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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Pasta Dinners for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 6, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to for quick and satisfying dinners, especially on busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a variety of delicious pasta dishes that the whole family will enjoy. From classic spaghetti to creamy fettuccine, these 21 easy recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells

    Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
    Photo Credit: The Dish Next Door.

    Shrimp Alfredo stuffed shells with kale and parmesan are a great choice for a family dinner at the end of a busy week. This dish combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender shrimp and nutritious kale, all stuffed into pasta shells and topped with parmesan. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, making it ideal for those nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Lemon Chicken Pasta

    Lemon chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Creamy lemon chicken pasta is a quick dinner option that can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The dish features al dente spaghetti mixed with a flavorful lemon garlic Parmesan cream sauce, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Topped with sautéed chicken that has a nice crispness, this pasta dish is sure to please the whole family.

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    Red Thai Curry Gnocchi

    Red Thai Curry Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

    Red Thai Curry Gnocchi combines the flavors of Thai and Italian cuisine in a comforting and spicy dish. It's quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This meal is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, appealing to a wide range of dietary needs. It's a favorite among many and is sure to satisfy.

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    Spinach Garlic Pasta

    Spinach Garlic Pasta.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This 20-minute spinach garlic pasta with peas is a cozy and filling meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It combines cooked pasta with fresh spinach, basil, sugar snap peas, and sweet peas, all tossed together in olive oil with sautéed garlic and onions. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch, making this dish both simple and delicious.

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    Instant Pot Tuna Casserole

    Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
    Photo Credit: Mae's Menu.

    Instant Pot Tuna Casserole is a comforting dish that's quick and easy to prepare. This family-friendly meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a creamy and savory dinner that everyone will love.

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    Cream Cheese Pasta

    Cream Cheese Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Cream cheese pasta is a creamy and satisfying dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, requiring very little prep work. This simple recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This pasta bake is rich and filling, featuring a nice kick from the cream cheese. It’s simple to prepare, especially if you use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken along with some pre-cooked bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines convenience with comfort, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    One Pan Baked Ziti

    Baked Ziti.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    This one-pan baked ziti is perfect for busy weeknights. With quick prep and simple cleanup, it fits right into a hectic schedule. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, making dinner time a breeze.

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    One Pan Chicken and Noodles

    Chicken and Noodles on a round dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken noodle dish is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes and made in one pot. It's a straightforward meal that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal cleanup and simple steps, it’s a great option when you need something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Creamy Chicken Pasta is ready in just 30 minutes and is always a hit. With rich flavors from red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it’s a simple dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll enjoy it so much that you might want to save some for lunch the next day. It’s bound to become a go-to pasta dish in your home.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. This dish comes together in about 12 minutes using only 5 ingredients and one pot. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper

    A bowl of One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Homemade hamburger helper is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender macaroni noodles with crumbled ground beef in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It's a simple meal that brings a sense of home and satisfaction, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Bolognese Pasta Bake

    Bolognese Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Simply Delicious.

    A hearty Bolognese pasta bake is a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a group. It's simple to prepare in larger quantities, and you can even freeze leftovers for later. This dish combines rich flavors and comforting pasta, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and packed with the fresh flavors of smoked salmon and lemon. It's a simple option that you'll want to make again and again, especially on busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

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    Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

    Cheesy smoked sausage pasta on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: On My Kids' Plate.

    Cheesy sausage pasta is a simple dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes using just one pot. It's a great option for busy weeknights and can be easily adjusted based on what ingredients you have on hand.

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    Lemon Garlic Pasta

    Lemon Garlic Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Belly Rules the Mind.

    Lemon garlic pasta is a quick and easy dish that comes together in under 20 minutes. The bright lemon and garlic sauce gives the noodles a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy. This pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast.

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    One Pot Mac and Cheese

    One Pot Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

    One Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that you can whip up in just one pot. It's a quick and satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings comfort and flavor without needing much time or effort.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy corn, celery, tender pasta, shredded chicken, green onions, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a rich buffalo sauce made with mayonnaise. If you enjoy the zesty kick of buffalo sauce, this pasta salad is sure to please. It's a great option for lunch or as a side dish during the summer.

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    Meatball Pasta Bake

    Meatball Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

    The Meatball Pasta Bake is a simple dish that cooks entirely in the oven, so you don’t have to worry about multiple pots and pans. It features frozen meatballs, gooey mozzarella cheese, penne pasta, and your go-to marinara sauce. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Spinach and Tomato Pasta

    Spinach and Tomato Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    Healthy and light pasta dinners can be quick and simple. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a fresh and tasty pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. These recipes are designed to fit into your busy schedule while still being satisfying and enjoyable.

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      19 Deliciously Easy Crockpot Summer Dinners You Can Prep in Minutes

    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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