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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Set It and Forget It: 20 Pasta Meals for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 11, 2025, updated October 8, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Looking to switch up your pasta routine? These dump-and-cook recipes will make meal prep a breeze and add some excitement to your dinner lineup. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can upgrade your pasta game in no time. Let's get cooking!

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is extra cheesy and requires no pre-cooking - simply dump, bake, and savor the comforting flavors of mozzarella and gorgonzola.

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    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this cajun casserole that's super easy to make. No need to boil the pasta - just bake it and enjoy the creamy sauce it creates.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Packed with spicy buffalo sauce, spinach, and loads of cheese, this is a simple and satisfying dish that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner!

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    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No Boil Baked Ziti
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    No need to boil noodles or brown meat - simply layer and bake for a delicious meal.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this dump-and-cook recipe that's simple, cheesy, and incredibly tasty - perfect for a cozy meal.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Enchilada Pasta

    Beef Enchilada Pasta
    Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    This Tex-Mex and Italian fusion one-pan pasta is quick, customizable, and suitable for both meat and plant-based diets. A great option for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that you can prepare ahead of time.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Enjoy the cheesy and delicious flavors that everyone will love.

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    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this super fast and simple pizza pasta bake. No need to precook the pasta - just mix everything in one pan and pop it in the oven for a cheesy dish bursting with delicious pizza flavors that your family will devour.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    Elevate your pasta game with this easy tuna pasta bake that's rich, tasty, and very cheesy, made using canned tuna and mozzarella cheese.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this easy and cheesy creamy pesto pasta bake made all in one pan. It's a delicious dish that's ready in under an hour, perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    Chicken alfredo on a plate.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this dump-and-cook recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Easily whip up a delicious Alfredo pasta in no time at all!

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    Bean & Pasta Casserole

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

    Elevate your pasta game with this simple vegetarian casserole that mixes white beans, pasta, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious and wholesome meal.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    Upgrade your pasta game with this easy Instant Pot bolognese recipe! Enjoy a delicious and satisfying pasta sauce made quickly using simple ingredients.

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    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Revamp your pasta game with this simple soup featuring Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. Easily whip it up on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot, or in your slow cooker.

    Get the recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this super simple Mac and Cheese recipe. It only takes 10 minutes to prep and 45 minutes in the oven for a deliciously cheesy dish with Cheddar and Gruyere - all made in one pan, no boiling required.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Easily make this creamy and delicious one-pot pasta that practically cooks on its own.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this easy dump-and-cook recipe featuring a hearty mix of chicken and broccoli, perfect for a satisfying dinner with plenty of leftovers.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this simple and delicious vegan pasta bake loaded with veggies. Enjoy it hot or cold for a satisfying meal.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Elevate your pasta game with this simple and delicious dish of cheesy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Upgrade your pasta game with this simple baked ravioli casserole that's ready in just 20 minutes, with only 5 minutes of prep. No need to boil the ravioli first, making it a perfect weeknight dinner using store-bought cheese ravioli. Plus, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      23 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Breast Recipes That Are on My Weekly Menu
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      23 Easy Fall Dinners My Family Asks for Every Week
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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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    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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