20 Pasta Dishes You Need To Make

I love pasta nights because they’re quick to make but still feel like a complete meal. These dishes are perfect for busy evenings or weekends when I want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. They focus on simple ingredients, easy prep, and flavors that everyone at the table can enjoy.

Bowl of spaghetti with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, greens, and lemon wedges, accompanied by a red and white striped napkin. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background. — Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This skillet pasta brings familiar flavors together in one pan, making it easy to cook and clean up. It works well for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. The ingredients are easy to find and the portions are filling. This is a strong choice for a pasta dish worth making because it keeps things simple while still feeling fun.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Baked Feta Pasta

A white bowl filled with spaghetti, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, with a fork resting in the bowl. A baking dish with more pasta is in the background. — Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Baked feta pasta is popular for good reason, thanks to its short prep time and hands-off cooking. It works well for weeknight dinners or casual weekends. The oven does most of the work, which helps reduce stress. This recipe earns its place on a must-make pasta list because it delivers reliable results with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This mac and cheese is rich and filling, making it ideal for a comfort-style dinner. It works well as a main dish or a hearty side. The familiar flavors make it easy to serve for family meals. This is a pasta dish worth making when you want something dependable and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta feels special while still being practical for home cooking. It comes together in a reasonable amount of time, making it suitable for weeknights. The combination works well as a full dinner in one bowl. This recipe belongs on a must-make pasta list because it balances comfort and ease.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Meatball Pasta Bake

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate. — Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This pasta bake is great for feeding a group or planning ahead. It reheats well, which helps with leftovers and busy schedules. The oven handles most of the cooking time. This is a pasta dish worth making when you want something filling and low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Penne Pasta Bake

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side. — Penne Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Penne pasta bake is a dependable option for family dinners. It’s easy to portion and serve straight from the dish. The bake time allows you to step away while it cooks. This recipe fits perfectly into a list of pasta dishes you’ll want to make more than once.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This shrimp pasta cooks quickly, making it useful for last-minute dinners. It feels light enough for weeknights but still filling. The ingredient list stays simple and approachable. This is a pasta dish worth making when time is short but dinner still matters.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This one-pan pasta keeps prep and cleanup manageable. It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal. The cook time is short, which helps on busy evenings. This recipe earns its place on a must-make pasta list because it’s practical and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background. — Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Bucatini with shrimp feels balanced without being complicated. It works well for both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekends. The cooking time stays reasonable from start to finish. This is a pasta dish worth making when you want something simple that still feels planned.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Closeup of a red and yellow lobster ravioli on a fork. — Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This pasta brings a familiar chicken dinner into a single bowl. It works well for family meals or small gatherings. The timing is manageable without needing extra sides. This recipe belongs on a must-make pasta list because it keeps dinner organized and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pasta is light enough for warm days and quick meals. It comes together without a long ingredient list. The leftovers hold up well for another meal. This is a pasta dish worth making when you want something simple and flexible.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Salmon Alfredo Pasta

Salmon Alfredo pasta works well for nights when you want a filling meal without extra steps. It’s easy to portion and serve as a full dinner. The cook time stays reasonable for home kitchens. This recipe earns a spot on a must-make pasta list because it feels complete and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Alfredo Pasta

Spaghetti Arrabbiata

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork. — Spaghetti Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This spaghetti dish relies on pantry staples, making it easy to plan. It cooks quickly and works well for simple dinners. The sauce pairs easily with sides or salad. This is a pasta dish worth making when you want something straightforward and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta feels special without requiring a long cooking window. It works well for smaller dinners or date nights at home. Portions stay controlled and easy to plate. This recipe belongs on a must-make pasta list because it delivers impact without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A wooden spoon scooping a portion of penne pasta bake. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This pasta bake is filling and easy to serve for groups. It works well for meal prep and leftovers. The oven does most of the work once it’s assembled. This is a pasta dish worth making when you need something hearty and simple.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl. — Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This classic pasta relies on just a few basic ingredients. It cooks quickly, making it helpful for busy evenings. The flavors stay familiar and comforting. This recipe earns its place on a must-make pasta list because it proves simple dishes can still feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta comes together quickly and works well for light dinners. The ingredients are easy to find and prep. It’s flexible enough for weeknights or weekends. This is a pasta dish worth making when you want something fast and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Lobster Ravioli Sauce

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce. — Lobster Ravioli Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This sauce pairs well with store-bought ravioli, saving time in the kitchen. It helps turn a simple pasta into a full dinner. The prep stays manageable without extra steps. This recipe belongs on a must-make pasta list because it upgrades pasta night without extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Ravioli Sauce

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy pasta with chunks of salmon, garnished with fresh herbs and served with lemon slices on the side. — Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow cooker pasta is ideal for hands-off cooking days. It’s easy to portion and works well for family dinners. The slow cooker handles timing while you focus on other tasks. This is a pasta dish worth making when convenience matters most.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish. — Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta uses basic pantry ingredients and cooks quickly. It’s a good option for nights when groceries are limited. The prep stays simple and focused. This recipe earns a spot on a must-make pasta list because it proves less can still work well.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

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