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.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
