16 Pasta Dinners That Will Be Requested Again and Again
When it comes to family dinner, pasta is always a winner! These recipes are simple and easy, quick to prep, and loaded with flavors that *should* work for the whole family. Pair with a salad and garlic bread for a full meal that everyone will love.
Cheesy Boursin Pasta
This is the best cheesy pasta and it’s made with just a few ingredients. Creamy Boursin cheese is the base of this simple sauce and has the smoothest creamy texture. Simply cook the pasta, and whip up the sauce with some sliced garlic, Boursin, and pasta water. Serve with a simple green salad and breadsticks for an utterly delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Pasta.
Easy Udon Noodles
Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.
Chicken Broccoli Ziti
Skip the red sauce and make a really delicious ziti dish. With chunks of tender chicken, broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, top this dish with crunchy breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese for a quick and easy weeknight meal that tastes great and needs only one dish to cook.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Ziti.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
One-pot meals are always a good idea on busy nights. This recipe makes the most creamy tomato pasta without requiring copious amounts of cream. And no need to drain the pasta, the pasta water helps give it a creamy flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Love the flavors of chicken Parmesan but not all the work to make it happen? This cheater version skips the breading steps and chunks of chicken are cooked in a tomato sauce and topped with toasted breadcrumbs for the classic breading flavor and crunch. Serve over pasta for a family favorite weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parm Pasta.
Dumpling Soup
Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.
Penne Pomodoro
If you have 25 minutes, you can make this incredibly easy and tasty homemade pomodoro sauce. This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and it has so much flavor that it’s hard to believe that it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This sauce uses high-quality ingredients and lets the classic Italian flavors shine in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro.
Chicken Lo Mein
Save your time and money and make some homemade chicken lo mein. With tender noodles, chunks of flavorful chicken and plenty of veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, and peppers, this one dish dinner satisfies while faking out your family who will swear this tastes just as good as your local Chinese restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein .
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
This Italian dish seems a little complicated, but it’s really quite simple. Use high-quality butter, cheese, and pasta for this dish, as it’s about all that’s in it! It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but nice enough to turn it into a date night meal, too.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
This 30-minute meal is perfect for a busy weeknight. With savory sausage, tender broccoli, and yummy orecchiette pasta rounds, this five-ingredient dish delivers a complete meal from one pan and always gets rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli.
Pasta Napolitana
Make a meatless meal that tastes like an Italian dream meal. Like many of these Italian classics, you just need a few simple ingredients – pasta, onions, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. This quick meal is on the table in 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Napolitana.
Shrimp Linguine
This shrimp pasta may look intimidating, but any home cook can easily make it! Chewy pasta is topped with garlic butter shrimp and finished with toasted breadcrumbs for some crunch. It’s delicious with a glass of wine and a green salad.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Linguine.
Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta
This copycat chicken dish tastes just like the popular meal from the Cheesecake Factory. The chicken is coated with a delicious mix of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, creating a crispy exterior you’re going to love. The pasta and chicken are served in a creamy, spicy New Orleans sauce with classic Cajun flavors.
Get the Recipe: Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
You’ll love this Greek orzo pasta salad with bright, fresh flavors and satisfying, salty bites! It’s made with classic Greek ingredients like crunchy and crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, salty feta, and fresh dill. Everything is tossed with tender pasta and a red wine vinaigrette for a salad that’s utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad.
Vegetable Pesto Pasta
This meatless pasta meal is so easy you’ll want to make it every week! Pesto-coated noodles are tossed with zucchini and tomatoes for a delicious and nutritious meal. Add a protein or make it ahead and serve chilled as a pasta salad!
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pesto Pasta.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
If my kids had to pick an all-time favorite meal, this is it. Our homemade spaghetti with meat sauce features a slow-simmered, rich tomato meat sauce made with perfectly browned ground beef, Italian sausage, a balanced tomato sauce, and traditional Italian seasonings. Serve with al dente spaghetti, a salad, and garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
