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    Home » Pasta

    26 Lazy Pasta Dinners for Nights You’re Completely Exhausted

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 12, 2025 · Published January 4, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    These 26 pasta dinners are perfect for those nights when you just don't have the energy to cook. Quick and easy to prepare, they offer a variety of flavors and ingredients that will satisfy your hunger without keeping you in the kitchen for long. Whether you're looking for something creamy, cheesy, or packed with veggies, there's a simple pasta dish here for everyone.

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, using just one dish and no need for any pre-cooking. Simply combine everything, pop it in the oven, and you'll have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy. With a mix of mozzarella and gorgonzola, it's packed with cheesy goodness and perfect for when you're feeling worn out.

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    Baked Tortellini

    20 Minute Baked Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Tortellini Bake is a simple and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. With only a handful of ingredients and made in one pan, it's an easy option for a cozy dinner with family or friends. The cheesy flavors come together beautifully, making it a dish everyone will enjoy.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It features tender shrimp, well-cooked pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce that brings everything together. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tortellini Salad

    Summer Tortellini Salad.
    Photo credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This tortellini salad is quick to put together with only 6 simple ingredients. It's perfect for gatherings or when you want something light to eat. Whether you're hosting friends or just need a simple meal, this salad fits the bill.

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    One Pot Mac and Cheese

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

    This creamy, cheesy one-pot mac and cheese is a quick and filling meal that everyone enjoys. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time cooking. Just throw everything together, and you'll have a comforting dish ready in no time.

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    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is simple to make and comes together in a flash. With only five ingredients, you can whip up a creamy and delicious sauce without any cooking involved. It's perfect for those nights when you just want something quick and satisfying.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna

    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Skillet lasagna is a simple and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It's perfect for impressing family and friends without putting in a lot of work. This dish combines all the classic flavors of lasagna in a quick and easy way, making it a great choice for busy nights.

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    Beet Pasta

    Beet Pasta.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Stories.

    A smooth and creamy pasta sauce comes together by blending soft beets with creme fraiche, feta cheese, sautéed onions, and garlic. This dish is perfect for impressing family and friends while also adding some vegetables to the meal. It's a simple way to enjoy a comforting dinner that feels special without requiring too much effort.

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is a great option when you want to put together a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, you can create something tasty that your family and friends will love. It's perfect for those evenings when you're feeling worn out but still want to enjoy a satisfying dinner.

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    Pesto Cavatappi

    Pesto Cavatappi.
    Photo credit: The Belly Rules the Mind.

    Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious twist on a popular dish from Noodles & Company. Featuring fresh basil pesto sauce, this pasta is a hit with everyone at the table. It's a simple and satisfying meal that brings comfort without requiring much effort.

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This creamy tahini pasta is a simple and delicious meal that can impress anyone at the dinner table. With its tangy and nutty flavors, it's perfect for busy nights when you don't have much time to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can have a satisfying dish ready to enjoy.

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    Spinach Lemon Orzo

    Spinach Lemon Orzo.
    Photo credit: Barley and Sage.

    Creamy spinach lemon orzo is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It features fresh spinach, zesty lemon, and basil all mixed into a rich sauce. This meal is perfect for a fast dinner or as a tasty side dish.

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    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    This dish brings together delicious lobster and scallops in a zesty lemon garlic wine sauce. It's a great choice for a special dinner with family and friends, adding a touch of elegance to your meal. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a delightful option for any occasion.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is easy to whip up and doesn't take much time at all. It's a great option when you want to impress family and friends without spending hours cooking. Perfect for those evenings when you're feeling worn out, this meal lets you enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple and quick, requiring just five ingredients and one pot. In under 12 minutes, you can have a tasty meal that will impress everyone at the table. It's perfect for those nights when you don't have much energy but still want to enjoy a satisfying dinner.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick vegetarian halloumi pasta can be ready in just 20 minutes, packed with fresh vegetables. This light and refreshing dish is perfect for a speedy dinner that highlights the flavors of the veggies.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly simple to make. With only four ingredients and a few store-bought items, you can have it ready in just five minutes and served in under 40. It's perfect for those evenings when you don't have much energy but still want a satisfying meal.

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    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    In less than 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy. This dish features crispy pancetta, fresh green peas, orecchiette pasta, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy evenings.

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    Pasta Fresca

    Pasta Fresca.
    Photo credit: Profusion Curry.

    This pasta dish is simple and quick to prepare, featuring perfectly cooked pasta, fresh tomatoes, baby spinach, mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. It's a satisfying meal that can easily impress family and friends. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish puts a fun spin on the classic Alfredo sauce. It's budget-friendly and perfect for nights when you just want something quick and satisfying.

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    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This dinner comes together in just 20 minutes with only 7 ingredients. It's a vegetarian option, but you can easily make it vegan or add chicken if you want something heartier. Perfect for those nights when you just don't have the energy to cook a big meal.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with spinach and walnuts is a simple dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Tossing in some mozzarella or burrata adds a nice touch that everyone will enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil come together in this dish. It's a great option for potlucks or simple dinners, providing a light and refreshing flavor. This meal is ideal for when you want something easy and satisfying without putting in too much effort.

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    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and combines sun-dried tomatoes with flavorful herbs. It's an easy meal that can impress anyone at the dinner table. Perfect for when you're feeling tired but still want to enjoy a tasty dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Pasta

    Lemon Pepper Pasta.
    Photo credit: Pretty Delicious Life.

    This dish comes together quickly and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It's a great option for impressing family and friends while keeping your time in the kitchen to a minimum. Perfect for those nights when you just want something delicious without putting in a lot of effort.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

    A bowl of halloumi carbonara.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish puts a twist on traditional carbonara by using halloumi cheese instead of bacon or guanciale. It's a tasty choice that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Cajun Alfredo pasta.
      31 Pasta Dishes That Are Faster to Make Than Ordering In
    • Cheeseburger macaroni.
      15 Protein-Packed Power Pasta Dinners to Keep You Going
    • Pasta with pancetta and peas.
      17 Easy 20-Minute Pasta Dinners You’ll Crave Every Week
    • This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
      15 Simple Five-Ingredient Pastas That Deliver Big on Flavor

    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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