If you love meals that are both easy and full of flavor, Kid-friendly pasta dinners will deliver. The recipes here work for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or sharing with friends. Simple ingredients come together for results that feel special.

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A bowl of kid-friendly pasta salad with vegetables and herbs sits on a white brick surface next to a black plate, two spoons, and salt and pepper shakers—perfect for easy pasta dinners.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with leftover rotisserie chicken, veggies, and a creamy dressing, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is always gobbled up fast!
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This refreshing and light seafood pasta salad is the perfect dish for summer. It combines shrimp, crab, and pasta in a flavorful creamy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Creamy Pea Pasta

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

Satisfy your cravings with Creamy Pea Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more. This meatless Monday favorite is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Penne Pasta Bake

A wooden spoon scooping a portion of penne pasta bake.
Penne Pasta Bake. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious recipe that combines cooked penne pasta with a rich, beefy marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping. Baked until bubbly and golden, the result is a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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

Slow cooker Olive Garden chicken pasta has tender, fall apart chicken that simmers all day in creamy & cheesy sauce! Copycat recipe you can make easily!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

Delicious and easy-to-make shrimp tomato pasta is a go-to recipe for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful meal. The best part is that the dish comes together quickly without fancy ingredients or complex techniques.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.
Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

If you’re looking for a simple recipe you’ll love this easy meatball casserole recipe! Simply dump the ingredients into one pan, stir and bake.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

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.

An easy, quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired pasta filled with lemon, spinach, and feta. It can be enjoyed as is for a vegetarian meal or topped with your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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

Cool nights call for hot, comfort food, and there’s not much better than this Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. The fresh pop of tomatoes and creamy ricotta play really nicely together in this hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s as good as a side as it is an entree.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor the taste of garlic butter shrimp pasta. It’s a delicious fusion of shrimp, pasta, and garlic-infused butter sauce.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

A close up of cheesy leftover taco meat pasta dish.
Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This cheesy taco pasta recipe has the savory flavors of Taco Tuesday with the comfort of pasta. It’s like my two favorite foods had a baby.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara recipe is a super quick and easy dinner for the whole family. Fully gluten-free, low carb, grain-free and diabetic friendly meal, you can prepare well in advance and enjoy day after day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

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.

This easy tuna pesto pasta recipe with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is a weeknight meal you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

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

Make the Best Low Carb Pasta Carbonara with low carb homemade noodles and crispy bacon bits as your Italian classic easy family dinner or a meal plans for the week. Our gluten-free, low carb, trim healthy mama, grain-free pasta carbonara made with homemade low carb pasta and topped with grated parmesan cheese will be your go-to recipe everyone will love.
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 is tossed in a simple garlic butter sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese and compliments ham perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter 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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