When it comes to dinner, special doesn’t always mean complicated. Simple yet effective pasta recipes can transform ordinary evenings into delicious experiences. With a collection of 35 easy creations, dinner can shift from the mundane to something fantastic in no time. No restaurant reservations are needed for a meal that impresses; it’s all about bringing together flavors that create memorable occasions at home. This way, the focus remains on enjoying good food and company rather than worrying about lengthy preparation
Baked Feta Pasta
The viral sensation Baked Feta Pasta has taken kitchens by storm with its simplicity and bold flavors. This innovative dish involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and olive oil until the cheese is soft and creamy and the tomatoes are burst and juicy. Once baked, the ingredients are mixed with cooked pasta, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that coats each noodle. Often finished with fresh basil, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors – the saltiness of the feta, the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes, and the freshness of the herbs. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that transforms a few simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms
Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms offers a creamy, cheesy pasta experience that’s sure to please even picky eaters. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of chicken with spaghetti in a rich, cheese-based sauce, often including bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture. The absence of mushrooms makes it accessible to those who don’t enjoy fungi, while still maintaining a depth of flavor through other ingredients. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole-style pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Spaghetti With No Mushrooms
Pastitsio
Pastitsio, often referred to as Greek lasagna, is a layered pasta dish that’s both impressive and comforting. This baked pasta casserole features a bottom layer of tubular pasta mixed with a rich, spiced meat sauce, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that turns golden when baked. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg in the meat layer gives this dish its distinctive Greek flavor profile. Pastitsio is a perfect choice for those looking to explore Mediterranean cuisine or for anyone seeking a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that offers a delicious alternative to traditional Italian pasta bakes.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
Bringing the comfort of traditional lasagna to your dinner table has never been easier with Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef. This one-pan wonder combines layers of pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all cooked together in a single skillet. The result is a hearty meal that captures the essence of homemade lasagna without the lengthy preparation time. This streamlined version maintains the flavors you love while significantly reducing cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup
When you’re feeling under the weather or simply in need of comfort, Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup. This Italian staple, affectionately known as “Italian Penicillin,” is a simple yet nourishing broth-based soup featuring tiny star-shaped pasta. The gentle flavors of chicken broth, sometimes enhanced with a touch of Parmesan cheese and beaten egg, create a soothing and easily digestible meal. Its simplicity and gentle nature make it a go-to option for those seeking a light, warming dish that provides comfort in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Pastina Soup AKA Italian Penicillin Soup
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
A timeless favorite that has graced dinner tables for generations, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole combines creamy texture with delicious flavors. This budget-friendly dish brings together tender egg noodles, chunks of tuna, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy sauce, often topped with a crunchy breadcrumb or potato chip crust. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with different vegetables or cheeses to suit your family’s preferences. The casserole’s comforting nature and easy preparation make it a reliable choice for feeding a crowd or providing leftovers for busy days ahead.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Transform a classic pot roast into a hearty pasta dish with Italian Pot Roast Pasta. This fusion recipe takes tender, slow-cooked beef and combines it with pasta in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. The long cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in fork-tender meat that pairs perfectly with your choice of pasta shape. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional pot roast, bringing together the best of Italian and American comfort food in one pleasurable meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Few dishes evoke childhood memories quite like Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. This classic comfort food features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, often topped with additional cheese or breadcrumbs and baked until golden. The key to its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, particularly the cheese blend used. While variations abound, the traditional recipe relies on a combination of sharp cheddar and a melting cheese like Gruyère or fontina for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This timeless dish remains a favorite for both kids and adults, offering a comforting and filling meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Simplicity shines in Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes, a dish that celebrates the pure flavors of its few ingredients. This quick and easy meal combines your choice of pasta with dollops of creamy ricotta cheese and juicy, ripe tomatoes. The warm pasta slightly melts the ricotta, creating a light, creamy sauce that coats each strand or shape. A drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs are often all that’s needed to complete this elegant yet effortless dish. It’s a perfect showcase for fresh, seasonal tomatoes and a go-to recipe for those nights when you want something delicious with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Italian Wedding Soup
Despite its name, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings but rather represents the perfect marriage of ingredients. This flavorful soup combines small meatballs, typically made from a mixture of beef and pork, with tiny pasta shapes and tender greens in a light chicken broth. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese adds a subtle richness to the broth, complementing the tasty meatballs and fresh vegetables. This versatile soup can be enjoyed as a starter or a light main course, offering a balanced meal in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salads. This vibrant dish combines fluffy couscous with an array of colorful vegetables, including the star ingredient: smoked tomatoes, which add a unique depth of flavor. Tossed with a light vinaigrette and often including crumbled feta cheese and olives, this salad provides a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or a standout contribution to potlucks and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Warm and comforting, Tortellini Soup with Sausage combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with the delicate texture of cheese-filled tortellini. This robust soup features a flavorful tomato-based broth, enhanced with aromatic vegetables and herbs. The addition of sausage provides a tasty depth, while the tortellini offers pockets of cheesy goodness in every spoonful. Often finished with a handful of fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition and color, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s an ideal choice for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a filling, Italian-inspired dish that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad offers a fun twist on traditional pasta salads, combining the nutty flavor of pesto with the unique texture of orzo pasta. This versatile dish can be served warm or cold, making it suitable for various occasions. The orzo is tossed with a vibrant basil pesto, often complemented by additions like cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh mozzarella balls. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s both refreshing and fulfilling. This salad is an excellent choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own, and it can be easily customized with additional vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Celebrating the essence of warm days, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple yet vibrant dish that lets the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes shine. This recipe typically involves lightly cooking halved cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil until they burst, creating a fresh and rustic sauce. The warm pasta is then tossed with this sauce, allowing it to absorb the bright flavors. Often finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is a perfect showcase for ripe, in-season tomatoes. It’s a quick and easy meal that captures the pure, fresh flavors of Italian cuisine, ideal for those nights when you want something light yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Bringing together the flavors of the Mediterranean, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a light yet fulfilling dish perfect for warm weather dining. This colorful salad combines tender orzo pasta with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers, and briny olives and feta cheese. A tangy lemon and olive oil dressing ties all the ingredients together, while fresh herbs like dill or parsley add brightness. This versatile salad can be served immediately or chilled, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals or outdoor gatherings. The combination of protein-rich shrimp and flavorful Mediterranean ingredients creates a balanced and refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a luxurious twist on traditional baked pasta dishes, combining the best elements of lasagna and spaghetti casserole. This indulgent dish features layers of seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of cheeses, all sandwiching a layer of tender spaghetti. The casserole is then baked until golden and bubbly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Despite its decadent name, this dish is relatively easy to prepare and is perfect for feeding a crowd or providing multiple meals for a family. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing option that feels special without requiring extensive cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Utilizing the convenience of store-bought rotisserie chicken, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad offers a quick and easy solution for a hearty meal. This versatile salad combines tender chunks of chicken with your choice of pasta, typically mixed with a variety of crisp vegetables for added texture and nutrition. A creamy dressing, often mayonnaise-based or a lighter vinaigrette, brings all the elements together. This salad can be customized with different add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or cheese to suit your taste preferences. It’s an excellent option for meal prep, picnics, or as a refreshing dinner on warm evenings, providing a balanced meal with minimal cooking required.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Transforming a classic sandwich into a comforting casserole, Sloppy Joe Casserole brings together the beloved flavors of Sloppy Joes with the heartiness of a pasta bake. This family-friendly dish typically layers pasta with a rich, tangy ground beef mixture reminiscent of traditional Sloppy Joe filling, often topped with cheese and sometimes a layer of cornbread or biscuits. The result is a pleasurable one-dish meal that captures the essence of the sandwich in a form that’s easy to serve and share. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving the nostalgic taste of Sloppy Joes in a new format.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Pizza Pasta Salad
Combining two favorite foods into one tasty dish, Pizza Pasta Salad offers a playful twist on traditional pasta salad. This crowd-pleasing recipe typically includes pasta mixed with classic pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, and olives, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. The flavors meld together to create a taste reminiscent of pizza in a cool, refreshing salad form. Often served cold or at room temperature, it’s an excellent option for picnics, barbecues, or as a make-ahead lunch. This versatile dish can be easily customized with your favorite pizza toppings, making it a fun and adaptable recipe for various occasions.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a classic Italian pairing that brings together the bold flavors of spicy sausage with the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe. This robust dish typically features orecchiette pasta, whose small, ear-shaped cups are perfect for catching bits of sausage and vegetable. The broccoli rabe is often blanched to mellow its bitterness before being sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then tossed with the pasta and crumbled sausage. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish to this flavorful meal. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate bold flavors and want to incorporate more leafy greens into their pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Steak & Pasta Salad
Upgrading the standard pasta salad, Steak & Pasta Salad combines the heartiness of grilled steak with the versatility of a cold pasta dish. This salad typically features bite-sized pieces of tender steak mixed with pasta, often accompanied by a variety of crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. A tangy vinaigrette dressing ties all the elements together, while additions like crumbled blue cheese or feta can add an extra layer of flavor. This dish is perfect for those looking for a more substantial pasta salad that can serve as a complete meal. It’s ideal for hosting gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing dinner option that makes good use of leftover grilled steak.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Combining the comfort of soup with the heartiness of pasta, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken offers a nourishing and flavorful meal in a bowl. This warming soup features cheese-filled tortellini floating in a rich, herb-infused broth alongside tender pieces of chicken and nutrient-packed kale. The combination of the pasta’s cheesy goodness, the lean protein from the chicken, and the slight bitterness of the kale creates a well-balanced dish. Often garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect for cool evenings or when you’re in need of a comforting yet wholesome meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet in a delicious, soup form.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna
