Pasta is one of the most versatile and beloved foods worldwide. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting bowl of carbs, or an impressive dish for guests, pasta never disappoints. In this guide, we’ll cover classic pasta recipes, modern twists, essential cooking tips, and customization ideas to help you create perfect pasta every time.
20+ Easy Pasta Recipes to Make Today
1. One Pot Cheesy Taco Noodles
Craving a quick, flavorful dinner? These One-Pot Cheesy Taco Noodles combine the best of Mexican-inspired flavors with easy pasta comfort! Made with ground beef, taco seasoning, noodles, and melty cheese, this dish is ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or Taco Tuesday! Plus, it’s customizable with turkey, beans, or extra veggies. Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy, this recipe is a family favorite. Try it tonight for a fun twist on pasta night!
2. Rigatoni with Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Upgrade your pasta night with Rigatoni with Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Bacon, a savory, crunchy, and indulgent dish! Tender rigatoni pairs with crispy bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, garlic, and Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies without sacrificing flavor. The umami-rich sauce (thanks to pasta water and cheese) ties it all together. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
3. Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
This Roasted Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a veggie boost! Creamy, cheesy sauce coats al dente pasta and caramelized roasted broccoli for a perfect texture contrast. Baked until golden, it’s rich but balanced, with a hint of garlic and mustard for depth. Kid-friendly yet gourmet, it’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks or cozy nights in. Ready in 40 minutes, great for meal prep, too!
4. Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells in Tomato Cream Sauce
These Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are next-level delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with tender chicken, broccoli, and ricotta, then smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for weeknights, this baked pasta dish is a hearty, satisfying meal. The two-cheese filling (ricotta + Parmesan) adds richness, while the tomato cream sauce keeps it luscious. Freezer-friendly for easy future dinners!
5. Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Salad
This Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing twist on the classic dip! Tender pasta is tossed with fresh spinach, marinated artichokes, Parmesan, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that stays delicious for days. Ready in 20 minutes, no cooking required for the dressing! Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable with chicken or bacon.
6. The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Nothing beats homemade Baked Mac and Cheese; golden, bubbly, and ultra-creamy! This classic recipe features a three-cheese sauce (cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan) with a buttery breadcrumb topping for crunch. Baked to perfection, it’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for holidays or comfort food cravings. Easy to adapt, add bacon, lobster, or veggies! Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a family favorite that’s worth the oven time.
7. Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Craving creamy mac and cheese in minutes? This Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is ready in 15 minutes with no baking required! A silky cheese sauce (made with real cheddar and a hint of mustard) coats every noodle for maximum flavor. Kid-approved and endlessly customizable, add hot sauce, veggies, or protein such as chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast!
8. Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a vibrant side or light meal! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion mix with orzo, feta, olives, and a lemony herb dressing. Great for meal prep, picnics, or as a healthy lunch option. Vegetarian, gluten-free adaptable, and full of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, tastes even better the next day!
9. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni
This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is weeknight magic: tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a luxurious garlic-Parmesan sauce all cooked in one pot in 20 minutes! Perfect for busy nights when you want a fast dinner. The pressure cooker creates an unbelievably silky sauce with minimal effort. Customize with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes!
10. Spicy Bacon Chicken Ranch Macaron
Bold flavors alert! This Spicy Bacon Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, jalapeños, and ranch seasoning in an extra-cheesy sauce. Baked until bubbly with a golden topping, it’s comfort food with a kick, perfect for game day or indulgent dinners. Ready in 45 minutes!
11. Roasted Corn and Pepper Pasta with Sausage
Summer in a bowl! This Roasted Corn and Pepper Pasta features smoky sausage, charred veggies, and a light garlic-herb sauce for a fresh yet hearty meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for summer cookouts or meal prep. Swap in shrimp or keep it vegetarian!
12. Roasted Red Pepper and Parmesan Tortellini Salad
This Roasted Red Pepper & Parmesan Tortellini Salad is a creamy, zesty cold pasta dish with cheese-stuffed tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tangy Italian dressing. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches. Ready in 15 minutes, vegetarian-friendly, and packed with flavor!
