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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Simple Pasta Recipes That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 11, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to for quick and satisfying meals, and with these 23 simple recipes, weeknight dinners can be both easy and exciting. From classic favorites to creative twists, there's something here for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a creamy sauce or a fresh veggie dish, these ideas will help you whip up delicious pasta in no time.

    Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

    Basil Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Champagne Tastes.

    Basil pesto pasta salad is a delicious dish that works well as a main course or a side. It's packed with garlic and nutritional yeast for extra flavor. This salad is perfect for making ahead of time, making it a great option for camping trips or road trips.

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    Ground Beef Stuffed Shells

    STUFFED SHELLS WITH GROUND BEEF.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin Mamas.

    This dish is a satisfying and tasty option for dinner. Soft pasta shells are filled with flavorful ground beef and covered in a rich pasta sauce, finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy, and it comes together in just 35 minutes.

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    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    An easy meatball casserole combines uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce into a simple one-pan dinner. There's no need to boil the pasta or brown the meatballs beforehand; just layer everything in a casserole dish and let the oven handle the cooking. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Taste for Travel.

    This pizza pasta salad is a fun twist on a classic dish. It's loaded with sliced pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette that brings everything together. Best of all, it comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Creamy Mushroom Pasta in 10 Minutes

    Creamy Mushroom Pasta in 10 Minutes.
    Photo Credit: Belly Rules the Mind.

    Creamy mushroom pasta can be ready in just 10 minutes with this simple Instant Pot recipe. This comforting dish combines earthy mushrooms with a smooth white wine sauce, creating a rich flavor that feels special. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home or even for entertaining guests, all without requiring much time or effort.

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    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No Boil Baked Ziti
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Baked ziti is a comforting dish that brings all the flavors together with minimal effort. There's no need to boil the pasta or cook the meat separately; just layer everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Quick Burst Tomato Pasta With Halloumi

    Quick Burst Tomato Pasta With Halloumi.
    Photo Credit: The Greek Foodie.

    This pasta dish with cherry tomatoes and halloumi is perfect for when you have fresh, ripe tomatoes on hand. The combination of red pepper flakes, garlic, and basil really enhances the tomato flavor, while the fried halloumi adds a nice touch. It's a simple and relaxed way to enjoy summer cooking.

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    Lemon Caper Pasta

    Lemon Caper Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Real Recipes.

    Lemon Caper Pasta brings the flavors of a cozy Italian restaurant right to your kitchen. It's light, zesty, and a great choice for a quick weeknight meal. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a refreshing twist that makes dinner feel special, even on the busiest nights.

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    Green Pasta Salad With Edible Flowers

    Green Pasta Salad With Edible Flowers.
    Photo Credit: The Pasta Project.

    This green pasta salad is healthy, fresh, and delicious, with the added bonus of edible flowers that make it visually appealing. It's a great choice for a light lunch or as a side dish. This salad is perfect for springtime gatherings, Mother's Day, or any special occasion.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on my Plate.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for a simple family dinner or a dish that everyone will enjoy at gatherings. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, cooked pasta, and fresh veggies all mixed together in a creamy ranch dressing. This salad is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

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    Grinder Pasta Salad

    Grinder Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mama Needs Cake.

    Italian grinder pasta salad brings all the delicious flavors of grinder sandwiches into a tasty pasta dish. It's loaded with savory Italian deli meats, fresh veggies, and a zesty creamy dressing. This pasta salad is great for picnics, potlucks, or even just a quick meal prep. If you need a simple and satisfying pasta salad, this one is definitely worth making!

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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 a single baking dish. It comes together quickly, taking less than an hour from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a delicious meal that feels like something you'd get at a restaurant.

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    Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

    Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    Creamy chicken tortellini soup is a simple and cozy dish that's great for chilly evenings. Packed with vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and cheesy tortellini, this soup comes together in just 35 minutes. It's a warm and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dizzy Busy & Hungry.

    Ravioli Casserole is a simple twist on traditional lasagna. It's easy to prepare and full of familiar, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy. This meatless dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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 for a busy weeknight.

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    Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

    Baked Ziti with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Ground Beef Recipes.

    Oven baked ziti is a comforting dish that everyone loves, featuring gooey cheese on top. It's easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a group. This hearty meal is great for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Ham Penne Pasta

    Baked Ham Penne Pasta.
    Photo credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

    Baked Ham Penne Pasta is a family favorite for any night of the week. Penne pasta, savory ham in a rich and creamy garlic cheese sauce is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for leftover ham!

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    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken pasta dish is ready in 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. It features a creamy homemade alfredo sauce, tender slices of chicken breast, and perfectly cooked noodles. This meal is a simple and satisfying option that your family will enjoy.

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    Cheeseburger Macaroni

    CHEESEBURGER MACARONI.
    Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Easy cheesy hamburger mac comes together in about 30 minutes. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It's a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

    Sundried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This pasta dish features a tasty mix of chewy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy chicken, and fresh baby spinach. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With its rich and hearty flavors, it’s a wonderful option for a comforting dinner at home.

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    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This taco pasta salad combines the best of both worlds, bringing together the flavors of a classic taco in a fun and easy pasta dish. It's a great option for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. With its vibrant ingredients and satisfying taste, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.

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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 that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights because you can use the ravioli straight from the freezer without any thawing. Just layer everything together and you're ready to eat.

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    Carbonara Pasta

    Carbonara Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    This creamy Carbonara sauce combines egg yolks, Parmesan, and cream for a rich and satisfying dish. It's simpler to prepare than traditional Italian Carbonara, yet it delivers the same smooth and indulgent flavor. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this sauce and enjoy it with any pasta you have on hand.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken tacos.
      23 Stupid Simple Recipes That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Irish beef stew.
      17 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners for the Busiest Weeknights
    • Slow cooked ribs.
      Simplify Your Summer Nights with These 20 Set-It-and-Forget-It Dinners
    • Sheet pan roast pork tenderloin.
      17 Simple Family Dinners You Can Just Dump and Forget

    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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