Bringing nostalgia to the dinner table, Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna recreates a beloved boxed meal from scratch with wholesome ingredients. This one-pan wonder combines ground beef, pasta, and a homemade cheese sauce, all cooked together to mimic the flavors and convenience of the original. The result is a creamy, beefy pasta dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. By controlling the ingredients, you can create a healthier version of this classic comfort food, adjusting seasonings to your liking and potentially adding vegetables for extra nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad offers a refreshing and protein-rich twist on traditional pasta salads. This versatile dish combines flaked salmon (either canned or leftover cooked salmon) with pasta and a medley of crisp vegetables, often including cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. A creamy dressing, sometimes enhanced with dill or lemon, brings all the elements together, complementing the rich flavor of the salmon. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon along with a variety of vitamins from the vegetables. It’s an excellent option for a light lunch, a cool dinner on warm evenings, or as a contribution to potlucks and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
This comforting recreation of the beloved Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table. The tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings swim in a rich, velvety broth that’s packed with homestyle goodness. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the classic flavors to shine through, making it a go-to meal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Beefy Lasagna Soup
Transform the layers of a classic Italian dish into a warm, comforting bowl with this innovative Beefy Lasagna Soup. This clever twist combines all the flavors you love in traditional lasagna – tasty ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese – in a convenient soup form. The broken lasagna noodles add a familiar texture while soaking up the rich, tomatoey broth. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy the essence of lasagna without the lengthy preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Lasagna Soup
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Experience the elegance of a French-inspired dish in a family-friendly format with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This deconstructed version of the classic recipe features tender chicken, tasty ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all baked to golden perfection. The creamy sauce ties all the elements together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. This casserole brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table without the fuss of individual chicken rolls, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Bring the flavors of a beloved Italian restaurant to your home with this Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. The al dente rigatoni pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the luscious, pink vodka sauce, which is enriched with a hint of cream and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The vodka in the sauce doesn’t add an alcoholic taste but instead enhances the flavors of the tomatoes and cream, creating a beautifully balanced dish. This recipe allows you to recreate a restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen, impressing your family and guests with its authentic taste and creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Spice up your dinner routine with this vibrant Cajun Pasta with Shrimp that brings the bold flavors of Louisiana to your plate. The succulent shrimp are seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, adding a kick of heat and depth to the dish. The pasta soaks up the flavorful sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with the essence of Cajun cuisine. This recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a complete meal that’s both filling and quick to prepare – ideal for those who love a bit of spice in their life.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup takes the classic comfort food to new heights with its rich and velvety texture. The addition of cream transforms the traditional clear broth into a luxurious base that coats each noodle and piece of tender chicken. Packed with vegetables and herbs, this soup offers a nourishing meal that’s perfect for cold evenings or when you need a bit of comfort. The familiar flavors combined with the creamy twist make this soup a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Greek Spaghetti
Transport your palate to the Mediterranean with this flavorful Greek Spaghetti that combines the best of Italian and Greek cuisines. The spaghetti is tossed with a medley of Greek-inspired ingredients like olives, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano. A drizzle of olive oil brings all the flavors together, creating a light yet pleasurable pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add some variety to their pasta rotation, offering a refreshing and easy-to-make meal that’s full of bright, sunny flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
These Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are a showstopper that will impress both kids and adults alike. The oversized pasta shells are filled to the brim with a creamy, herb-infused cheese mixture that melts beautifully when baked. Nestled in a bed of tangy tomato sauce and topped with more cheese, these shells offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish is not only visually appealing but also provides a fun and interactive eating experience, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Light and refreshing, this Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce offers a lovely twist on traditional gnocchi dishes. The pillowy potato dumplings are coated in a bright, citrusy sauce that’s enriched with the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. The lemon adds a tangy note that cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a beautifully balanced dish. This recipe is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something comforting yet not too heavy, and it comes together quickly for an effortless weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Recreate a restaurant favorite at home with this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo that rivals the original. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats each strand of fettuccine perfectly, while the plump shrimp add a seafood flavor and texture. The recipe captures the essence of the beloved Olive Garden dish, allowing you to enjoy it anytime without leaving your house. This indulgent pasta dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
These Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto offer a lighter take on the classic stuffed pasta dish. The ground turkey provides a lean protein option, while the pesto adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor that complements the mild turkey beautifully. The jumbo pasta shells hold the flavorful filling, creating perfect individual portions that are both fun to eat and visually appealing. This dish is an excellent way to introduce new flavors to your pasta rotation, combining Italian-inspired elements in a unique and delicious way that’s sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
