17 Easy Pasta Dishes Full of Big Flavor

This pasta roundup is packed with recipes that balance comfort and fresh flavor in the best way. From creamy classics and zesty lemony dishes to hearty pasta salads and veggie-forward favorites, these meals are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a summer get-together, or a cozy night in, these pasta recipes bring variety, bold taste, and plenty of inspiration to the table.

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

A bowl of pasta with tomato sauce, garnished with parsley, sits on a plate with a fork. Fresh basil and a jar of extra sauce are in the background. — Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

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This dish uses a lighter pasta alternative paired with a classic marinara sauce. The tomato sauce is simmered until rich and aromatic. Garlic and herbs add depth without overwhelming the pasta. It delivers familiar Italian flavors in a simple format.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Shrimp Asparagus Pasta

Shrimp cooks quickly and stays tender in this pasta dish. Asparagus adds freshness and a slight crunch. The sauce lightly coats the noodles, allowing the seafood to stand out. It comes together fast and feels balanced.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Pasta

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Bright lemon flavor runs through every bite of this dish. The sauce is smooth and lightly coats the pasta. Cheese and seasoning round out the sharp citrus notes. It is simple yet full of character.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

A baked pasta casserole with rotini, diced ham, melted cheese, and chopped parsley in a white dish with part of the pasta scooped out. — Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ricotta creates a soft, creamy base for this pasta. Fresh tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. The ingredients blend into a light but satisfying sauce. It works well for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

High Protein Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with macaroni salad containing diced vegetables sits on a white surface next to a gold spoon and a light blue cloth. — High Protein Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

This pasta salad is built with hearty mix-ins that add texture. The dressing ties everything together without being heavy. It holds up well for leftovers. Each bite feels filling and structured.
Get the Recipe: High Protein Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken and bacon bring bold flavor to this pasta salad. Ranch dressing adds creaminess throughout. The pasta absorbs the dressing as it chills. It is a popular choice for shared meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with feta cheese, olives, chopped red onions, and pepperoncini, served with a wooden spoon; half a lemon is placed beside the bowl. — Lemony Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This salad features bright lemon flavor paired with Mediterranean ingredients. Olives and herbs add depth to the dish. The pasta stays firm and well coated. It tastes even better after resting.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Baked Feta Pasta

Feta softens and becomes creamy as it bakes with tomatoes. The sauce forms naturally when everything is mixed together. Pasta folds easily into the warm cheese. It is rich and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with corn, red onions, crumbled cheese, herbs, and lime wedges, served with wooden utensils. — Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This pasta salad borrows flavors from classic street corn. Creamy dressing coats the noodles evenly. Corn adds sweetness and texture. Each spoonful is bold and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella balls, black olives, and herbs, next to a wooden spoon and a bowl of green pesto. — Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Cheese-filled tortellini make this salad hearty. Pesto coats each piece with herb-forward flavor. The pasta holds the sauce well. It works nicely for lunches or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad focuses on fresh and simple ingredients. A light dressing keeps everything bright. Vegetables add color and crunch. It fits easily into warm weather menus.
Get the Recipe: Summer Italian Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto delivers strong herb and garlic flavor throughout the dish. The pasta is evenly coated for consistent taste. Add-ins bring extra texture. It is easy to prepare ahead.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

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

Butternut squash creates a smooth and velvety sauce. The pasta carries the sauce evenly. Subtle seasoning highlights the squash flavor. It feels warm and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Two plates of creamy tomato pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves, next to small bowls of salt and pepper on a light-colored table. — Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic Alfredo sauce gains extra heat in this version. The creaminess balances the spice. Pasta absorbs the sauce for a rich finish. Each bite has depth and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Pasta alla Carbonara

A close-up of spaghetti carbonara in a white bowl, garnished with parsley and grated cheese, with a fork twirling some pasta. — Pasta alla Carbonara. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This traditional pasta relies on a silky egg-based sauce. The heat from the pasta creates the creamy texture. Simple ingredients work together seamlessly. The result is rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Carbonara

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Eggplant becomes tender as it cooks into the sauce. Ricotta pesto adds creaminess and herbal notes. Olives bring a salty contrast. The layers of flavor build with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

A white plate with bow-tie pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, leafy greens, walnuts, and grated cheese, with a fork beside the food. — Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Roasted squash adds sweetness and depth to this pasta salad. Broccoli provides crunch and structure. Walnuts add texture throughout. The dish feels hearty and well balanced.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

Pasta alla Norma

A black pan filled with rigatoni pasta, sausage, mushrooms, tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil leaves on a woven placemat. — Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This classic pasta pairs eggplant with tomato sauce. The flavors deepen as the sauce simmers. Pasta carries the sauce evenly. It is simple and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma