29 Pasta Recipes To Make Dinner Prep The Easiest Part Of Your Day
When dinner prep feels like a chore, pasta is always the answer. These 29 recipes take the guesswork out of mealtime, making it easy to whip up something delicious with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, dinner just got a whole lot simpler.

Birria Ramen

If you’re all about experimenting with flavors, we’ve got something special. It’s where Mexican cuisine meets Japanese, creating a fusion that’s bound to impress. Birria Ramen isn’t your usual noodle soup; it’s rich, it’s hearty, and it’s full of depth. You won’t look back once you’ve tried this combo, especially if you’re after something different.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen
Tuscan Pasta

Love the idea of a getaway but stuck at home? Tuscan Pasta brings Italy straight to your kitchen. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s packed with flavors that remind you of the countryside. One bite, and you’ll swear you can hear the rolling hills calling.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta
Cacio e Pepe

Sometimes simplicity is key and this classic dish proves it. It’s all about letting just a few ingredients shine in this timeless Roman pasta. Cacio e Pepe is perfect for when you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace. It’s effortlessly elegant, showing that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something special.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Homemade Lasagna

Pull out your deepest baking dish because it’s time to layer up flavors like an Italian nonna. With each layer, you’re building up anticipation for a rich and comforting dinner. Homemade Lasagna is a labor of love that pays off with every forkful. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them there, asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Spaghetti Casserole

Break away from the usual plate of spaghetti and bake those noodles into something extraordinary. A comforting casserole twist on an old favorite is what you get with Spaghetti Casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for a second round.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

You might find yourself with a few proposals after serving this enticing seafood pasta. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that’s as charming as it is delicious. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this is the plate to impress someone special. It’s a dinner that speaks the language of love, especially for those who love their seafood.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Tortellini Soup

On those days when only a soup will do, this is the one to reach for. Tortellini Soup brings together hearty pasta pouches in a warm, rewarding broth. It’s like a cozy blanket for your soul, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add your own twist or keep it classic.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup
Cheeseburger Pasta

Ever wonder what happens when your favorite burger gets reinvented as a pasta dish? Well, Cheeseburger Pasta is your answer – a fun, family-friendly meal that combines two comfort foods into one. It’s as playful as it is filling, with all the familiar flavors you love. Perfect for those nights when you can’t decide between pasta and burgers.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

For a greener take on a classic, this dish might just become your new favorite. Bursting with creamy ricotta and spinach, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is a twist that’s both rewarding and somewhat lighter. It’s great for a meal that feels indulgent but includes a serving of greens. And it’s just as welcome on a weeknight as it is at a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Pasta Carbonara

If you’ve got eggs, cheese, and pasta, you’re halfway to making this beloved dish. Pasta Carbonara is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s quick to prepare but absolutely full of rich flavor. Especially when you need a meal that feels like a reward, this is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Ravioli Casserole

Take the delicate taste of ravioli to a new level by layering it in a casserole. Ravioli Casserole is comfort food made easy, with all the cheesy goodness you crave. It’s a fun spin on traditional ravioli that’s both worthwhile and convenient. Get ready for a dish that’ll become a repeat request at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Kick things up a notch with this tasty, zingy pasta dish that has a bit of heat. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini folds in flavors traditionally found in Mexican cuisine. Expect a flavorful punch with each bite that’s both familiar and novel. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their lives.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Best Lemon Pasta

Brighten up your meal with a pasta that’s refreshingly light and zingy. It’s called Best Lemon Pasta for a reason, it brings a punch of citrus that upgrades your dining experience. It’s a sunny dish that’s perfect for shaking up the routine. Perfect for those evenings when you want something quick yet lively on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Indulge in some Eastern European comfort with a dish that’s hearty and rich. Creamy Beef Stroganoff offers a creamy sauce that complements the pasta perfectly. It’s perfect for cold evenings or when you need something worthwhile. Plus, it’s one of those classics that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Penne Alla Vodka

When you want a pasta with a velvety, tomato-based sauce, look no further. Penne Alla Vodka delivers just that, with a hint of indulgence from a splash of vodka. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily whip up at home. Impress guests or treat yourself with this smooth and creamy pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Combine the heartiness of chicken and the sweetness of corn in a creamy sauce for this homey dish. Perfect for those nights when you want a bit of comfort on your plate, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta delivers. It’s family-friendly, and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination makes for a meal that’s both familiar and worthwhile.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Pasta Primavera

