14 Recipes Perfect for Busy Nights and Lazy Weekends

Pasta is one of those ingredients that can do it all, quick weeknight dinners, cozy comfort meals, and crowd pleasing sides. This collection brings together creamy pastas, crispy snacks, fresh pasta salads, and bold flavor combinations that work year round. If you are looking for easy pasta recipes that deliver big flavor without complicated steps, this list has something for every craving.

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta closeup partial of finished dish cropped horizontal. — 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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This creamy chicken corn and pasta comes together fast and delivers serious comfort. Bowtie pasta, seasoned chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon make every bite rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

A white bowl filled with crispy, golden-brown baked bowtie pasta chips on a white surface. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer pasta chips are crispy, crunchy, and perfect for snacking. They are easy to make and great for serving with your favorite dips.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Pasta Chips (Easy Recipe!)

A white bowl filled with crispy baked rigatoni pasta chips topped with grated cheese, with a bowl of marinara sauce and garlic visible in the background. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips (Easy Recipe!). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan turn cooked pasta into crispy chips in the air fryer. They make a fun snack and pair perfectly with warm marinara for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips (Easy Recipe!)

Autumn Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta salad with spinach, roasted squash, pecans, and feta cheese, placed on a textured mat, with a spoon and sliced squash nearby. — Autumn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This autumn pasta salad is hearty and full of cozy flavor. Roasted squash, crunchy nuts, and seasonal dressing make it a satisfying side or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Pasta Salad

Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon and hard boiled eggs. It is rich, filling, and packed with texture, making it great on its own or alongside greens.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A bowl of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, black olives, broccoli, red onion, and a creamy dressing, garnished with parsley. — Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This bacon ranch pasta salad is creamy, smoky, and full of crunch. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Baked Feta Pasta

Creamy baked feta melts into tomatoes and herbs to create a simple but bold pasta dish. It is comforting, flavorful, and perfect when you want something easy but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

This tofu pasta salad is light, fresh, and packed with plant based protein. Tossed with summer vegetables and balsamic dressing, it works well as a meal or side.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

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

This lemon pasta is bright, fresh, and full of citrus flavor. It is a simple dish that feels light but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad brings together creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. It delivers classic BLT flavor in an easy pasta salad form.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

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.

Seared scallops and sage brown butter turn this pasta into a restaurant style meal. It is rich, elegant, and perfect for a special dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

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

This Brussels sprouts pasta is ready in about 25 minutes and packed with flavor. Bacon, sun dried tomatoes, and artichokes add richness that makes it feel impressive.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A baked pasta casserole topped with chopped green onions sits in a square dish on a blue patterned cloth, with a serving on a plate nearby. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This buffalo chicken pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. It is an easy baked dish that works well for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A plate of pasta with shrimp, sliced bell peppers, green onions, and a creamy sauce, served with a fork and knife on the side. — Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This Cajun shrimp pasta is creamy with a gentle kick of spice. It makes a flavorful midweek dinner and pairs nicely with a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Pasta