19 Easy Pasta Recipes That Make Dinner Feel Effortless

If you love simple pasta dishes that deliver big flavor without a lot of work, this roundup has something for every craving. From cheesy baked favorites and fresh tomato pastas to bold Italian classics and light, veggie-packed salads, these recipes are perfect for quick weeknight meals or cozy weekend dinners. They use everyday ingredients, come together fast, and prove that great pasta does not have to be complicated. Get ready to find a new go-to recipe or two.

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

A baked pasta casserole with melted cheese, herbs, and visible pieces of sausage in a white dish, with a serving removed. — Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

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Creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes come together in this warm and comforting pasta dish. It works beautifully as a simple entree or a hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Penne Pasta Bake

Baked penne pasta with ground meat, tomato sauce, and melted cheese in a white baking dish, partially served with a wooden spoon. — Penne Pasta Bake. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This satisfying pasta bake combines penne, a rich beefy marinara, and plenty of melted cheese. It bakes until bubbly and golden for a cozy dinner that is perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

A white bowl of fusilli pasta topped with shredded cheese, green edamame, prosciutto, and fresh herbs sits next to a metal fork on a textured surface. — Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made with tomatoes, nuts, and basil, this fresh Sicilian style pesto creates a bright and flavorful sauce. Tossed with pasta, it is a refreshing dish that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pesto Pasta Salad

A bowl of bowtie pasta mixed with green beans, red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a green pesto sauce. — Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Al dente pasta, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan come together for a light and flavorful pasta salad. It is great for potlucks, picnics, or easy summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad, mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella balls, olives, red onion, and pesto. A small bowl of pesto and fresh vegetables are nearby. — Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Cheese filled tortellini are tossed with basil pesto and fresh veggies for a quick and colorful salad. It is a simple option for lunches, picnics, or weeknight sides.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Pizza Casserole (Pizza Pasta Bake)

A plate of pasta topped with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, mushrooms, and green peppers, served with a fork. — Pizza Casserole (Pizza Pasta Bake). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This hearty pasta dish mixes ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, and cheese for a fun twist on pizza night. It is customizable, comforting, and ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole (Pizza Pasta Bake)

Pasta e Piselli

A white bowl filled with pasta, green peas, grated cheese, and fresh mint leaves, placed on a wooden surface with a pink towel beside it. — Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A classic Italian dish made with pasta, peas, and Pecorino cheese. It is simple, comforting, and perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Pasta Fresca

A plate of rotini pasta with spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and grated cheese, surrounded by bowls of ingredients. — Pasta Fresca. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This quick pasta is made with fresh ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. It is simple, flavorful, and ideal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Pasta Salad without Mayo

A bowl of pasta salad with penne, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and grated cheese. — Pasta Salad without Mayo. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This refreshing pasta salad uses light Italian dressing instead of mayo. It is filled with veggies and perfect for barbecues, picnics, or easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo

Pasta Amatriciana

A bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and basil leaves, placed on a table with a napkin, fork, and bowls of grated cheese and red pepper flakes. — Pasta Amatriciana. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This bold Italian pasta features a rich tomato sauce with white wine, garlic, pancetta, and Pecorino Romano. It is flavorful, satisfying, and great for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Amatriciana

Pasta Bake with Chicken

A baked pasta casserole topped with melted cheese in a rectangular dish, placed on a gray surface next to a red striped cloth and a metal spoon. — Pasta Bake with Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This easy chicken pasta bake is cozy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a family. It works for weeknight dinners or as a dish to share at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Bake with Chicken

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Close-up of spaghetti with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, dollops of ricotta cheese, and a fork on a white plate. — Pasta Checca with Burrata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bursting cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata make this fresh Italian inspired pasta dish especially delicious. It is simple, bright, and perfect for warm weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

A bowl of pasta soup with chickpeas, kale, pasta shells, and shaved cheese, garnished with herbs and served with a spoon on a white plate. — Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This classic pasta and chickpea stew is hearty, comforting, and full of rustic Italian flavor. It is an easy, nourishing dish that is great for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

A bowl of fusilli pasta with cherry tomatoes, black olives, spinach, and basil. A small bowl of fresh spinach is next to it. A fork rests in the pasta bowl. — One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This easy one pot meal cooks pasta, spinach, and tomatoes together for a fresh and satisfying vegan dinner. It is quick, simple, and full of bright flavor.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

One-Pot Greek Pasta

A plate of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley. — One-Pot Greek Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A flavorful pasta dish inspired by Greek ingredients like olives, herbs, and fresh vegetables. Everything cooks in one pot for a fast and fuss free dinner.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Greek Pasta

Paccheri Pasta

A plate of baked pasta shells filled with ground meat, covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese, garnished with herbs. — Paccheri Pasta. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

A rich and meaty pasta dish made with paccheri, herbs, cheese, and red wine. It is bold, comforting, and perfect for Italian food lovers.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri Pasta

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

A casserole dish filled with baked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and fresh basil, with a white serving utensil. — Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A low carb twist on the viral feta pasta made with palmini noodles. It is quick, gluten free, and a great option for anyone looking for a lighter pasta alternative.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Pancetta Pea Pasta

A plate of creamy pasta with green peas, diced ham, grated cheese, and parsley, served in a white bowl with a fork. — Pancetta Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This creamy and savory pasta pairs crispy pancetta with sweet peas for a balanced and delicious meal. It is easy to make and full of comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pancetta Pea Pasta

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

A pan of cooked spaghetti with garlic and herbs, surrounded by a bowl of roasted tomatoes, grated cheese, basil leaves, and a garlic bulb on a white surface. — Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and spicy Calabrian chilies turn simple pasta into a flavorful Italian classic. It is quick, aromatic, and perfect when you want something easy but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino