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.

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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, 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

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.

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
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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