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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    30 Super Simple Pasta Recipes That Are Perfect for Any Occasion

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 29, 2025, updated March 28, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is one of the most versatile dishes you can make, perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you're in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, these 30 simple pasta recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients that everyone will enjoy. From classic spaghetti to creamy fettuccine, there's something here for every pasta lover.

    Incredibly Easy Pesto Pasta Salad

    Incredibly Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
    Photo Credit: project meal plan.

    This pasta dish is simple to make ahead of time and only needs six basic ingredients. It's a classic choice for any get-together.

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    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta

    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta
    Photo Credit: Sprinkles and Sprouts.

    This pasta is full of great flavors and has a light sauce that pairs well with grilled meats, roasts, or fried foods. It's a perfect side dish for any meal.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe gives a fun spin to the traditional carbonara, adding more flavor for a satisfying meal. It's a great option when you're looking for something delicious and comforting.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick way to whip up a tasty pasta sauce that has all the classic flavors. With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have, you can enjoy a hearty meal in no time.

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    Sardine Pasta Bolognese

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Krumpli.

    This pasta dish features sardines paired with a rich Bolognese sauce made with red wine and a blend of sun-dried and fresh tomatoes. It's a hearty meal that's sure to satisfy.

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    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This tuna and pasta dish is great for a filling family dinner. It's a flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce has a nice spicy twist. It's made with everyday seasonings that you probably already have at home, so it's easy on the wallet.

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    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    This smoked Italian pasta salad offers a tasty take on the classic dish, bringing in a rich smoky flavor that really elevates it. It's a great option for anyone who enjoys pasta salads with a bit of meat.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy delight that comes together quickly. With ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of herbs, it offers rich flavors with minimal effort.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is full of spicy and creamy flavors that everyone will love, even if you skip the vodka. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for any night of the week.

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    Ham Pasta

    Ham Pasta.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Ham Pasta is a comforting homemade dish that’s great for using up leftover ham. It’s an easy one-pan meal that also provides tasty leftovers.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With tender shrimp, well-cooked pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce, this meal is sure to please everyone.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is easy to whip up and packed with vegetables and flavor. It works well with either homemade or store-bought pesto and is delicious served hot or cold.

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    Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Ceviche Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Foodolic.

    Shrimp Pasta Salad features shrimp marinated in lemon, mixed with peppers, onions, and a touch of heat, all tossed with quinoa pasta. It's topped with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

    5-Ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Girl Gone Gourmet.

    Pasta in a creamy sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce is a simple and tasty dish. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta baked into a cheesy casserole. It's a comforting and classy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes, all in one pan to keep cleanup easy.

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    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with flavorful roasted tomatoes. It's a simple and tasty dish that doesn't take much work to prepare.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is super simple to prepare. It's perfect for a quick meal any night of the week.

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    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This pasta sauce is creamy and flavorful thanks to coconut milk, giving a fresh take on the usual tomato sauce. It's an easy recipe that will change how you think about cream in your pasta.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is a quick and easy dinner option that uses only 5 simple ingredients. You can whip it up in one pot and have it ready in under 12 minutes.

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    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole is filled with creamy, cheesy seafood and pasta. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

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    Pesto Chicken Pasta

    A plate of pesto chicken pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish turns simple chicken breasts into a tasty meal with a mix of basil pesto, creamy sauce, and tangy balsamic vinegar. It's a flavorful option that your family and friends will really enjoy.

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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 easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy pesto pasta is a simple and delicious dinner that you'll enjoy. With a bright pesto sauce blended with Greek yogurt, this dish comes together in just 10 minutes.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really tasty, perfect for a cozy meal. It's the kind of comfort food that everyone loves.

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    Turkey Ragù

    Easy Turkey Ragù Recipe
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This turkey ragù is a favorite in many homes. It's a quick and tasty pasta dish that's perfect for a busy night.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Shrimp Carbonara offers a fresh take on the traditional Italian dish, ready in just 10 minutes. It combines the creamy richness of Carbonara with tender shrimp, creating a delicious meal without the need for cream.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is a dream come true for cheese and pasta fans. With a mix of two cheeses, a zesty kick from Gorgonzola, and a satisfying crunch from walnuts, it’s a simple dish that comes together in under 40 minutes.

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    Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

    Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad is full of flavor thanks to a creamy tahini dressing, fresh herbs, and a variety of colorful vegetables. It's a tasty take on a classic salad that you'll definitely enjoy.

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare using ingredients you probably already have at home. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

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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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