When weeknights get busy, pasta can be a quick and satisfying solution for dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these 22 pasta recipes are perfect for whipping up a meal that the whole family will enjoy. From creamy sauces to fresh veggies, there's something here for everyone, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
Halloumi Pasta Primavera

In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up a tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. This dish is light and perfect for summer, showcasing the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream. It's a simple and fresh dinner option that everyone will enjoy.
Orzo Pesto Salad
Orzo Pesto Salad is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. With fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto, it has a nice Caprese vibe. This salad is great for busy weeknights, making it easy to prepare a meal or pack for lunch. It also works well as a vegetarian side dish that you can make ahead of time.
Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer. It's served cold and features artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh basil, making it a great side for any meal. This salad is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a nice addition to your warm-weather gatherings.
Instant Pot Cheese Tortellini
Creamy, cheesy tortellini is a comforting dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a simple dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is quick to prepare and sure to please.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish often found in Hawaiian restaurants. This creamy pasta salad combines mayonnaise with straightforward ingredients to create a dish that’s full of flavor. It's a great addition to any meal and perfect for gatherings or just a simple dinner at home.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
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.
One Pot Carbonara
This dish is perfect for pasta lovers and is super easy to clean up afterward. It's a simple meal that fits right into a busy weeknight schedule. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will appreciate.
Cream Cheese Pasta
Cream cheese pasta is a tasty vegetarian dish that comes together with just 10 simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. This creamy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. It's a great choice for a family meal that everyone will love.
Tuna Pasta With Pesto
This tuna pasta with pesto is a simple and tasty dish that comes together in no time. It's ideal for busy weeknights, as it only takes 20 minutes to prepare and cook in one pot. Enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
This simple bucatini cacio e pepe recipe uses just three ingredients and is a true classic. Inspired by a favorite dish from Anthony Bourdain's go-to restaurant in Rome, it captures the essence of Italian cooking. You can whip this up in only 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca
This quick pasta fresca is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It captures the flavors of the popular meal from Noodles and Company, but you can enjoy it at home anytime. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is all about making dinner easy and satisfying.
Spicy Vodka Pasta
This version of Vodka Pasta is spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It's a great dish that you can whip up quickly, and you can even make it without any vodka if you prefer. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta will satisfy your cravings without taking up too much of your time.
Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas
Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas is a simple one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It features classic Italian flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Creamy Curry Pasta
Creamy curry pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. It's filling and can be tailored to include your favorite proteins and vegetables. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e Piselli is a simple Italian dish that brings together pasta and peas. The sweetness of the peas pairs nicely with the pasta and cheese, creating a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, this easy pasta dish is a great choice for a comforting meal on busy weeknights.
20 Minute Penne Pomodoro
This dish features whole canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and penne pasta, creating a simple and satisfying vegetarian meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy this easy pasta dinner.
Creamy Baked Ziti
This dish combines soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for families, bringing a taste of Italy right to your dinner table. Everyone will appreciate this easy casserole that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
This 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is quick to prepare and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple yet satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
Smoked Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta
This one-pot Smoked Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta is a great way to change up your weeknight meals. With just six ingredients, it combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon and creamy crème fraîche, brightened up with lemon and dill. It's simple enough for a quick dinner but also feels special enough for entertaining or a nice evening in.
Instant Pot Bolognese
Save time in the kitchen with this Instant Pot bolognese! A rich and hearty pasta sauce, this instant pot recipe brings all the flavors of the classic dish simmered for hours into a quick meal with basic pantry ingredients.
Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Gochujang pasta is a creamy and spicy dish with a hint of sweetness that comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a quick and easy meal that packs a punch in flavor. Imagine pasta alla vodka, but with a twist from gochujang. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Baked Ravioli Casserole
Baked ravioli casserole is a quick and simple dish that you can whip up in about 20 minutes, with only 5 minutes of prep time. There's no need to boil the ravioli beforehand, which saves you time and effort. Using store-bought cheese ravioli makes this a perfect option for busy weeknights. You can even prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer for later.
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