13. Instant Pot Chicken Scampi
Get restaurant-quality Instant Pot Chicken Scampi on the table in just 20 minutes! Tender chicken and al dente pasta swim in a garlicky, buttery white wine sauce with bright lemon and parsley. This one-pot wonder delivers all the flavor of classic scampi with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but fancy. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce!
14. Roasted Tomato Caprese Pasta
Summer’s best flavors shine in this Roasted Tomato Caprese Pasta! Juicy cherry tomatoes roast until caramelized, then toss with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic for a vibrant, no-cook sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian dish is perfect for hot nights, potlucks, or meal prep. The combination of warm tomatoes and cool cheese creates magic in every bite.
15. Pierogi Casserole
All the comfort of homemade pierogi without the fuss! This Pierogi Casserole layers egg noodles, cheesy potato filling, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon for the ultimate hearty dish. Baked until golden, it’s cheesy, creamy, and completely irresistible – perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. A great make-ahead meal that feeds a crowd!
16. One-Pot Skinny Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spice up your dinner routine with this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta! Juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and penne simmer in a creamy, smoky Cajun-spiced sauce for a bold, restaurant-worthy meal. Ready in 30 minutes with just one pot to clean – it’s weeknight easy with big flavor payoff. Adjust the heat to your liking and don’t forget the garlic bread!
17. Slow-Cooked One-Pot Sausage and Peppers
Let your slow cooker do the work with this hearty One Pot Sausage and Peppers! Juicy Italian sausage simmers with colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a rich tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve over pasta, in crusty rolls, or enjoy as-is for a gluten-free option. Perfect for game day, meal prep, or busy weeknights – just set it and forget it
18. Easy Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing
The perfect potluck pasta salad that’s ready in 20 minutes! This Easy Pasta Salad features crisp veggies, tender pasta, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing that gets better as it chills. Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable with chicken, cheese, or your favorite veggies. Great for BBQs, picnics, or quick lunches all summer long!
19 . Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Pasta
Spring meets summer in this vibrant Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Pasta! Tender roasted veggies pair with al dente pasta, garlic, and Parmesan for a light yet satisfying meal. Ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian dish shines with fresh flavors. Perfect for meatless Mondays or elegant dinners – add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein!
20. One Pot Pasta
The ultimate easy dinner – this One Pot Pasta cooks everything together for maximum flavor, minimum cleanup! Just pasta, veggies, and seasonings simmer in one pot for a hearty, no-fuss meal ready in 20 minutes. Customize with your favorite ingredients – perfect for busy nights, college cooking, or picky eaters. Fewer dishes = more happiness!
21. Chicken and Cheddar Lasagna Bake
Comfort food gets an upgrade with this Chicken and Cheddar Lasagna Bake! Layers of tender chicken, creamy cheddar sauce, and pasta create the ultimate cheesy, hearty casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep, this twist on classic lasagna comes together in just 1 hour. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Great for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or freezing for later!
22. Caramelized Onion and Portabella Pasta
Umami heaven in every bite! This Caramelized Onion and Portabella Pasta features sweet onions, meaty mushrooms, and Parmesan in a rich, velvety sauce. Ready in 40 minutes, this vegetarian dish satisfies even the biggest meat lovers. The deep flavors of slowly caramelized onions make it restaurant-worthy yet easy. Perfect for date nights or meatless Mondays!
23. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Oil and Garlic Sauce
Weeknight dinner solved with this Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli! Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and penne tossed in a light garlic-Parmesan sauce for a balanced, one-pot meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s healthy, hearty, and kid-approved. Easily customize with your favorite veggies or add a kick of red pepper flakes. Great for meal prep – tastes just as good reheated!
24. Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole
This Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole combines two favorites into one cheesy, comforting bake! Tender chicken meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, all baked over perfectly al dente pasta. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing twist on classic chicken parm that’s easier than traditional preparations. Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep – the whole family will beg for seconds!
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Don’t rinse your pasta (unless for a salad). You want the starch for the sauce.
- Use salted water for boiling: this flavors the pasta.
- Undercook slightly if adding to sauce (it keeps cooking).
- Save a cup of pasta water to loosen thick sauces.
- Toss pasta in sauce before serving (not just on top).
- Grate cheese fresh for better melt and flavor.
- Experiment with add-ins – mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon.