My Weeknight Go-Tos Are 29 Favorite Pasta Recipes

Busy evenings don’t leave much room for overthinking dinner, which is why a list of 29 pasta favorites can save the day. Each option feels like an instant shortcut to making weeknights less chaotic. Nobody complains when a plate of noodles hits the table. That’s the kind of backup plan worth keeping on repeat.

Cheese Ravioli

Quick meals often turn into favorites when they’re easy to serve. Cheese Ravioli delivers comfort in a simple form, making it a go-to when time is short but dinner still needs to feel complete. It works well with light sides or on its own. That’s why it shows up often on weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Hamburger Casserole

Busy evenings need something filling that doesn’t take too much effort. Hamburger Casserole layers beef, pasta, and sauce into one dish that always hits the spot. It’s easy to portion and keeps well for leftovers. That convenience makes it a staple weeknight choice.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Three Cheese Manicotti

Some meals earn their place because they feel worth the little extra time. Three Cheese Manicotti bakes into a rich, cheesy dinner that works for family nights or when guests are over. It’s hearty and serves plenty without much fuss. That balance makes it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Simple pasta dishes can still feel special enough for busy nights. Million Dollar Spaghetti layers noodles, sauce, and cheese into a baked dish that feeds a crowd easily. It reheats well and is always welcomed at the table. No surprise it’s a regular go-to.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

One-pot meals often become the most reliable. Marry Me Chicken Orzo combines creamy pasta with tender chicken for a balanced dish that feels comforting without being complicated. It’s easy enough for weekdays but flavorful enough to impress. That’s why it sticks as a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Gnocchi

Quick-cooking pasta makes weeknights smoother. Gnocchi is pillowy, filling, and works with a wide range of sauces or toppings, keeping it versatile. It’s fast but still feels like a complete dinner. That combination earns it a top spot in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Ravioli Casserole

Combining pasta with casserole ease is a smart weeknight move. Ravioli Casserole layers sauce and pasta into a simple baked dish that holds up well for families. It’s hearty, feeds many, and feels more special than the effort it takes. Favorites often come from meals like this.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Mushroom Pasta

Meatless dinners can still earn a permanent spot on the list. Mushroom Pasta brings earthy flavor into a quick, simple bowl of noodles that feels comforting. It’s light enough for busy nights but still filling enough to stand alone. That makes it a dependable option during the week.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Chicken Ramen

Noodle bowls work well when there isn’t much time to cook. Chicken Ramen is warm, filling, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights. It’s easy to customize depending on what’s on hand. That flexibility makes it a frequent choice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Lasagna often feels like a weekend dish, but this version fits weeknights too. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna layers creamy filling with pasta sheets for a meal that feeds plenty. It’s simple to prepare ahead and bake when needed. That ease keeps it on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Pizza Casserole

Pasta and pizza in one dish will always be a safe bet. Pizza Casserole is fun, hearty, and baked in one pan, making cleanup easier. It’s a great family meal that everyone recognizes instantly. That’s why it often ends up on weeknight menus.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Reliable classics don’t need much explanation. Mac and Cheese is creamy, filling, and quick enough to pull together after work. It can be served on its own or as a side with almost anything. That flexibility explains why it’s a constant weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Gathering around for a simple meal feels special when Marry Me Chicken Casserole is on the table. It travels well for potlucks and makes a big batch without fuss. People like it for quick dinner parties or quiet nights in. The chance for easy seconds keeps it in the rotation.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Penne Alla Vodka

Simple sauces often lead to the best weeknight meals. Penne Alla Vodka brings creamy tomato flavor to pasta in a way that feels rich but easy to prepare. It pairs well with salad or bread for a full dinner. That mix of comfort and speed keeps it on the list.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Cheeseburger Pasta

Combining two favorites often creates an instant hit. Cheeseburger Pasta has all the flavors of a burger in a pasta bowl that comes together quickly. It’s fun, hearty, and loved by kids and adults alike. Favorites like this stay on rotation for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A little heat makes weeknight pasta more exciting. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta brings smoky flavor and creaminess into a quick dish that stands out. It’s filling without being complicated to make. That balance makes it a go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Homemade Lasagna

Some meals feel like more work but are worth keeping on the list. Homemade Lasagna is layered, rich, and makes enough to feed a family with leftovers for days. It’s a dish that never goes out of style. That’s why it stays as a weeknight classic.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Elevated Ramen Noodles

Quick noodles can still feel like a complete dinner when upgraded. Elevated Ramen Noodles take a simple base and turn it into something filling and flavorful. It’s fast, flexible, and easy to repeat often. That explains why it’s part of the regular lineup.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Morel Mushroom Pasta

Seasonal favorites often work their way into regular meals. Morel Mushroom Pasta has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs easily with pasta for a simple dish. It feels different but is still quick to pull together. That uniqueness makes it a weeknight standout.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Restaurant-inspired meals often become at-home staples. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta delivers the same mix of pasta and chicken with a buttery sauce that feels comforting. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but still feels special. That’s why it’s a repeat choice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Spaghetti Bolognese

Traditional favorites always earn their spot. Spaghetti Bolognese is hearty, rich, and pairs perfectly with noodles for a meal that never disappoints. It’s simple to serve in large portions, making it great for families. A weeknight list would be incomplete without it.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Cacio e Pepe

Minimal ingredients can still create big flavor. Cacio e Pepe is quick, creamy, and built around pasta with a simple seasoning. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on repeat without getting bored. That’s why it’s part of many weeknight rotations.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Minestrone Soup

Pasta doesn’t always need to be heavy to count as a favorite. Minestrone Soup mixes broth, vegetables, and noodles into a light but filling dinner. It’s great for cold nights or when you want something quick and balanced. Favorites like this prove pasta fits every mood.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Spaghetti Marinara

Basic sauces often work the best during busy weeks. Spaghetti Marinara brings a simple tomato base over pasta for a dinner that’s fast and reliable. It pairs with almost anything and pleases just about everyone. That reliability keeps it a weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Spicy Udon Noodles

Thick noodles make any weeknight feel more filling. Spicy Udon Noodles are chewy, flavorful, and quick to make, which is perfect after a long day. They’re versatile enough to add extras or keep simple. Favorites like this stay in rotation for their speed.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles

Taco Pasta Salad

Combining comfort and freshness makes pasta more versatile. Taco Pasta Salad is easy to scoop, easy to serve, and works for dinner or lunch the next day. It has just enough heartiness to feel like a main dish. That’s why it keeps its spot on the weeknight list.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Macaroni Salad

Cold pasta dishes often become reliable choices for busy weeks. Macaroni Salad is creamy, simple, and great for making ahead of time. It works as a side or even a light main depending on the night. That flexibility keeps it in the weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Some casseroles stand out enough to be called favorites. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole combines pasta, beef, and cheese in a way that feels both fun and filling. It’s baked in one dish and reheats well, which makes it practical. That’s why it belongs among weeknight go-tos.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Copycat recipes save trips to restaurants and still feel comforting. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings creamy sauce and pasta together in a simple, filling dish. It feels special without being complicated to make. That’s why it’s part of the weeknight favorites.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara