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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    46 Easy Pasta Recipes for When You Just Can't Even

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 4, 2024, updated December 4, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to meal for so many of us, especially when life gets busy. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a satisfying dish in no time. Here are 46 easy pasta recipes that will help you get dinner on the table without any fuss.

    Pasta Fresca

    Pasta Fresca.
    Photo credit: Profusion Curry.

    Pasta Fresca is a quick meal that brings together classic Italian flavors in just 20 minutes. With tender pasta, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms cooked in a tasty sauce with garlic and a bit of cream, this is a satisfying dinner for busy nights.

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    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad is great for lunch or dinner. It's an easy and tasty dish that you can whip up quickly, making it ideal for busy days.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Pesto Pasta

    Easy Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Joy Food Sunshine.

    Pesto pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for dinner. It works well as a main dish or a side, and you can enjoy it either hot or cold.

    Get the recipe.

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

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

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really tasty. It's the perfect comfort food for when you just want something satisfying without putting in a lot of effort.

    Get the recipe

    No-boil Mac and Cheese

    A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to whip up. In just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan dish loaded with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's full of vegetables and flavor, and you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon creme fraiche pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon and chives come together in this delicious pasta dish. It's a great option when you want something tasty without putting in too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    A bowl of pappardelle pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish comes together in no time and is super easy to make. With tasty noodles, fresh pesto, and healthy veggies, you can enjoy a great meal at home in less than 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up this tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. It's a light and refreshing meal that highlights the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Pasta

    Lemon Pepper Pasta.
    Photo credit: Pretty Delicious Life.

    Lemon Pepper Pasta with parmesan is a tasty dish that your family will love. With just a few simple ingredients you probably have at home, this is a quick and easy dinner that still feels special.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken pasta dish is ready in 30 minutes and is super easy to make. It features a creamy homemade alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a great choice for a cozy weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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

    This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and is sure to impress everyone at the table. With a tasty mix of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, it’s easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    finished pasta with chicken and feta cheese
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese adds a delicious twist to this creamy pasta sauce. This is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without putting in too much effort!

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta

    A bowl of red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Red Wine Pasta Sauce is ready in just 30 minutes and is always a hit. With rich flavors from red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it’s a great dinner option that also tastes fantastic for lunch the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a super easy pasta dish that anyone can whip up. Perfect for nights when you just want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a simple dinner that comes together quickly, taking less than 90 minutes from start to finish. Packed with broccoli, chicken, and cheese, this dish offers a comforting meal with a healthier touch.

    Get the recipe

    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This Italian pasta dish is simple to prepare and uses just a few ingredients. It's perfect for when you're feeling too tired to think about cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce gets a kick with some added spice. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting pasta dish without too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Cavatappi

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

    Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious version of the popular dish from Noodles & Company. With fresh homemade basil pesto, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can whip up a rich and satisfying meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that combines juicy shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This is a simple meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Seafood Pasta Bake is a simple dish that comes together in about 45 minutes, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. Packed with shrimp and mussels, it’s full of flavor from white wine, marjoram, lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

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

    This vegetarian carbonara uses halloumi in place of bacon or guanciale. It's a simple and satisfying dish that's perfect for when you're feeling too tired to think.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A creamy tomato sauce with a kick, combined with crispy bacon, is always a hit. This dish is perfect for when you want something comforting without putting in too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare and can be ready in under an hour. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce and spinach, it’s a tasty and easy meal for a weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with perfectly cooked shrimp for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple and quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. It's perfect for when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

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

    This vegan alfredo sauce is super simple and only needs 5 ingredients. It’s creamy and tasty, and you can whip it up in just 15 minutes without any real cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Pasta with garlic and olive oil is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for when you want something quick and satisfying. It’s like a fancy version of buttered noodles that’s easy to whip up.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    Dump-and-Bake Chicken Spinach Pasta is perfect for a weeknight meal. It takes just over an hour to prepare, with only 10 minutes of hands-on time, and it's creamy and cheesy, making it a hit with the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    Fried spaghetti.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry and spaghetti come together in a dish that's so good you'll want to have it every week. It's a simple meal that's perfect for when you're too tired to think.

    Get the recipe

    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 super easy to prepare with just four ingredients and some ready-made options. You can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic, packed with even more flavor. It's perfect for when you want something tasty without putting in too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta

    15-minute cherry tomato pasta with spinach and walnuts in a black skillet and in a white bowl topped with burrata, all on a white table decorated with cherry tomatoes on a branch and basil leaves
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with crunchy walnuts is a quick and easy dish that packs a lot of flavor. It's great on its own, but adding a ball of mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with vegetables, making it a healthier option you'll definitely enjoy. It's perfect for when you want something easy and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is quick, easy, and packed with all your favoriter buffalo flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of Vodka Pasta is spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor, and you can make it without any vodka at all. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for when you're too tired to think.

    Get the recipe

    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 and a side of bread turn it into a cozy dinner that's perfect for a relaxing night.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be super simple with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is an easy meal for when you're too tired to think.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This recipe features a simple tahini sauce that highlights the rich flavor of tahini. With just a few easy ingredients, it comes together quickly and effortlessly.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese come together for a delicious meal. This is a great dinner option when you're feeling too tired to think.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a quick pasta dish that you'll want to make again and again. It's perfect for when you're too tired to think and just want something easy to eat.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy, using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for nights when you just want something simple to eat.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

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

    This pasta dish is loaded with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and dried herbs, making it a tasty option for dinner using simple ingredients. The combination of these ingredients creates a meal that's anything but ordinary.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

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

    Coconut milk gives a basic tomato pasta sauce a creamy and flavorful twist. Once you try this easy recipe, you'll forget all about using heavy cream!

    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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    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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