15 Easy Pasta Dinners for Weeknights

Pasta is one of the most versatile comfort foods around, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive weekend meals. It pairs beautifully with bold flavors like spicy seasonings, rich sauces, fresh produce, and savory proteins. Whether you want something light and bright with lemon, creamy and comforting, or bold and spicy, this list brings together a wide range of pasta recipes that keep dinner exciting. Each dish combines simple prep with delicious results so you can enjoy pasta again and again without repeating the same flavor.

Italian Sausage Pasta

A bowl of cooked macaroni pasta mixed with a creamy orange sauce and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a wooden board with a fork nearby. — Italian Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

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Sliced Italian sausage simmers with tomatoes, herbs, and pasta for rich, savory flavor. Sweet or spicy sausage adds depth and a bit of heat. Toss with parmesan for extra richness. A hearty meal that feels like a cozy Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage 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.

Seared scallops meet nutty brown butter over pasta for elegant flavor. The brown butter adds toasted richness that coats every strand. A squeeze of lemon lifts the dish. Simple yet sophisticated seafood pasta.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Bowl of penne pasta mixed with sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers, next to a bowl of grated cheese on a light surface. — Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bold jerk seasoning and creamy sauce bring Caribbean flair to pasta. Peppers and herbs add color and tasty heat. Chicken or shrimp make it a hearty meal. A fun twist on creamy pasta favorites.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A pan full of spaghetti and tomatoes on a tablecloth. — Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Briny olives, capers, and tomatoes make a bold, punchy sauce for pasta. Garlic and red pepper flakes add savory heat. Ready in minutes with pantry staples. A flavorful weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Baked Feta Pasta

A serving of baked pasta with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs on a white plate with a fork; a casserole dish is visible in the background. — Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cherry tomatoes and a block of feta roast until bursting, then mix with pasta. The cheese melts into a creamy, tangy sauce. Fresh basil lifts the whole dish. A viral favorite that lives up to the hype.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Roasted chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and pasta cook together on one pan. Finishing with fresh basil and balsamic brings Caprese charm. Minimal cleanup and big flavor. Great for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A plate of pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy white sauce, served with a fork on a white plate. — Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ricotta mixed with lemon zest and juice coats pasta for a creamy, bright sauce. Olive oil and parmesan finish it with smooth richness. Fresh herbs add fragrance. Light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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.

Shrimp tossed in Cajun spices with creamy sauce over pasta brings heat and richness. The seasoning blends bold flavor with smooth texture. Add parsley and lemon for brightness. A spicy seafood treat.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Two white bowls of pasta topped with mushrooms, grated cheese, and a sage leaf on a wooden table, with a glass of dark beverage, a fork, and a napkin nearby. — Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted butternut squash purees into a creamy, sweet sauce with sage and cream. The texture is silky and comforting. Parmesan adds saltiness. A cozy pasta great for fall and winter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

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.

Fresh spinach with lemon zest and crumbled feta tossed with pasta. Bright citrus and salty cheese balance the greens. A drizzle of olive oil brings it all together. Light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. — Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Slow‑cooked chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning meld into creamy pasta. The slow cooker deepens flavor while keeping chicken tender. Stir pasta in near the end. A rich, hearty favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Ripe avocado blended with basil, garlic, and olive oil makes creamy pesto. Tossed with warm pasta for smooth, green flavor. Fresh and nutritious with rich texture. A great vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Roasted eggplant and ricotta pesto coat pasta with Mediterranean vibes. Olives add briny contrast. The creamy pesto and soft eggplant make each bite rich. A flavorful vegetarian dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Creamy Gochujang Pasta

A pan of cooked ramen noodles with mushrooms, green herbs, and sauce, being lifted with chopsticks. — Creamy Gochujang Pasta. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Korean chili paste adds umami and spice to a creamy pasta sauce. The result is bold and slightly spicy with balanced richness. Add veggies or protein if you like. A fusion dish with deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with shredded chicken and topped with grated cheese, placed on a light-colored surface with a fork nearby. — Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken, garlic, parmesan, and cream meld into rich, cheesy pasta in the crockpot. Cook slow and toss with pasta near the end. Smooth, cheesy comfort in every bite. Great for set‑and‑forget dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta