19 Deliciously Easy Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights
If you ask my kids what they want for dinner on any given night, there’s a 50% chance that they’ll request pasta. And that’s absolutely fine with me! When it comes to quick, easy comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a family, pasta reigns supreme. It’s one of the best ways I know to get a balanced meal on the table without any fuss, and it has the added benefit of being absolutely delicious.
When you’re cooking up pasta a few times a week though, it’s important to get a bit creative so your dinners don’t become boring and predictable. That’s exactly why I’ve created this collection of 19 of the very best easy pasta recipes. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, or zesty, or just downright cheesy, these recipes bring all the deliciousness with none of the stress. Perfect for busy weeknights! Let’s jump straight in…
1. Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a dish so good it’ll make someone want to marry you, this is it. Creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken, this pasta is a total showstopper. With a rich, creamy sauce and flavorful chicken, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again (whether there’s a proposal involved or not). It’s been one of the hottest viral TikTok recipes over the past year or so, and for very good reason. Try it – I think you’ll love it!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, garnished with black pepper.
2. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is a spicy, creamy, and downright addictive blend of Cajun spices and tender chicken, all tossed in a rich sauce that clings to every noodle. If you’re craving a little heat, this pasta packs a punch with Cajun seasoning while staying rich and creamy. Perfect with a few chunks of crispy garlic bread!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken until browned.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Toss in cooked pasta and serve, garnished with black pepper.
3. Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Creamy ricotta meets fresh, tangy tomatoes in this simple yet elegant pasta dish. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for when you want something a bit more sophisticated. It’s perfect for meat free Mondays, as long as you choose a veggie friendly ricotta cheese.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Stir in ricotta and cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and black pepper, and serve warm.
4. French Onion Pasta
If you love French onion soup, you’re going to love this pasta! Caramelized onions and a cheesy, brothy sauce make this dish a rich, comforting option for cozy nights. All the flavors of your favorite soup in pasta form, with melty cheese and deeply caramelized onions—what’s not to love?
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (tagliatelle or pappardelle)
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and caramelize onions, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
- Add garlic and beef broth, simmering until reduced.
- Stir in cooked pasta and Gruyere cheese. Serve warm, garnished with black pepper.
5. Garlic Mushroom Pasta
For all the garlic lovers out there, this Garlic Mushroom Pasta is loaded with umami flavor, thanks to savory mushrooms and a garlicky butter sauce! Simple but packed with flavor, this dish is so good for a quick midweek meal.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
- Stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with parsley and black pepper, and serve.
6. Fettuccine Alfredo
A classic dish that never goes out of style, Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of indulgence you crave every now and then, and it’s comfort food at its finest.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and stir in cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Toss in cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
7. Rigatoni Bolognese
This Rigatoni Bolognese is a rich and hearty meat sauce that clings to the rigatoni, making every bite saucy and satisfying.It’s the perfect Sunday dinner dish, with a slow-simmered sauce that’s packed with flavor.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rigatoni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Parsley and parmesan, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add tomato sauce and red wine, simmering for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked pasta and serve with Parmesan and black pepper.
8. Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is decadent, with tender salmon and a rich, garlicky cream sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. It’s a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish, perfect for seafood lovers who want something special. It’s even worthy of special occasions and dinner parties!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter and cook salmon until flaky, then remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and cream to the skillet, simmering until thickened.
- Stir in cooked pasta and salmon. Garnish with parsley.
9. Classic Carbonara
This Classic Carbonara is simple but luxurious, with a rich sauce made from eggs, Parmesan, and crispy pancetta. It’s creamy without being heavy, and oh-so-delicious. It’s a classic Italian dish that requires only a few ingredients but delivers major flavor. Perfect for when you want something elegant but easy! This is probably my all-time favorite pasta dish, and I love just how simple yet delicious it is. Note that there’s no cream included – this is the authentic way to make a carbonara, and it’s a million times better than any pre-made sauce you might find in the grocery store!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan.
- Toss hot spaghetti with the pancetta and garlic, then quickly stir in the egg mixture, letting the heat of the pasta cook the eggs into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
10. Pasta Primavera
This light and vibrant Pasta Primavera is filled with fresh veggies and tossed in a simple olive oil and garlic sauce, making it a healthy yet satisfying meal. A perfect choice when you want something flavorful without the heaviness! Leftovers are great for lunchboxes the next day.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or farfalle)
- 1 zucchini, sliced or chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, and carrot, cooking until tender.
- Toss in cooked pasta, Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
11. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is rich and flavorful, with tender chicken and a creamy pesto sauce that clings to the noodles beautifully. The combination of fresh pesto and cream makes this dish irresistible—plus, it’s easy to make for a weeknight dinner!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned.
- Stir in pesto and heavy cream, then toss in cooked pasta and Parmesan. Serve warm, garnished with basil.
12. Penne Arrabbiata
For those who like a bit of spice, this Penne Arrabbiata is a fiery tomato-based pasta dish that’s bold and flavorful. It’s simple, but it packs a real punch! I LOVE heat, so I often add some extra red pepper flakes. Of course though, you can customize it according to your own preferences.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook penne according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Toss in cooked penne and basil. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
13. Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
This Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta is a vegetarian twist on the classic stroganoff, featuring creamy mushrooms and a tangy sour cream sauce. It’s hearty, rich, and perfect for mushroom lovers. Plus, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels a little more special! I love this one served with a simple green salad for extra goodness and a pop of color.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (egg noodles or fettuccine)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms and onions until tender.
- Stir in vegetable broth and sour cream, simmering until thickened.
- Toss in cooked pasta and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
14. Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines everything you love about chicken parmesan—chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese—into one easy pasta dish. It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal without all the work of making individual chicken parmesan.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Toss in cooked pasta and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve garnished with chopped parsley.
15. Creamy Penne alla Vodka
This Creamy Penne alla Vodka is a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish made with a creamy tomato-vodka sauce. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The vodka adds a rich depth to the sauce, making this dish feel extra special without much extra effort. It’s another TikTok viral recipe that’s been hugely popular recently, and it’s definitely worth trying. Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like vodka! The spirit simply helps all the other flavors to really sing, and creates a beautiful depth of flavor.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook penne according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
- Add vodka and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan, then toss with cooked penne. Garnish with basil and black pepper.
16. Creamy Miso Pasta
This Creamy Miso Pasta is a fusion dish that combines the savory, umami flavor of miso with the rich creaminess of a pasta sauce. It’s unexpected, but oh-so-good! The miso gives this pasta a unique, savory flavor that makes it stand out from your typical creamy pasta dishes. A perfect one to try if you love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and miso paste, simmering until thickened.
- Toss in cooked pasta and garnish with chives. Serve warm.
17. Sausage and Tomato Pasta
This Sausage and Tomato Pasta is a hearty, savory dish with flavorful sausage and a tangy tomato sauce. It’s easy to throw together and always a hit. The sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomatoes, making it a super satisfying dish.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 8 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
18. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is indulgent and comforting, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce that coats every bite. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish with the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch—basically the ultimate comfort food!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned.
- Stir in garlic, ranch dressing, and cream, simmering until thickened.
- Toss in cooked pasta and bacon. Serve warm.
19. Lemon Garlic Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Pasta is light, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s the perfect dish when you want something simple but delicious. Perfect for a quick midweek meal, or even an elegant dinner party main!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice, then toss with cooked pasta.
- Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or fresh, there’s a pasta dish here for everyone. Which one’s your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and let me know what you’ve made. I love hearing from you, and it helps me to develop and create more recipes that you’ll love!
