We Ate Well Thanks To 29 Easy Pasta Recipes I Had On Hand

Hunger used to rule the house until 29 pasta ideas stepped in. Suddenly, everyone wanted to sit down on time. Leftovers vanished at record speed, which no one expected. Laughter replaced grumbling around the table. Even the dog seemed impressed by the sudden dinner excitement and extra attention.

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.

Hamburger Casserole

Hearty layers baked together make this dish perfect for a filling meal. Hamburger Casserole brings classic flavors into a simple format everyone enjoys. It’s easy to serve for large groups or family dinners. A reliable choice when food needs to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

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.

Bold flavors mixed with hearty noodles stand out on the table. Italian Pasta with Salami has just the right balance to work as a side or a main meal. Guests love its simple yet flavorful combination. Perfect for gatherings or easy dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

A twist on a classic brings comforting soup and lasagna together in one bowl. Spicy Lasagna Soup is full of rich flavors and a little warmth to make meals exciting. It’s easy to prepare for a crowd or casual family meals. Guests enjoy the fun twist on a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Chicken Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with minced meat, spinach, sliced scallions, half a soft-boiled egg, and noodles in broth, garnished with sesame seeds and pepper. — Chicken Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tender noodles combined with hearty fillings quick and comforting. Chicken Ramen works great as an all-in-one meal that warms the table. Perfect for nights when simplicity and flavor go hand in hand. A dependable option for busy nights or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen

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.

Cool noodle dishes never go out of style with their easy-to-share format. Italian Pasta Salad brings bold flavors while still feeling fresh and light. It works as a side or can stand alone for laid-back meals. Guests always appreciate its simple charm.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

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.

Baked layers filled with rich flavors a standout for pasta lovers. Three Cheese Manicotti offers full-bodied textures that feel comforting and hearty. It’s great for special occasions or feeding a hungry crowd. Always a crowd favorite that gets devoured.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

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.

Smooth sauces with tender noodles create a perfect balance in this classic dish. Creamy Beef Stroganoff is comforting without being overly heavy on the table. It works well for casual meals or a bigger gathering. A go-to pasta recipe that always feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks. — Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A fusion of bold flavors and tender noodles turns this dish into something exciting. Birria Ramen combines unique elements in a way that surprises guests. It’s easy to love for its richness and creativity. Perfect for anyone wanting something out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Gnocchi

Soft, pillowy pasta pieces paired with bold textures create a fun dish for any table. Gnocchi lends itself to many pairings while still standing out all on its own. It’s simple yet brings a bit of elegance to casual meals. Guests love grabbing seconds when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves. — Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tender pockets filled with creamy goodness unforgettable. Cheese Ravioli works well with simple sauces or stands alone as a rich meal itself. It’s great for casual dinners or sharing during larger gatherings. A classic choice everyone always enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

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.

Layered noodles baked with hearty flavors turn this into a dependable favorite. Homemade Lasagna is the kind of meal that brings everyone together happily. It pairs perfectly with fresh sides or just as it is. Always finishes with clean plates every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Creamy layers baked into a flavorful one-dish meal a perfect weeknight option. Marry Me Chicken Casserole has everything needed to please picky eaters and foodies alike. It’s hearty without being overdone and fills the table with ease. Always a fantastic crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Spicy Udon Noodles

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, including carrots, green beans, and chopped red peppers, garnished with sesame seeds. Chopsticks are picking up some noodles. — Spicy Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chewy noodles with bold seasonings give this dish just the right amount of flair. Spicy Udon Noodles are great for adding variety to the dinner table without being complicated. It’s easy to plate up and share with guests or family. Perfect for mixing things up mid-week.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles

Baked Ziti

Full of layered goodness, this baked pasta dish checks all the boxes for comfort food. Baked Ziti is heavy on flavor while being simple to throw together for busy nights. Guests love grabbing seconds when this is on the menu. An all-time favorite at casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork. — Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple noodles tossed with a light blend of flavors feel just right. Aglio e Olio proves that less can be more when pasta is cooked well. It’s perfect as a quick dinner or paired with fresh sides. A classic pasta dish everyone respects for its ease.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Warm, hearty layers baked into a single dish keep meals easy and filling. Chicken Noodle Casserole blends tender noodles with just the right flavors to stay memorable. It’s quick to plate and share no matter the crowd size. A family-friendly option that guests enjoy every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese. — Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright touches mixed with hearty noodles offer a fresh twist on pasta night. Best Lemon Pasta brings bold flavors while staying light and easy to enjoy. It pairs effortlessly with proteins or stands alone for a pleasing dish. Perfect for keeping dinner exciting yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

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.

Tender pasta tossed with a little heat turns this dish into something bold. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini mixes layers of flavor effortlessly for both small and large dinners. It pairs well with simple sides or stands on its own. Excellent for breaking up the same old routine.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

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

Bold and hearty flavors baked into a simple dish make this a mealtime hero. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole combines everything loved about comfort food and holds it together in one bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making weeknights easier. Always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Tortellini Soup

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

Cozy bowls filled with hearty flavors keep it simple yet complete. Tortellini Soup is perfect for nights when warm and quick options are needed. It pairs easily with bread or can stand as a full meal itself. Guests appreciate how fulfilling it feels without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden. — Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy and rich flavors impossible to resist. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara captures restaurant-style dining at home without extra effort. Perfect for impressing guests or relaxing with family on lazy nights. Always a meal to remember.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

A white dish filled with cooked fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, with a silver fork resting inside. — Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smooth creamy bites packed with bold flavors transform this from trendy to timeless. Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta upgrades simple noodles into something extraordinary. It’s easy to make but feels upgraded when served. Perfect for mixing fun and flavor into meals.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

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.

Cool noodles mixed with bold flavors create an easy take on classic taco dishes. Taco Pasta Salad works well for potlucks or keeping family meals fresh. It adds variety without a lot of extra planning or effort. A great side or main for busy mealtimes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce. — Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers of creamy sauce mixed with hearty textures take this pasta dish to the next level. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna makes a big impression for dinner while still being shareable. It’s classic comfort food with a creative spin for everyone to enjoy. A winner for pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Macaroni Salad

Noodles folded into smooth flavors keep this dish crowd-friendly without feeling too heavy. Macaroni Salad is perfect for pairing with grilled mains or keeping plates light on busy evenings. Easy to make in larger portions for family tables. Guests keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

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.

Rich flavors mixed into tender noodles hard to ignore. Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta offers just the right amount of hearty and balanced flavors. Great for casual meals without a lot of planning needed. Always feels like a comforting choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta. — Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A fun twist combines ground beef with tender pasta for a quick winner at the table. Cheeseburger Pasta takes everything great about burgers and remixes it as a hearty one-dish meal. It’s fulfilling without being overcomplicated. Great for keeping dinners playful yet prepared.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce. — Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh mixed greens paired with hearty noodles bring this salad to another level. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad creates a meal that combines bold flavors with casual comfort. It’s perfect for lunches or dinners when you need variety. Covers all bases with little prep required.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Mac and Cheese

Creamy, comforting layers turn this into the ultimate go-to pasta dish. Mac and Cheese never fails to satisfy with its rich yet simple combination. It’s perfect on its own or as a side alongside larger meals. A timeless favorite for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.