Sometimes, you just want a meal that feels like a celebration, even if it’s the middle of the week. These 33 pasta recipes pack that Sunday dinner energy but keep things practical for any regular weeknight. They’re easy to make, won’t break the bank, and still hit the spot like a feast. Turns out, delicious pasta brings the party, Tuesday or not.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

A favorite among noodle casseroles, Easy Chicken Tetrazzini combines tender chunks of chicken with spaghetti in a creamy, flavorful sauce. The dish is topped with a sprinkling of cheese for a baked finish that adds a nice texture. Wholesome and filling, it’s a family-friendly option that’s simple to prepare. It’s perfect for busy evenings or anytime you want something comforting but easy on effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

A refreshing combination of noodles, fruit, and spice makes Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing truly unique. Sweet mango balances out the kick of the peanut dressing while the noodles tie everything together. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color, making it as visually appealing as it is approachable to eat. It’s a perfect example of how a little creativity can make something vibrant yet cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Classic Baked Ziti

Hearty and familiar, Classic Baked Ziti layers pasta with a rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings for full comfort. Baked until bubbly, the cheese creates a deliciously enjoyable finish. This dish holds up exceptionally well as leftovers, making it a great make-ahead option. Its simplicity and great taste make it a reliable choice for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Classic Baked Ziti

Easy Skillet Cheese Tortellini with Ham & Peas

With its stovetop preparation, Easy Skillet Cheese Tortellini with Ham & Peas mixes cheesy tortellini with a creamy sauce, bits of delicious ham, and fresh peas. Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning cleanup is quick. It’s a great example of how a few ingredients can come together for something enjoyable. This budget-friendly pasta is perfect for those who value convenience without sacrificing quality.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Cheese Tortellini with Ham & Peas

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Inspired by a restaurant classic, Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a hearty soup with small pasta, beans, vegetables, and ground meat. Its rich broth pairs perfectly with a piece of crusty bread for dipping. The recipe allows you to recreate a dining-out experience at home at a fraction of the cost. With its well-rounded flavors, it feels both familiar and fulfilling any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Vibrant and appealing, Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad combines bow tie pasta with fresh vegetables and a lightly tangy dressing. It’s a dish that adds color and texture to any spread, making it ideal for meal prep or bringing along to gatherings. Using common pantry and fridge staples, it’s also highly economical. Whether served alongside a main dish or enjoyed alone, it’s a flavorful companion.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Pasta & Peas (Pasta e Piselli)

Traditional yet simple, Pasta & Peas (Pasta e Piselli) features small pasta like ditalini paired with tender, sweet peas in a light, brothy base. The addition of grated cheese on top boosts the flavor while keeping it uncomplicated. It’s a one-pot meal that feels casual yet hearty, with minimal preparation involved. Perfect for those nights when you want something warm and quick to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Pasta & Peas (Pasta e Piselli)

Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

An easy, homemade twist on a classic, Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper features pasta simmered in a ground beef and cheese sauce that everyone recognizes and loves. It’s made using simple ingredients from your pantry without any need for a store-bought box. The creamy and meaty combination feels like an affordable take on a takeout meal. This recipe is one to keep on hand for your busiest weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

Pastitsio

Known for its comforting and layered texture, Pastitsio is a Greek-inspired casserole consisting of pasta, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The final bake ensures the top layer has a slightly golden finish while the pasta keeps its structure. It’s a dish that feels homemade and special, yet it can be prepared without any specialty ingredients. This recipe is ideal for dinners that call for just a little extra heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta

Brightly flavored yet delicious, Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta features a tangy lemon sauce that complements bits of pancetta and cooked peas. It adds balance with light acidity while the rich pancetta provides warmth and depth. Simple but effective, this recipe uses ingredients you likely already have stocked. It’s a great way to bring something flavorful to your regular dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pasta with Peas & Pancetta

Spaghetti Bread

Combining two favorites into one, Spaghetti Bread packs cooked spaghetti into a breaded exterior, forming a hearty, handheld casserole. Each slice holds together perfectly, making it ideal for sharing or lunch leftovers. While it appears intricate, it’s actually quite straightforward to prepare with simple components. For those who enjoy carb-heavy dishes, this fusion is both fun and functional.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bread

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A staple in Hawaiian cuisine, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad matches creamy dressing with soft-cooked macaroni, plus shredded vegetables for a slight crunch. The recipe balances convenience and flavor, suitable for pairing alongside grilled dishes or afternoon snacks. Its tangy-sweet dressing brings in an extra layer of flavor without requiring much effort. Made with minimal ingredients, it earns its place on any weekday menu.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Deliciously simple, Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet pairs cooked chicken with broccoli over a bed of lemony orzo pasta. Everything comes together in one skillet for easy prep and minimal clean-up. With refreshing citrus notes and cooked vegetables, this recipe is both bright-tasting and filling. Perfect for anyone wanting to pull together a complete dinner without juggling too many pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet

BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Inspired by a classic sandwich, BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon! mixes cooked pasta with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes in a creamy dressing. The combination is perfectly portable for potlucks while still working as a standalone dish. The bacon provides a smoky, delicious layer that contrasts with the freshness of the vegetables. With minimal prep time, it’s an easy win on any table.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Skillet Chicken with Lemon, Artichokes & Feta

Packed with flavor, Skillet Chicken with Lemon, Artichokes & Feta combines tender chicken breasts with briny artichokes, crumbly feta, and a subtle lemon sauce. The one-skillet preparation keeps the recipe easy without compromising on taste. It’s great to serve over rice, pasta, or paired with fresh bread for soaking up the sauce. Elegant yet quick, this meal adapts well for both weeknight dinners or hosting guests.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken with Lemon, Artichokes & Feta

Pizza Pasta Salad

Mixing two beloved favorites, Pizza Pasta Salad combines pasta, pepperoni, cheese, and classic pizza toppings with a tangy dressing. This clever twist makes it an appealing addition to lunchboxes or bigger spreads. It’s a great make-ahead recipe with a flavor profile kids and adults will both enjoy. Affordable ingredients guide the assembly, and the versatility lets you decide how to customize further.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Recreating a restaurant favorite, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup hits the spot with flavorful chicken broth, vegetables, and tender pieces of chicken. The inclusion of pasta adds just enough body to make this a complete meal. This soup is an excellent example of how simple, fresh ingredients can make all the difference. Enjoyed with bread or crackers, it’s comfort cuisine done right.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Greek Spaghetti

With Mediterranean flavors, Greek Spaghetti tosses pasta with olives, feta, tomatoes, and a light drizzle of olive oil. The simplicity of the ingredients creates a clean, vibrant experience you can make with pantry items. It’s great for anyone looking for a lighter pasta alternative that still feels pleasurable. Quick to prepare, it’s a go-to whenever you want dinner on the table in under a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Resembling a cross between a soup and a casserole, Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup pairs a rich broth base with plenty of noodles, vegetables, and chicken. The creamy consistency feels equally nourishing as it does decadent. Unlike brothy soups, this recipe clings to each spoonful, giving an entirely comforting experience. Consider it a balancing act of hearty and soothing that works for any age.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Highlighting simplicity, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce uses sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil to make a basic but flavorful sauce. The pasta soaks in each bit of the fresh flavors, creating a fulfilling finish. It’s an effective way to utilize produce without too many convoluted ingredients. The results are light yet filling, great for anyone who enjoys fresh-from-scratch meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Restaurant-style indulgence comes easily with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, featuring fettuccine mixed with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Succulent shrimp round out the dish with a hint of seafood richness. It’s surprisingly easy to recreate this luxury at home without needing anything fancy. Perfect for date nights in, the cream sauce ensures every bite is as enjoyable as the next.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Salmon Pasta Salad

As a lighter option, Salmon Pasta Salad combines flaked salmon with cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette for balance. The salmon makes it protein-rich while still being gentle in flavor. Served chilled, it’s a refreshing take on using fish within a pasta setting. Whether served as an appetizer or main, its adaptability makes it worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

A warm and inviting dish, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken brings together filled tortellini, tender kale, and chunks of chicken in a flavorful broth. Every bite feels hearty, yet it doesn’t require too much cooking time. Ready in one pot, the low-maintenance aspect paired with its flavor marks it as a keeper. It bridges the gap between comfort and affordability effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Prepared on a flat-top griddle, Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs marries pasta with perfectly grilled meatballs, creating a fun, outdoor-inspired meal. The tortellini gets a slight crisp, adding unexpected nuance to the typical soft pasta dishes. Its execution might not be traditional, but the flavors work together exceptionally well. Designed for both quick preparation and delicious satisfaction, this twist is worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Pesto Orzo Salad

Nutty and herbaceous, Pesto Orzo Salad blends cooked orzo with a basil pesto sauce, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of Parm. The small pasta shape makes it easy to mix and coat, so every forkful remains balanced. Made with mostly shelf-stable ingredients, it’s as dependable as it is practical. Bring it to your table alongside grilled proteins or enjoy it as its own light meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Larger-than-life portions, Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are filled to bursting with a creamy cheese blend, then baked in marinara sauce. Topped with melted cheese, they’re not only delicious to eat but have an impressive visual appeal. Ideal for casual meals or potlucks, the ingredients come together with minimum fuss. Requiring simple steps, the outcome is both hearty and shareable.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Creamy Spinach Orzo

For a spin on classic sides, Creamy Spinach Orzo pairs al dente orzo pasta with sautéed spinach in a velvety sauce. Easy to make and requiring only a few ingredients, it delivers taste without added complexity. It’s versatile enough to pair as a side dish for proteins or to enjoy simply as its own meal. The balanced texture makes it a household candidate meal for even the pickier eaters.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Filled with bold ingredients, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta combines spicy Italian sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe into a pasta base. The combination of flavors ensures every bite feels cohesive yet lively. Using common pantry items, this recipe holds up as a flavorful dish that saves time. It’s an easy winner for weeknight dinners or leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Living up to its name, Million Dollar Spaghetti mixes creamy and cheesy ricotta layers with a pasta bake topped by marinara and ground meat. The baking process gives it a layered texture that can feed a crowd without much cost. Known for its straightforward preparation, it’s a dish parents or hosts frequently return to. A great casserole-style meal with a little twist of indulgence in execution.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Baked Feta Pasta

A modern sensation, Baked Feta Pasta has all the creaminess one would expect with a roasted feta as its central focus. Tomatoes and herbs balance the richness, creating a natural sauce when combined with cooked pasta. With a small ingredient list, the simplicity is part of its charm for quick meal ideas. It’s become a go-to dish for its fuss-free execution and adaptable flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Unconventional yet fun, Smoked Shotgun Shells use pasta tubes stuffed with ground meat and cheese, wrapped in bacon, then smoked until flavorful. Crispy on the outside while tender inside, it’s a novel twist worth exploring. The smoking process ensures deeper flavors you wouldn’t find in regular pasta dishes. Equal parts inventive and enjoyable, it’s an experience for anyone seeking something outside the norm.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Anchored by a short list of ingredients, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes combines fresh tomato chunks with creamy ricotta for a light yet fulfilling dinner idea. The creamy cheese melds beautifully into the warm tomatoes to coat each noodle smoothly. Its simplicity and budget-friendliness make it a trusted option for feeding families or anyone working with pantry staples. Assembly is quick, yet satisfaction feels guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Blending the flavors of an American classic with pasta, Sloppy Joe Casserole mixes ground beef with a delicious, slightly sweet sauce over lightly baked noodles. Instead of traditional buns, the pasta captures the essence of the sauce. Perfect for serving as a one-dish potluck option, preparation remains easy enough for even novice home cooks. It reinvents a crowd favorite with big flavor at minimal cost.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole