16 Pasta Recipes That Are Almost Too Easy

Weeknights can feel like a never-ending loop of figuring out what to make for dinner. If you’re staring into the fridge or pantry wondering how to pull something together without a lot of effort, you’re not alone. These pasta recipes are for the nights when energy is low, time is short, and everyone’s hungry. From creamy bakes to skillet meals that come together fast, this list has exactly what you need to get dinner on the table without overthinking it.

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

This one-pan dinner comes together in under 30 minutes and hits all the familiar weeknight flavors without much cleanup. It’s a solid mashup of taco night and pasta night that doesn’t require you to stand over the stove for long. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheese bring bold flavor while spaghetti keeps it all grounded. It’s one of those meals you can throw together even when the day’s been too long.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy, and quick to pull off, this version of a steakhouse favorite doesn’t take restaurant-level effort. It uses ingredients you probably have and doesn’t require any complicated steps. The cheese blend gives it the familiar flavor people love, and it still feels like something you’d order out. This is the kind of dinner you make when you want easy comfort without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Meatball Pasta Bake

This bake is ideal for a weeknight because it uses frozen or pre-cooked meatballs, saving both time and stress. It bakes all in one dish, so cleanup is minimal. The combination of pasta, marinara, and cheese keeps everyone full and happy. It’s a dependable option when you just need dinner to be done without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Baked Feta Pasta

With minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients, this recipe became popular for a reason. The oven does most of the work, and there’s no need for fancy cooking skills to make it work. Feta, tomatoes, and pasta come together fast and leave you with something that feels more planned than it is. Perfect for nights when you just want to throw things in a dish and call it a meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

This pasta is bright and fresh without needing anything complicated. It uses simple ingredients like lemon, feta, and spinach, and cooks quickly enough to make after a long workday. Everything blends together in one pot for less cleanup. It’s the kind of dish you turn to when you want something that tastes like effort but wasn’t.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This recipe is bold in flavor and low in effort, using pre-cooked chicken and pantry staples. It goes into the oven quickly and feeds a crowd without the need for sides. The buffalo flavor adds something a little different without making it harder to cook. It’s a smart pick when you want something filling with just a bit of a kick.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

This dish comes together fast with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. Shrimp cook quickly, and the tomatoes add flavor without needing a long simmer. It’s a quick solution for a lighter-feeling dinner that still fills you up. Great for nights when you don’t have energy but still want to feel like you made something solid.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

A one-pan recipe that’s fast, hearty, and made from common ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s simple without being boring, with ground beef and pasta cooked together in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. There’s very little cleanup and no baking required. This is a reliable fallback when time and energy are low.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Spaghetti Arrabbiata

This classic spicy tomato pasta uses ingredients you probably already keep in your pantry. It takes about 20 minutes to make and doesn’t ask much of you. The heat from the red pepper flakes adds depth without extra work. Ideal when you want something fast that doesn’t feel like the same old thing.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Lobster Ravioli Sauce

This creamy sauce turns store-bought lobster ravioli into a full meal without much cooking. It’s quick to put together and feels just a little special, even though it’s incredibly low effort. The sauce comes together in one pan and complements the pasta without overpowering it. It’s a good fallback when you want something different but still very easy.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Ravioli Sauce

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

With only a few ingredients and a short cook time, this Roman classic is perfect for tired weeknights. Bucatini holds the simple cheese and pepper sauce well, and it doesn’t require chopping or prep work. Everything is done on the stovetop in about 20 minutes. It’s a great example of how less really can be more for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp and garlic come together in minutes, making this pasta option both quick and full of flavor. Butter creates a rich base without needing a long sauce. The whole dish can be ready in 25 minutes or less with minimal cleanup. A reliable go-to when you want to make something that feels a little nicer without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

This recipe is straightforward and fast, using garlic and shrimp to carry most of the flavor. Bucatini gives the dish a little more structure without adding complexity. It works well for busy nights when you want something warm and filling without extra prep. Everything comes together fast with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Using pre-cooked or leftover steak makes this recipe even easier than it looks. The creamy Alfredo sauce doesn’t need much time on the stove and pairs well with any pasta you have on hand. It’s rich, filling, and can be ready quickly with just a little planning. Great for those nights when you need something hearty that doesn’t drain you.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

This slow cooker recipe handles itself, making it one of the easiest ways to get dinner done. It uses a few ingredients like chicken, Italian dressing, and pasta to create something familiar and rich. It’s great when you want to set it up in the morning and have dinner nearly done by the time you’re off work. Perfect for weeknights when hands-off is all you can manage.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

This dish uses pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, making it incredibly easy to pull together. It cooks in the time it takes to boil pasta and requires no chopping or sauces. The flavor is bold for how little effort is involved. A go-to when you’re too tired to think about dinner but still want something warm.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Penne Pasta Bake

This classic pasta bake is the definition of weeknight-ready: simple ingredients, easy layering, and quick oven time. It works with jarred sauce and whatever cheese you’ve got. Everything goes into one baking dish, which means fewer dishes to deal with. It’s an easy win when you just want dinner sorted without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

With its light lemon flavor and quick cooking time, this pasta makes weeknights easier. It’s built on ingredients that cook fast and can be prepped ahead if needed. The chicken adds protein without making the recipe feel heavy. It’s the kind of meal that feels thoughtful without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

This meal comes together faster than it sounds, especially if you’re using frozen scallops. The brown butter adds a rich flavor that makes the whole dish feel more put-together than it actually is. It’s a great dinner when you want something warm, filling, and fast. An easy way to break up the routine without adding more to your to-do list.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

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