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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Weeknight Pasta Dinners That Are Both Fast and Fabulous

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

    Weeknight dinners can be a breeze with the right pasta recipes. These 22 quick and easy pasta dishes are perfect for busy evenings, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients that will please everyone at the table. From creamy sauces to fresh veggies, there's something here for every pasta lover.

    Chili Mac

    Gluten-free Chili Mac
    Photo Credit: Whole New Mom.

    This dinner is simple and sure to please everyone in the family. It all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it can be made dairy-free and is gluten-free as it is.

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    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna

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

    No-Boil Lasagna is a quick and easy dish that you can prepare in just 10 minutes. There's no need to boil the noodles beforehand, which saves time and effort. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Lemon Pasta

    Lemon Pasta on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    Lemon pasta is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in no time. It pairs well with any protein you like, making it a flexible option for dinner. This recipe is easy on the wallet and can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti

    Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Creamy Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that combines soft pasta, a rich and creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This simple recipe uses just five ingredients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It brings the classic flavors of Italian cooking right to your dinner table in a way that the whole family will enjoy.

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    One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo

    One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo.
    Photo Credit: Tiffin and Tea.

    One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo is a simple dish that comes together with just a few ingredients. In about 30 minutes, you can have a tasty meal that everyone will love. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with vegetables, making it a healthier option that everyone will enjoy. It's a simple and quick meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight. With fresh ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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    One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

    A bowl of macaroni cheese burger soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cheeseburger soup is a quick and simple meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, all in one pot. It's a creamy and cheesy dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup brings the flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm and comforting bowl.

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    Rigatoni Bolognese

    Rigatoni Bolognese (1).
    Photo Credit: Living Lou.

    This easy Rigatoni Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that brings a lot of flavor to your dinner table. Made with a mix of ground beef, pork, and sausage, this hearty meat sauce is great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at a gathering. It pairs perfectly with rigatoni, making it a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

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    Penne Napoli

    Penne Napoli.
    Photo Credit: Delicious by Design.

    Penne Napoli is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the goodness of fresh ingredients. With garlic, onions, and basil mixed into a rich tomato sauce, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. It comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

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    Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This dish is warm and comforting, featuring a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and long pasta. It's ideal for chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying. With its rich flavors, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Bean & Pasta Casserole

    Bean & Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Hurry The Food Up.

    This vegetarian casserole features hearty white beans, filling pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a comforting meal that's great for a healthy and satisfying dinner. It's a simple dish that brings together wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a warm and nourishing dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tuscan Chicken Pasta

    Tuscan chicken pasta.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This one pot pasta is a great choice for a quick and tasty meal. Penne pasta is mixed with a creamy tomato sauce, along with pieces of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, and spinach. It's a simple dish that brings together a variety of flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Vegan Parsley Walnut Pesto

    Vegan Parsley Walnut Pesto.
    Photo Credit: The Simple Green.

    This vegan parsley walnut pesto is easy to whip up and packed with fresh greens and walnuts. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner during busy weeknights. The recipe yields about 1 ½ cups of pesto, which is enough to serve four people with pasta.

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    Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli

    Vegetarian pasta soup.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Treaty.

    This thick and creamy pasta and bean soup is packed with flavor from rosemary, garlic, and smoked paprika. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice touch, and pairing it with some fresh bread turns it into a warm and comforting meal. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter

    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter.
    Photo credit: The Sage Apron.

    This recipe features Matsutake mushrooms, which are also called pine mushrooms. With just five ingredients, it’s an easy dish that showcases the unique flavor of these mushrooms. Perfect for a quick meal, this dish is simple to prepare and brings a taste of the forest to your table.

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    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    This pasta salad is packed with flavor and is perfect for a quick meal. It features salami for those who enjoy meat, along with two types of cheese that add creaminess. Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness, while the dressing combines tangy and garlicky notes with a hint of sweetness from honey. It's a simple dish that’s satisfying and great for busy weeknights.

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    Company Casserole

    Company Casserole (Ground Beef Pasta Casserole)
    Photo Credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    Company Casserole combines ground beef and pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that's loaded with cheese. It's a dish that everyone, from kids to adults, loves. This casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're hosting friends and family.

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    Orange Sesame Noodle Salad

    Orange Sesame Noodle Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Herbeevore.

    This orange sesame noodle salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish, packed with fresh greens and a sweet sesame dressing. It's simple to prepare and works well as a side dish or a light lunch. Perfect for busy weeknights, this salad brings a refreshing twist to your dinner table.

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    Cheeseburger Macaroni

    CHEESEBURGER MACARONI.
    Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    This recipe makes easy, cheesy hamburger mac in about 30 minutes. This one-pot dish couldn't be easier!

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    Spaghetti Pasta Salad

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing side that works well for barbecues or picnics. It's loaded with fresh veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it a great addition to any meal. Once the pasta is cooked, you can whip this up in just 10 minutes.

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    Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

    Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This creamy vegan pumpkin pasta sauce is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up on the stovetop. Packed with veggies like onion and spinach, it’s flavored with dried sage, marjoram, and garlic. It’s a great option for a filling weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough to impress your friends or serve at a Thanksgiving gathering.

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    Chicken Marsala Fettuccine

    Chicken Marsala Fettuccine.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Chicken Marsala Fettuccine is a classic Italian dish that brings together the delicious tastes of chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine. It's a filling and cozy meal that's great for a quick dinner but also nice enough to serve to guests. This dish is all about enjoying good food without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    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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