Give your weeknights a boost with pasta dishes that are quick, satisfying, and full of personality. From saucy classics to innovative twists, these recipes are easy to make and family-friendly. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty but fast. Each dish balances flavor, speed, and comfort to make pasta the highlight of your dinner.

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Heirloom Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Juicy heirloom tomatoes bring vibrant flavor to every bite of this pasta dish. Fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil elevate the simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Pasta Bake with Chicken

Pasta Bake with Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are baked together with a rich, cheesy sauce. Crispy topping adds texture while keeping the dish comforting and hearty. A reliable family-friendly dinner for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Bake with Chicken

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bright lemon, fresh spinach, and tangy feta create a Mediterranean-inspired pasta full of flavor. Quick to prepare, it works as a standalone vegetarian meal or with added protein. A fresh and satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Pesto-coated pasta meets flaked tuna, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner. Packed with protein and vibrant colors, it’s quick to make and satisfying. A light, wholesome choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta

Pasta in a Texas shaped cast iron skillet.
Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Bold Romano cheese and tender chicken combine with a touch of spice for a family-friendly pasta. Savory and creamy, every bite delivers rich flavor without heavy prep. A crowd-pleasing meal that comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Golden garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and Calabrian chili peppers make this classic Italian pasta bursting with flavor. Simple yet elegant, it’s ready in minutes and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet peas and a creamy sauce create a comforting vegetarian pasta that’s quick to prepare. Light, flavorful, and perfect for meatless Mondays. A simple, satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Juicy steak tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta makes an indulgent but easy weeknight dinner. Savory and rich, it’s perfect for a quick meal that feels special. A restaurant-quality dish made at home.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Roasted red peppers and a creamy plant-based sauce create a comforting vegan pasta. Packed with flavor and naturally dairy-free, it’s a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Perfect for anyone craving creamy goodness without meat or dairy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

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.

Crumbled sausage infuses this pasta with bold, savory flavor, complemented by slightly bitter broccoli rabe. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Affordable, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce.
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pan-seared scallops meet nutty brown butter and pasta for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Sage adds aromatic depth to the rich, decadent sauce. Quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background.
Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: .

Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers for a bright, flavorful meal. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation. A weeknight dinner that feels elegant without effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaked tuna combines with tomatoes and pasta for a simple, protein-packed weeknight dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s kid-friendly and easy to prepare. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken simmers all day in creamy, cheesy sauce for a tender, flavorful pasta dish. Slow-cooker convenience makes dinner effortless. Perfect for copying your favorite Olive Garden flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick Brussels sprouts pasta gets a flavor boost from bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Satisfying, rich, and packed with seasonal vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright, zesty lemon elevates simple pasta into a refreshing, light meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknights. A cheerful, tangy dish for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy bacon and Parmesan combine with low-carb noodles for a creamy, comforting carbonara. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. A healthy twist on the Italian classic.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

A fast and easy plate of pasta with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Warm pasta tossed in garlic butter and Parmesan makes a quick, flavorful dinner. A touch of lemon adds brightness, balancing the richness. Great served with ham or chicken for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Juicy shrimp and tender pasta come together with tomato for a quick, flavorful seafood dinner. Simple ingredients deliver maximum taste in minimal time. Perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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