20 Easy Pasta Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

If you love pasta but want to mix up your weeknight dinners, this roundup is packed with inspiration. From creamy, cheesy bakes to zesty, fresh pasta dishes and hearty one-pot meals, these recipes make dinner easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a cozy baked dish, a quick skillet meal, or a bold, spicy pasta, this collection has something for every mood and appetite. Each recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to bring big flavor to your table.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Bloody Mary Vodka Sauce

Shrimp is sautéed and tossed in a rich, tomato-based vodka sauce with a kick of spice. Fresh herbs and garlic enhance the bold flavors. The pasta absorbs the sauce for a creamy, flavorful coating. It is vibrant, indulgent, and slightly tangy.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Bloody Mary Vodka Sauce

Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe (Loaded with Vegetables!)

Penne pasta is baked with a variety of vegetables and melted cheese. A tomato-based sauce binds the ingredients together. The top layer browns to create a crispy, cheesy crust. The dish is hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe (Loaded with Vegetables!)

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Pasta is tossed in a creamy walnut sauce with hints of garlic and herbs. The sauce is nutty, rich, and slightly savory. Grated cheese adds depth. It’s a unique take on Italian pasta that is flavorful and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Creamy Veggie Pasta Recipe

A variety of fresh vegetables are combined with pasta in a creamy sauce. Herbs and seasonings enhance the flavors. The dish is colorful and filling. It works well as a main or family-style side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Veggie Pasta Recipe

Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Boursin cheese melts into a creamy, herb-flavored sauce. Pasta is baked until the top layer is golden. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. This version has become popular for its simplicity and indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Easy Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Recipe

Cherry tomatoes and feta cheese are roasted together and mixed with pasta. Olive oil and garlic infuse the sauce with flavor. The roasted ingredients create a slightly sweet, creamy sauce. It’s visually appealing and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Recipe

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Pasta is cooked with colorful bell peppers, spices, and a creamy coconut-based sauce. The dish features bold Caribbean flavors with a hint of heat. Protein such as chicken or shrimp can be added. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta is simmered in a tomato and bean-based soup with Italian seasonings. Vegetables like carrots and celery add texture. The broth is flavorful and hearty. It’s comforting and perfect for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Pasta is tossed with a simple lemon butter sauce. Freshly grated cheese and herbs add richness. The flavors are bright, tangy, and creamy. It’s elegant yet simple enough for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pasta is coated in a Sicilian-style pesto made with almonds, tomatoes, and basil. Olive oil and garlic enhance the sauce. The dish is aromatic, nutty, and slightly tangy. It’s a fresh take on classic pesto pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Chicken, pasta, and vegetables are cooked together in the Instant Pot. A buttery lemon sauce brings brightness and richness. Zucchini and squash add texture and freshness. The dish is quick, creamy, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Spicy Vodka Pasta

Pasta is coated in a tomato-cream vodka sauce with a spicy kick. Garlic and herbs enhance the depth of flavor. The sauce clings to the noodles for a rich, indulgent bite. It’s a bold and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Pasta with Eggplant

Roasted or sautéed eggplant is combined with pasta in a tomato or cream-based sauce. Herbs and cheese complement the earthy flavor of the eggplant. The pasta absorbs the sauce for a cohesive dish. It’s hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Eggplant

Taco Pasta Casserole

Ground meat, taco seasonings, and pasta are baked together. Cheese and salsa create a gooey, flavorful topping. The dish has layers of spice, texture, and comfort. It’s a family-friendly, easy casserole.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Casserole

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Sautéed Brussels sprouts are combined with pasta and a creamy or garlic-based sauce. Crispy bits or cheese add texture. The dish balances nutty, slightly bitter sprouts with rich flavors. It’s a hearty and unique pasta option.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

One-Pot Greek Pasta

Pasta is cooked with tomatoes, olives, feta, and herbs in a single pot. The sauce is absorbed into the noodles for flavor throughout. It’s simple, tangy, and perfect for a quick meal. The dish is vibrant and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Greek Pasta

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Sliced smoked sausage is tossed with pasta in a lightly spiced or creamy sauce. Vegetables like bell peppers or onions add sweetness and texture. The dish is hearty and satisfying. It’s a quick, flavorful weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta (25-Minute Recipe)

Chicken is cooked with pasta in a tomato-based sauce with melted cheese. The dish mimics classic chicken Parmesan in a simplified format. Herbs and seasoning enhance the flavor. It’s cheesy, comforting, and ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta (25-Minute Recipe)

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Low-carb pasta is tossed in a fresh tomato marinara sauce. Garlic, basil, and olive oil enhance the simple, bold flavors. The dish is light yet flavorful. It’s an Italian classic adapted for low-carb preferences.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Italian sausage and bell peppers are cooked with pasta in a single pot. Tomato sauce and herbs tie the dish together. The flavors meld for a hearty, savory meal. It’s convenient, filling, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot