21 Simple Pasta Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Pasta is one of the most accessible, versatile, and popular foods you can keep on hand. With a box or bag of dried pasta in the pantry, a quick, satisfying meal is almost guaranteed. Even without time to plan or a fresh market run, you can build a dinner from staples in the fridge and pantry. Most pasta recipes are flexible—feel free to swap ingredients or quantities to match your taste and what’s available. Below are simple, reliable pasta recipes you can adapt for weeknight dinners, sides, soups, casseroles, or first courses.
Best Simple Pasta Recipes: A simple pasta recipe will save the day any night of the week – these are some of the greatest hits and many can be made from pantry staples!
Pasta appears across many cuisines, from couscous in the Middle East to buckwheat and rice noodles in Asia, but the list below focuses mainly on Italian-style dried wheat and semolina pastas. You’ll find both everyday supermarket brands and artisanal bronze-die pastas; either works well. The latter have a rougher surface that helps sauces cling, but any dried pasta will do—just follow the package cooking times and tips for perfect pasta every time.
Pasta isn’t only for main courses—use it as a side, in soups or casseroles, or as a small first course in a longer meal. You’ll also find great pasta salads and seasonal variations among these recipes. Below is a curated roundup of dependable, flavorful pasta dishes that are simple to make and easy to adapt.
Best Simple Pasta Recipes: A simple pasta recipe will save the day any night of the week – these are some of the greatest hits and many can be made from pantry staples!
21 Best Simple Pasta Recipes
Cacio e Pepe
One of the quickest and simplest Italian pastas: cheese and pepper create a creamy, satisfying sauce made from pantry ingredients. It’s a perfect, speedy weeknight dinner.
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Pasta with Broccoli Rabe
Pasta and bitter, leafy broccoli rabe are a classic pairing. This version highlights the vegetable—omit the Parmesan or anchovies to make it vegan, or add sausage if you prefer a meatier dish.
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Pasta with Marinara Sauce
Classic marinara complements any pasta shape. Use it simply with long noodles or as the base for baked dishes, sandwiches, or fried appetizers.
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Chicken Sausage Pasta
This easy five-ingredient pasta combines savory chicken sausage and nutrient-rich kale with a chunky pasta shape—ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
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Simple Baked Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
A comforting baked pasta casserole that’s like a deconstructed lasagna. Use any meat or vegetarian tomato sauce, pair with a green salad, and you’re set.
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Pasta with Sautéed Kale and Toasted Breadcrumbs
This dish stands out for the Parmesan-infused toasted breadcrumbs that add texture and flavor to sautéed kale and long pasta. A simple but memorable combination.
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Ground Turkey Stuffed Shells
Cheesy and special, stuffed shells use a ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend. Swap meats or omit them for a vegetarian version—very adaptable and satisfying.
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Pasta Aglio e Olio
A minimalist classic: olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, loosened with pasta water. Simple perfection that’s ready in about 15 minutes.
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Pancetta Pasta with Tomatoes
This pasta balances flavor, color, and texture—best made when tomatoes are at their peak. Use ripe tomatoes of any kind for the best result.
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East Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Inspired by the classic sausage-and-peppers combo, this hearty tomato-based pasta pairs chunky pasta with rich flavors—comforting and robust.
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Penne alla Vodka
Vodka sauce adds richness from cream and depth from a splash of vodka. It’s an elevated, homemade take that’s easier than it seems—penne or rigatoni work well.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
An enduring classic that delights everyone—serve with garlic bread and a salad for a timeless meal that’s worth the effort.
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Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine
A spicy red sauce and large shrimp make this Italian-American dish irresistible—best with big, sweet shrimp and plenty of garlic.
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Vegetarian Greek Pasta
Feta, zucchini, and tomato come together in a bright, Mediterranean pasta that’s delicious hot, warm, or at room temperature—perfect for late summer produce.
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Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
San Francisco–style garlic noodles fuse East and West with umami-rich flavors—comforting, bold, and fast to prepare.
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Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
Chicken Parmesan in casserole form—use any cooked chicken, fresh or rotisserie, and top with mozzarella and herbs for a hearty, family-style meal.
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Easy Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
Rich, smooth sauce that can be made while the pasta cooks—add garlic, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to balance the richness.
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Penne all’Arrabbiata
A 30-minute tomato-based pasta spiked with garlic and red pepper flakes—bold, straightforward, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Simple Ramp Pasta
Celebrate ramps when they’re in season with a simple pasta that lets their unique flavor shine—best with long, thin noodles and minimal fuss.
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Homemade White Macaroni and Cheese
A versatile mac and cheese you can customize with different cheeses, mix-ins, or seasonings. Once you make it a couple times, it’s easy to prepare in about 20 minutes.
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Linguine with White Clam Sauce
An easy 30-minute pasta that uses canned clams to create a garlicky, brothy sauce—perfect if you’ve been hesitant about making clam pasta at home.
