I Made 29 Easy Pasta Recipes While Catching Up On Laundry
Laundry mountain was real, but somehow dinner still got done thanks to this lineup. These 29 pasta ideas didn’t ask for much and handled the background job while socks disappeared in the wash. They’re the kind of meals that don’t interrupt a chore rhythm but still get a little appreciation at the table. Turns out, multitasking dinner isn’t a myth after all.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A warm and hearty option with chicken and pasta baked together, Marry Me Chicken Casserole balances creamy and savory elements well. It’s a dish you could make on a busy evening without stress. The casserole format makes it easy to prepare and share. It’s one of those meals where everything just works well together.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Pasta Primavera

Fresh and vibrant with a mix of pasta and vegetables, Pasta Primavera is simple yet delivers at every bite. It’s something where the addition of veggies really shines. This is a lighter choice if you don’t want something too heavy. Perfect for when you’re cleaning out those produce odds and ends.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Three Cheese Manicotti

If you’re feeling cheesy, Three Cheese Manicotti is a no-brainer. It’s basically pasta tubes stuffed with flavorful cheese and covered in sauce. There’s something satisfying about how each bite is filled with a cheesy surprise. Plus, it’s baked, so it gets this nice melted layer on top.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a cool mashup of pasta and Mexican vibes. It’s got some kick but nothing over-the-top. The tortellini fills you up while the spice keeps it fun. A great choice when you want something a little different from the usual pasta bowl.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Smaller pasta meets bold chicken flavors in Marry Me Chicken Orzo, which feels homey without being heavy. It’s a complete one-pot deal, so cleanup’s easier, too. Orzo is perfect here because it absorbs all those good flavors. It’s great for those nights when multitasking rules.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Spicy Lasagna Soup

If you love lasagna but don’t want all the baking, Spicy Lasagna Soup might win you over. Its lasagna ingredients moved into soup form with a spicy edge. You get everything from the classic layers in a much quicker format. Ideal for when you can’t pick between pasta and soup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup
Cheese Ravioli

Simple yet effective, Cheese Ravioli focuses on the basic goodness of pasta and cheese. You can have these as-is or dress them up if you want. Each little pocket is filled and flavorful. Sometimes the simplest dishes can be the most comfort-filled ones.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli
Minestrone Soup

Hearty and packed with a mix of pasta, beans, and more, Minestrone Soup is warm and filling. It’s everything you’d expect in a one-bowl meal. This soup really gives variety with every spoonful without overpowering. Good for when you want pasta but also a solid soup option.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Pizza Casserole

All the comforting flavors of pizza baked into a single dish, Pizza Casserole is as straightforward and fun as it sounds. It mixes pasta and pizza toppings in a way that just works. It’s like having two favorites in one dish. Works well for feeding a group or saving leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Italian Pasta with Salami

For something with a bit more kick, Italian Pasta with Salami brings the savory up a notch. The salami adds a meaty, robust layer to the pasta. It’s quick to pull together but doesn’t feel boring. Works well as a hot dinner or even cold as a lunch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Ravioli Casserole

Combine ravioli with extra sauce and cheese, and you’ve got Ravioli Casserole. There’s no stuffing involved here since the hard work’s done. All you do is layer it up for a baked pasta dish that’s both practical and filling. A one-dish solution, perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Morel Mushroom Pasta

Earthy and unique, Morel Mushroom Pasta is great for those who enjoy trying something a little different. The tender mushrooms become the star of this dish. It’s less about heavy sauces and more about letting the flavors pop. Definitely not your average weeknight pasta.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Combining cheeseburger flavors with pasta, The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole is comfort food done efficiently. It’s cheesy, meaty, and hits all the fast-food nostalgia but in baked form. Super customizable, whether you want extra toppings or keep it classic. A family favorite for good reason, and leftovers reheat well.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
Penne Alla Vodka

Creamy and smooth, Penne Alla Vodka adds a hint of boldness with the infusion of its namesake. The texture and flavors balance without being too heavy. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but doesn’t take much time. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels a bit upgraded.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves a solid Mac and Cheese, and this one hits all the nostalgic notes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just does what you expect. There’s room to make it your own with little extras or enjoy it exactly how it is. Easily one of the most dependable pasta options around.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Tortellini Soup

Take stuffed pasta, surround it with broth, and you’ve got Tortellini Soup. It’s a filling, warm option perfect for combining pasta and soup in one. The tortellini soaks up the broth nicely while keeping its shape. Definitely a time-saver when multitasking dinner with chores.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup
Cheeseburger Pasta

The casual favorite for anyone missing the cheeseburger, Cheeseburger Pasta keeps things simple but effective. Cooking pasta makes it way easier than grilling anything. It’s one skillet, full of comfort vibes, and doesn’t leave much mess. Quick, filling, and great for weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta
Mushroom Pasta

For anyone who enjoys mushrooms, Mushroom Pasta is earthy and straightforward. You let the mushrooms shine for a balanced option. Nothing overwhelming, just clean ingredients doing their thing. It’s on the lighter side of pasta dishes for sure.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta
Taco Pasta Salad

Mixing up pasta with taco flavors, Taco Pasta Salad becomes a fun change of pace. It’s typically served cold, making it a refreshing option. It’s a great dish to prep ahead or bring to a gathering. Definitely different, but in a good way.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Breaking from the meat-heavy lasagnas, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna leans on a blend of spinach and creamy pockets. You can enjoy the layers without feeling like it’s too heavy. The ricotta adds extra balance but no overpowering elements. Great for trying something beyond the usual staples.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

The restaurant classic is now easier at home, Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is creamy and rich. Ravioli shines as the base, capturing every bit of the sauce. It’s less about extras and more about matching down-to-earth comfort flavors. Ideal for recreating that dine-in feel on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Gnocchi

Short and simple, Gnocchi delivers soft potato pasta goodness in every bite. No wild recipes are needed here to let it stand out. It’s a different texture compared to regular pasta, so it feels special. Add whatever you like to it, or keep it plain.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Similar to the casserole version but with standard pasta, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is comfort food all the way. Creaminess mixes with those chicken flavors to stay balanced. It’s great for multitasking while tackling errands. A quick go-to for a full meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Hamburger Casserole

Think pasta meets a classic hamburger setup, and that’s Hamburger Casserole for you. This one’s simple, hearty, and perfect for leftovers. You don’t need much planning to make this work on any weeknight. If you want something closer to fast-food flavors, here’s an easy way.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Sweet corn adds something extra to Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta, giving it a bit of texture. It’s a classic creamy pasta but with a little twist. Perfect for breaking up the monotony of regular options yet staying familiar. Great for picky eaters as well.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad keeps pasta small, simple, and fresh. It’s almost always served cold, making it ideal for prep beforehand. It’s lighter with no heavy sauces, so it won’t feel too much. You can easily tweak it depending on what else you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Creamy Beef Stroganoff

With noodles and creamy beef, Creamy Beef Stroganoff comes together into one balanced dish. It’s a one-pan meal that doesn’t feel overdone. Those who like simple classics will appreciate it. Better yet, no hard work is involved in making it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Homemade Lasagna

Layered, baked, and timeless, Homemade Lasagna is one you can’t go wrong with. Everything builds together into something hearty and filling. It’s a dish that works for leftovers if you plan it right. Sure, it takes extra time, but the result pays off every bite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Pasta alla Norma

Featuring pasta paired with eggplants, Pasta alla Norma is simple but not boring. For folks who like a veggie-focused option, this hits home. The eggplants soak up flavors like a sponge, adding a nice texture. It’s straightforward enough to whip up without much prep time.
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.
