We all have that one friend who loves to remind us they can’t even boil water without a disaster. Well, it’s time to nudge them towards these simple pasta recipes gently. Because if they can tie their shoes, they can make these dishes—and emerge as unexpected heroes come dinnertime. Share the secret and watch the amazement when they realize gourmet-level meals can come together quicker than they can argue about where to order takeout from. Who knows, they might even start inviting you over for dinner.

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Social media didn’t lie about Baked Feta Pasta. It’s as easy as it is captivating, blending tangy feta with ripe tomatoes for a creamy sauce that clings to al dente noodles. Perfect for days when cooking feels more like a chore than a joy. Impress guests or treat yourself without stress. No cooking expertise is required to nail this one. It’s a dish that essentially makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you think salads are just for the health-conscious, the Steak & Pasta Salad will surprise you. It’s hearty and filling, thanks to succulent strips of steak combined with perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for an enjoyable lunch that won’t leave you searching for snacks. Serve it up at your next potluck and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s homey comfort in a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, and making it doesn’t have to be a day-long affair. This rich, velvety soup proves that simple ingredients can create magic on a chilly day. It’s the warm hug you didn’t know you needed. Best of all, it comes together with minimal fuss on your part.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever indulged in Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce? It’s a dish that lets the gnocchi be the star with a zingy, cheesy supporting sauce. It’s uncomplicated yet impressive, especially when you’re craving something a bit different. This dish is an effortless way to bring a touch of Italian elegance to any table, any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On those days when only a hearty soup will do, Pasta e Fagioli Soup comes to the rescue. This enjoyable blend is just the ticket for a nutritious, no-nonsense meal that comes together without a hitch. Perfect for batch cooking or a week of hassle-free dinners. Who said soup couldn’t be the main event?
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Twist up your pasta game with Greek Spaghetti. This dish is a fun fusion where pasta meets the vibrant flavors of Greece. It’s your ticket to a meal that’s as refreshing as it is wholesome. A meal that offers a sunny escape on a plate—that’s what you get with this recipe. Whip this up, and you might forget it’s a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Casseroles have a reputation for comfort, and Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is no exception. It’s a dish that promises all the flavors of the classic without the intricacy. This casserole’s simplicity is its real charm, turning weekday dinners into something to anticipate. Gather around the table for this one; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, there’s no better destiny than becoming a Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. This refreshing dish is a testament to simplicity’s power in the kitchen. Quick to prepare and always a hit for its taste of summer freshness. And the best part is it lets seasonal produce shine. End your day right with this pasta on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform a humble pasta dish into a showstopper with Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. This is where comfort meets convenience, thanks to the hearty filling and vibrant pesto that brings it all to life. A wonderful way to use up that leftover turkey. Plus, it’s just as good when reheated, making your work lunches something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is an ode to classic flavors done right. This blend of creamy ricotta with the bright burst of tomatoes is irresistibly simple. Perfect for those lighter meal days without compromising on flavor. Goes to show that you don’t have to be fancy to be absolutely delicious. It’s a straightforward path to a meal you’ll want to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take a shortcut without cutting corners with Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. This recipe is a clever use of that store-bought rotisserie chicken and is as much about convenience as it is about flavor. It’s the mid-week pick-me-up you never knew you needed, refreshing and hearty in one forkful. And cleanup is a breeze, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who says you can’t have pizza flavors in a pasta dish? Pizza Pasta Salad throws tradition out the window for a playful twist on two favorite classics. This fusion is an ideal addition to any picnic basket or a laid-back family dinner. It’s a conversation starter on a plate. Next time you’re puzzled over what to make, consider this mash-up your easy answer.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a weeknight warrior’s dream dish. With just a handful of ingredients, this meal packs a punch of robust flavor and takes minimal effort to get onto the table. Perfect for when you crave something hearty yet not too heavy. Plus, you’ll have everyone thinking you’ve been cooking for hours with this one.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When soup season hits, Chicken Gnocchi Soup should be in your arsenal. This bowl of comfort marries tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a creamy broth that’s simple to make yet feels indulgent, just right for those evenings when only a bowl of something soothing will do. It’s the spoonful of comfort that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring the flavors of the sea to your table with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s a light yet fulfilling dish that’s as breezy to make as it sounds. You can practically hear the waves lapping against the shore with this one. Providing a sunny outlook on any day, this salad is a reminder that a simple recipe can hold the essence of a seaside getaway.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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