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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Family Friendly Pasta Recipes That Are Perfect for Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 20, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to meal for busy weeknights, and there are so many family-friendly recipes to choose from. These 18 pasta dishes are not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy. From creamy sauces to hearty seafood options, there's something here for every palate.

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 15 minutes, this salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives is a fantastic choice for any weeknight dinner. Using either fresh or frozen salmon, the crème fraîche adds a light touch, making it a refreshing dish that you can enjoy all year long. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for busy evenings when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Tuna pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Homemade Interest.

    Tuna pasta salad is loaded with vegetables and fresh tastes. This version skips the mayo, making it a lighter option that's great for sharing. It's a simple dish that fits well into busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal without a lot of work.

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    Creamy Chicken Tagliatelle

    Creamy Chicken Tagliatelle.
    Photo Credit: Let's Cook Chicken.

    Creamy chicken tagliatelle is a cozy Italian pasta dish that you'll love to prepare. Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce and mixed with long, silky tagliatelle noodles. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy to make.

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    Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad

    Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    This Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad is a perfect way to enjoy summer flavors in a bowl. With fresh ingredients, a hint of citrus, and plenty of cheese mixed in with grilled vegetables, it’s a great choice for a potluck or a quick side dish during the week. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to put together, making it ideal for busy nights.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple and quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

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    Mac and Cheese Pizza

    20 Minute Mac and Cheese Pizza
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Bacon mac and cheese pizza is a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It's a fun way to use up any leftover mac and cheese you have. This dish combines the comfort of pizza with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese, making it a satisfying choice for a busy weeknight.

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    Tortellini with Sausage

    Tortellini with Sausage,
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Tortellini with Sausage is a tasty meal that comes together quickly with just a few basic ingredients and a large skillet. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it a favorite for everyone at the table.

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    Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

    Chicken broccoli alfredo with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    This one-pot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is simple to prepare and great for family dinners. With chicken and broccoli, this pasta dish is a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple and tasty dish that works well for any meal. It brings together the familiar flavors of Caesar dressing and chicken, mixed with pasta, creating a light and satisfying option for warm days.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This easy casserole combines the flavors of a classic Italian dinner into a simple meal. It features tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for any night of the week when you need something satisfying and quick.

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    One-Pot Pasta

    One-Pot Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Greek Foodie.

    This simple one-pot pasta dish features juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, onion, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. At the end, creamy buffalo mozzarella is stirred in for a cheesy finish. Everything cooks together in one pan, creating a delicious sauce in just about 25 minutes.

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    Macaroni and Tomatoes

    Macaroni and Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit; Savory with Soul.

    Macaroni and tomatoes is a classic dish that comes together easily with just a few pantry staples. It's a comforting meal that doesn't require much time or effort to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both satisfying and straightforward.

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    Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta

    Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Baked feta cheese with tomatoes and spices creates a deliciously creamy dish that pairs perfectly with penne pasta. This meal is simple to prepare and brings a comforting flavor to your dinner table. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some convenient store-bought items, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Ground Beef Alfredo

    Ground Beef Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    Creamy ground beef alfredo is a classic dinner that's simple to make with just a few basic ingredients. It's a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. This recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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    Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta

    Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Dish Next Door.

    This Creamy One-Pot Salmon Pasta is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. It combines fresh veggies with salmon in a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked in just one pot. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this perfect blend of tender noodles, rich, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that brings classic Italian flavors to your table in a casserole-style dish everyone will love!

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    Mediterranean Orzo Salad

    Mediterranean Orzo Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    This salad features orzo pasta combined with a variety of fresh vegetables and a light, zesty dressing. It's a vibrant dish that brings together great flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick meal, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      25 Grandma Approved Casseroles That Simplify Mealtime
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      12 Comforting Southern Sides for Your Next BBQ

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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