I Make 29 Pasta Recipes Whenever I’m Low On Energy

There are days when the couch feels like quicksand, but having 29 pasta options makes dinner feel less like a chore and more like a cheat code. No dramatic shopping lists, no complicated steps, just quick bowls of food that save the evening. It’s like hitting the easy button for mealtime.

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Baked casseroles that combine creaminess with bold flavors are perfect for low-energy days. Marry Me Chicken Casserole packs everything into one dish for a hearty and easy meal. Great for when you want something filling without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soups with a twist are a great way to switch things up when energy is low. Spicy Lasagna Soup brings the essence of lasagna into an easy-to-eat, warming bowl. Great for serving with bread, or just enjoying on its own.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining flavors from different dishes often leads to easy favorites. Pizza Casserole turns a classic pizza profile into a baked pasta for the ultimate comfort food. Great when you can’t decide between two of your favorites.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soups with layered flavors provide quick comfort on slow days. Marry Me Chicken Soup combines creaminess with savory bites, making it a standalone meal. Great for small bowls or larger helpings when hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stuffed pasta dishes instantly feel hearty and complete. Three Cheese Manicotti is creamy and rich, baked with layers, making it perfect for a one-pan meal. Great when you want minimal prep but maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Mushroom Pasta

Close-up of fusilli pasta with mushrooms, garnished with rosemary and black pepper.
Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Earthy and rich dishes feel grounding when energy is low. Mushroom Pasta blends comforting pasta with deep flavors for an easy and fulfilling option. Great for a simple dinner that feels just filling enough.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy recipes with little pops of surprise always hit well on a lazy evening. Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta brings warmth and flavor together without complexity. Great for turning ordinary ingredients into comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Morel Mushroom Pasta

A bowl of cavatappi pasta with morel mushrooms, garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Morel Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Recipes with unique flavors work as little rewards when you need comfort meals. Morel Mushroom Pasta offers a blend of rich and savory tones for a dinner that stands out. Great when you want something slightly upgraded yet straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic flavors baked into one dish make everything easier at mealtime. Hamburger Casserole mixes hearty ingredients into a creamy, layered option perfect for feeding a group or enjoying solo. Great for when you want something low effort but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Small pasta dishes feel hearty without being too heavy. Marry Me Chicken Orzo balances comforting bites with creamy textures for an effortless meal. Great for eating alone or pairing with simple sides. A no-nonsense option for any low-energy day.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cold dishes with bold flavors make meals quick and manageable. Taco Pasta Salad combines all the elements of tacos with a refreshing and easy-to-eat pasta twist. Great for meal preps or gatherings where variety is key.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Baked options that layer cheese with tender bites of pasta are comfort food staples. Ravioli Casserole turns ravioli into a hearty baked dish full of flavor. Great for when you need something quick yet filling to serve. A dependable recipe that works just as well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soups with plenty of vegetables and pasta take the pressure off cooking. Minestrone Soup combines hearty bites and broth for a meal that’s both filling and light. Great for dining without adding unnecessary effort or stress.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple pasta dishes can go from basic to flavorful with the right additions. Italian Pasta with Salami brings a savory, bold twist to easy pasta meals. Great as a quick lunch or light dinner. A dish that feels complete without tons of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Small and chewy bites of pasta paired with creamy flavors create instant comfort. Gnocchi is soft and tender, making it a great choice for when you’re craving something warm and filling. Great for adding simple sauces or enjoying plain.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy recipes are an obvious go-to when energy is low. Mac and Cheese delivers on comfort and richness without requiring much prep at all. Great for the whole family or just a small helping for one. A timeless classic that feels effortless to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Italian Pasta Salad

Bowtie pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze in a green bowl.
Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cold pasta dishes keep things simple without compromising on flavor. Italian Pasta Salad blends bold ingredients into a refreshing, shareable option for any occasion. Great for meal prep or as a side. A straightforward recipe that fits almost any need.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining bold spices with chewy pasta makes dishes that stand out. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini layers pasta and punchy flavors for a dish that’s fun and filling. Great for when boring meals won’t cut it on low-energy days.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and light pasta options offer a quick-feeling reset during a busy week. Pasta Primavera combines simple ingredients into a fast and easy meal choice. Great for mixing in whatever’s available for a no-pressure plate. A lighter way to enjoy pasta without being bland.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning familiar flavors into baked perfection makes meals easy. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole combines comforting ingredients into one big dish. Great for serving up family-style or saving for leftovers. A no-fuss twist on a favorite that works for everyone.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, rich sauces paired with simple pasta shapes create easy-to-love meals. Penne Alla Vodka layers a silky flavor with texture to make for a complete dish. Great for serving as is or sprinkling with something extra for variety. An easy yet flavorful pasta that feels restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baked pasta dishes provide an all-in-one solution for hearty meals. Homemade Lasagna stacks flavorful layers together into a dish that’s cheesy, warm, and comforting. Great for making ahead of time or throwing into the oven last minute.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cold salads make for quick meals or snacks with no hassle. Macaroni Salad blends creamy textures and bold flavors into a dish you can prep once and enjoy all week. Great for throwing together when energy or time is running short. A classic option perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Filling dishes with creamy sauces and tender noodles brings all the comfort you need. Creamy Beef Stroganoff uses simple flavors cooked together effortlessly for a hearty meal. Great for serving over noodles or as a bigger pot creation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brothy dishes with stuffed pasta keep meals fun but easy. Tortellini Soup blends warmth with chewy little bites that turn soup into a full meal. Great for quick pots or as a light option when you’re feeling lazy. A pleasing bowl to enjoy with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

A plate of creamy rotini pasta with shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a spoon placed at the side.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pastas served cool with creamy layers bring effortless balance to meals. Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad adds a refreshing twist to indulgent flavors for easy prep and serving. Great for enjoying alone or dishing out at group meals.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layering dishes takes some of the pressure off of plating and serving. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna mixes creamy textures with light flavors for a baked favorite. Great when you need an easy way to get a complete meal in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy and savory pastas create minimal prep and maximum enjoyment. Marry Me Chicken Pasta provides flavor and simplicity in a dish you can whip up easily. Great for adding a side or leaving as is for a full meal. A warm and reliable pick that doesn’t overcomplicate cooking.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light pasta dishes with little effort make dinner relaxing and manageable. Pasta alla Norma combines a few notable flavors into a meal that’s quick to prepare. Great for days when simple and tasty are your top priorities. An easy way to enjoy a fulfilling pasta dish without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

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