Brighten up your dinner with a dish that’s packed with fresh veggies and flavors. Pasta Primavera is like a celebration of the season, but it’s amusing any time of the year. It’s a colorful choice that’s loaded with nutrition and taste. This is one to keep up your sleeve for a lighter pasta option that’s still fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Spicy Lasagna Soup

If you love lasagna but want something more slurp-able, this dish is for you. Imagine all your favorite lasagna elements deconstructed into a Spicy Lasagna Soup. It has a bit of kick for those who enjoy some heat with their comfort food. It’s like lasagna met soup and they became the best of friends, ready to warm you up from the inside.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup
Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Who said creamy pasta can’t be plant-based and delicious? This dairy-free dish, Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta, delivers just that. It’s full of rich, tasty flavors without any animal products. It’s a great way to enjoy a creamy pasta while sticking to a vegan lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta
Mushroom Pasta

For the fungi enthusiast, there’s no going wrong with a hearty mushroom-centric pasta. Earthy and rich, Mushroom Pasta is perfect for those who appreciate the humble mushroom’s flavor. It’s a dish that proves simplicity can still make an impact. Suitable for a quiet dinner at home or as the centerpiece at a gathering of friends.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta
Elevated Ramen Noodles

Take your ramen game to the next level with this sophisticated twist. Elevated Ramen Noodles aren’t just for dorm rooms; they grow up to be gourmet with the right touches. It’s a creative take on the instant classic, proving that ramen has its place at the dinner table too. It’s a quick, worthwhile fix that feels more ‘chef’s special’ than ‘student staple’.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles
Morel Mushroom Pasta

For something a bit fancy, this pasta celebrates the esteemed morel mushroom. Immerse in Morel Mushroom Pasta for an earthy, luxurious eating experience. It’s a dish that brings a touch of the wild to your plate. And it’s perfect for impressing at a dinner party or enjoying on a special night in.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta
Spaghetti Marinara

It’s all about the sauce in this quintessential pasta dish that’s loved worldwide. Spaghetti Marinara is a testament to the power of a good tomato sauce. Make it your go-to for a quick, unfussy meal that always pleases. It’s as much a staple as it is a canvas for your own culinary flair.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Hamburger Casserole

Combine the heartiness of a burger with the coziness of a casserole in this family favorite. Hamburger Casserole layers beef, cheese, and pasta for a fulfilling dinner. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and comforting, perfect for those busy weeknights. Kids will love it, and adults will appreciate the nostalgia it brings.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Spaghetti Bolognese

A hearty meat sauce clinging to strands of spaghetti is what makes this dish a global comfort classic. With Spaghetti Bolognese, you’ve got a worthwhile plate that’s perfect for meat lovers. It’s a go-to for a reason, known to fill bellies and bring smiles. Next time you’re in need of a warm meal, remember this timeless choice.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese
Minestrone Soup

When your soul is calling for a soup that’s brimming with veggies, beans, and pasta, this is the answer. Minestrone Soup is a robust, Italian soup that’s a meal in itself. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for those days when you crave something wholesome. Plus, it’s versatile so you can make it your own with whatever’s in season or in the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Italian Pasta with Salami

Add a bit of spice to your pasta night with some Italian flair you can taste in every bite. Salami brings a smoky and tasty boost to Italian Pasta with Salami. Perfect for shaking up your pasta routine with something bold and meaty. It’s a fusion of simple ingredients that come together for a dish that’s big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Million Dollar Spaghetti

Who doesn’t love a dish that tastes like a million bucks but is surprisingly straightforward to make? Million Dollar Spaghetti combines rich, cheesy layers with comforting pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for potlucks or family dinners. A little bit indulgent, but completely worth it for the smiles it puts on faces.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Pasta alla Norma

Channel the Sicilian spirit with a dish that highlights the robust flavors of the region. Pasta alla Norma is a celebration of simplicity, with a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for those who love their pasta with a bit of Mediterranean zing. End your day with this dish and you’ll feel like you’re dining by the Italian seaside.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
