17 Effortless Pasta Dinners That Never Get Old
Pasta night is always a favorite – at least at our house! Whether you’re looking for a classic or something a bit more creative, we’ve got you covered with these delicious ideas. These quick and easy recipes never get old and are perfect for any night of the week.
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.
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.
Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings
This is the perfect dinner when you’re craving chicken and dumplings, but not up to the task of making the traditional dish. Shredded chicken, store-bought gnocchi, and a mirepoix of vegetables in a creamy sauce are the heart and soul of this cozy recipe. It’s major comfort food!
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings.
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.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
This creamy Tuscan chicken orzo makes an incredible one-pot meal with major flavor you’d expect from a restaurant. Everything comes together in about 45 minutes, making it surprisingly quick and easy too. Serve with some crusty bread or garlic bread to ensure you don’t let any of that sauce go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Fajita Pasta
Bring two dinner-time favorites together into one amazing and easy dish. Chicken fajita pasta is made with tender chicken, colorful peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce. It’s bursting with flavor and will satisfy any craving for Tex-Mex.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Pasta.
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 Sausage Pasta
Keep this recipe on hand for the busiest nights as it’s ready in just 25 minutes. This hearty and delicious dinner features zesty chunks of chicken sausage, tender broccolini, and plenty of cheese. Serve with fresh Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage Pasta.
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.
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.
