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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Dump-and-Go Pasta Dishes for When You Just Can't

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 28, 2025, updated July 1, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When you're short on time and energy, pasta can be a lifesaver. These 21 easy dump-and-go pasta dishes require minimal effort and ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss everything together, let it cook, and enjoy a satisfying meal without the fuss.

    Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This slow cooker minestrone soup is a filling vegetarian meal packed with pasta, beans, and zucchini. It's a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to whip up. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan meal without the need to boil pasta or make a sauce. With a mix of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this dish is rich and full of flavor.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really satisfying. It's the kind of comfort food that hits the spot when you just want something warm and filling. Perfect for busy nights when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen, this meal comes together quickly and easily.

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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 ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for those evenings when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Mexican Ravioli Lasagna

    Easy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This simple Mexican Lasagna uses ravioli to create tasty layers without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights because you can just layer the ingredients without needing to thaw the ravioli first. Just put everything together and you’re ready to enjoy a satisfying meal.

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    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This simple pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you just want to get dinner on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen. With familiar flavors that everyone in the family enjoys, this easy meal is bound to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.

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    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook. It comes together in no time, and you can mix everything right in the baking dish without needing to cook the pasta beforehand. With its cheesy goodness and delicious pizza flavors, it’s a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    No-Boil Lasagna is super easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes of your time. You don’t even need to boil the noodles before putting it in the oven. This dish is perfect for when you want a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This creamy vegan pasta bake is super easy to prepare and loaded with veggies. There's no need to boil the pasta, making it a simple option for dinner. It can be enjoyed hot right out of the oven or cold as a tasty leftover. Perfect for when you want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Meatball Casserole

    Meatball casserole served on a dish.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Meatball Casserole is a filling and tasty dish that combines tender meatballs and pasta all in one pan. It's baked with a creamy blend of marinara sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and gooey cheese. This is a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting and satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty dish packed with beef and vegetables. It's a simple meal that you can throw together in the slow cooker, making it perfect for dinner when you're feeling worn out. This comforting recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This creamy pasta dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that your family will enjoy. It features tender chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all infused with delicious Tuscan flavors. It's a simple meal that feels special without requiring a lot of effort.

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    Cheese Tortellini Bake

    Cheese Tortellini Bake
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meal is simple and fast, ready in just 20 minutes. With only a handful of ingredients and everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is easy. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty vegetarian dish with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly and easily.

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    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli is a great shortcut for making lasagna, as it replaces the traditional noodles and layers of ricotta. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a simple and satisfying dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to whip up a satisfying pasta sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines all the classic flavors of a traditional bolognese, but you can make it quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for those nights when you just want a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will fill you up. It's perfect for when you're feeling too tired to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is rich and cheesy, all made in just one baking dish. It comes together quickly, taking less than an hour from start to finish. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up, and it has a delicious flavor that rivals what you’d find at a restaurant.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one dish and no pre-cooking. Simply combine everything, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal ready to enjoy. With a blend of mozzarella and gorgonzola, it’s packed with flavor and comfort.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and satisfying dish that comes together in no time. With just 10 minutes of prep and ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce, hidden spinach, and plenty of cheese, this meal is both comforting and flavorful.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It combines two delicious cheeses, including a zesty Gorgonzola, and adds a nice crunch with walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a simple and satisfying meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Crockpot chicken and noodles.
      21 Best Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes for When You’re Craving Comfort Food
    • Baked chicken pasta.
      22 Cheap Casseroles Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen
    • Pizza pasta soup.
      22 Delicious Beef Recipes That Cook Themselves While You Relax
    • King ranch chicken casserole.
      18 Southern Recipes Perfect for Hot Summer Days

    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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