• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Lifesaver Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 8, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    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

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Cheese Tortellini

    Instant pot tortellini.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Carbonara

    Carbonara.
    Photo credit: Num's the Word.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Cream Cheese Pasta

    Cream Cheese Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Tuna Pasta With Pesto

    Tuna Pasta With Pesto.
    Photo Credit; Maple + Mango.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

    Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca

    Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

    Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas.
    Photo Credit: Casual Foodist.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta e Piselli

    Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas).
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    20 Minute Penne Pomodoro

    A serving of penne pomodoro pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Ziti

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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

    Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Smoked Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Family Food Kitchen.

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken taco casserole.
      22 Family-Friendly Casseroles We Crave Right Now
    • BBQ chicken wings.
      20 Dump-And-Go Slow Cooker Recipes That Simplify Mealtime
    • Chicken cacciatore.
      26 Hearty Crockpot Dishes Perfect for Chilly Fall Nights
    • Chicken tacos.
      23 Stupid Simple Recipes That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Bolognese.
      22 Lifesaver Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights
    • Chicken soup.
      21 Easy Dinners for Busy Schedules
    • Lazy lasagna.
      Weeknight Pasta Made Easy: 24 Dump-and-Go Recipes You Need to Try
    • Orzo pesto salad.
      16 Flavor-Packed Veggie Dishes That Were Made for Potlucks

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB