for a delicious macaroni salad that is easy to whip up for any family occasion.

It’s also a fantastic next-day lunch that tastes great, hot or cold.

Source: greatitalianchefs.com

27. Bucatini all’Amatriciana

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.

Source: tasteofhome.com

28. Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake

This recipe for Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake makes some big claims and backs them up with a big-time flavor you’ll have to taste to believe!

Source: saltandlavender.com

29. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This dish is loaded with delicious garlic mushrooms drenched in a savory parmesan sauce.

Source: katieatthekitchendoor.com

30. Butternut Squash Carbonara Pasta with Fried Sage and Caramelized Onions

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.

Source: cookingclassy.com

31. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Keeping it simple once again is this flavorful recipe for spaghetti and meatballs that you can make in 30 minutes.

We highly recommend baking a hot batch of garlic bread or breadsticks with this meal.

Source: thelastfoodblog.com

32. Mushroom Pesto Pasta

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.

Source: juliasalbum.com

33. Creamy Sausage Tortellini with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

This outrageously flavorful dish cooks in 40 minutes and features tortellini pasta with savory sausage, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella, swimming in a deliciously creamy cheese sauce.

Source: rasamalaysia.com

34. Creamy Scallop Pasta

Another delicious seafood delight is this recipe for Creamy Scallop Pasta, featuring succulent scallops in creamy white wine sauce.

Source: www.jocooks.com

35. Spaghetti Bolognese

Thick, rich, and delicious with a flavorful garlic meat sauce, this classic spaghetti recipe is ready for your dinner table in under 30 minutes.

This is another meal that really benefits from a hot basket of garlic rolls or bread.

Source: closetcooking.com

36. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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.

Source: theseasonedmom.com

37. Pasta Bake with Sausage (Baked Ziti)

Folks call this baked dish a “lazy day lasagna” with its layers of pasta, garlic, and mozzarella cheese mixed with a delicious meat sauce.

Serve with a side of mixed vegetables and garlic bread for a delicious complete meal.

Source: bonappetit.com

38. Simple Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple and classic Italian dish that features Pancetta (Italian bacon) and simple seasonings for a light, flavorful meal.

Best of all, this dish takes next to no time to make.

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

39. Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta Bake

This decadent recipe features buttery, garlicky, cheesy pasta loaded with juicy shrimp.

Source: carlsbadcravings.com

40. Creamy White Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

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.

Source: theclevermeal.com

41. Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

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.

Closeup,Of,Group,Of,People,Eating,Pasta,On,The,Kitchen

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!
5 from 10 votes
Total Time 29 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cooked rotini noodles
  • 6 oz. mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz. salami slices
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup each red bell pepper green bell pepper, red onion, black olives
  • 1/3 cup pepperoncini slices
  • 1 Tbsp. basil leaves
  • Italian dressing

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and chill.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal
Keyword pasta recipes, vegan italian pasta salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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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.
Cassie Marshall
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