Pasta Recipes That Make Dinner Easy

Pasta is a go-to favorite for good reason—it’s easy to make, versatile, and always comforting. Whether you prefer it with a rich sauce, fresh veggies, or just a bit of cheese and herbs, there’s a style for every mood and meal. It works well for both quick weeknight dinners and more filling dishes.

From creamy options like Alfredo to lighter versions with olive oil and garlic, pasta offers endless variety. You can keep it classic with spaghetti and meatballs or try something different like stuffed shells or baked ziti. There’s room to keep things simple or mix it up with bold flavors.

These pasta recipes cover a mix of familiar favorites and new twists. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, there’s something here to match your schedule and taste. Grab your ingredients and get ready to make something good.

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Layered with creamy ricotta, spinach, and marinara, this lasagna keeps things classic with a fresh twist. The ricotta makes it rich without feeling heavy, and the spinach adds a little something green to the mix. It bakes up bubbly and golden, perfect for a comforting dinner. Even better the next day as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

This one-pan meal pairs pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together fast for a weeknight win. A sprinkle of Parmesan ties it all together. No need for a side dish—this one checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy, cozy, and filled with soft gnocchi and tender chicken, this soup is the kind you’ll want a second bowl of. Carrots, spinach, and herbs round it out for a full meal in one pot. It’s the kind of soup that feels homemade—even on a busy day. Serve with bread or just as-is.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

This version swaps out traditional gnocchi for a lower-carb alternative but keeps the fresh tomato and basil combo front and center. It’s light, quick to prep, and full of flavor without going overboard. Great for those looking to keep things simple and a little lighter. Add some grated cheese on top and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

This copycat recipe brings the flavors of the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. Creamy broth, fluffy gnocchi, and plenty of chicken and veggies make it a comfort food staple. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and cozy enough for colder days. Plus, it tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Three Cheese Manicotti

Stuffed with a creamy mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, these baked manicotti are all about that cheesy goodness. Topped with marinara and baked until bubbly, they’re the kind of dish that feeds a crowd and leaves none behind. Pair with a simple salad or just serve as is. Classic and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna

This lasagna takes a cue from your favorite dip, layering spinach, artichokes, and tangy feta between sheets of pasta. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of brightness from the veggies. A great vegetarian option that still feels filling. Serve with garlic bread or on its own—it holds its own either way.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Golden-browned butter coats tender scallops and pasta for a dish that feels fancy without much fuss. The nutty richness of the butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the scallops. Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of herbs for a little balance. Great for a dinner that feels a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Pierogi and Kielbasa Skillet

This hearty skillet meal brings together pierogi, browned kielbasa, and onions in a delicious mix of textures and flavors. It’s quick to pull together and great for a weeknight dinner. A dollop of sour cream or mustard on the side adds a nice touch. Comfort food that doesn’t take all day.
Get the Recipe: Pierogi and Kielbasa Skillet

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Packed with bold ingredients like olives, capers, and garlic, this pasta delivers a lot of flavor in little time. The tomato-based sauce is briny and rich, making it great for when you want something with a little punch. No extra sides needed—just twirl and eat. It’s pantry-friendly and easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Stuffed Shells

Large pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, baked in marinara, and topped with melted cheese. They’re easy to prep ahead and always feel a little special on the table. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Serve with salad or some garlic knots.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells

Potato Gnocchi

Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that can be pan-seared, boiled, or baked depending on your mood. They’re a blank canvas for sauces—creamy, herby, or tomato-based all work beautifully. Once you’ve tried homemade, it’s hard to go back. They freeze well too, so make extra.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Sausage Tortellini Soup

This hearty soup features cheese-filled tortellini, savory sausage, and plenty of veggies in a flavorful broth. It’s filling enough for dinner and easy to throw together with pantry staples. Add some greens for extra color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Everything comes together in one pan for this comforting dish—gnocchi, sauce, cheese, and whatever add-ins you like. The edges get a little crispy while the inside stays soft. It’s the kind of meal that works on a busy night but still feels like something you put effort into. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Creamy Mushroom Skillet

This dish pairs mushrooms with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and pasta or gnocchi for a warm, cozy meal. The mushrooms add depth, while the creamy sauce brings it all together. It’s easy to customize with herbs or greens. Perfect for when you want something earthy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Skillet

Garlic Herb Butter Gnocchi

Pan-fried gnocchi tossed in garlic herb butter is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. The gnocchi gets crisp on the outside while staying soft in the center. A sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley finishes it off nicely. Great as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Butter Gnocchi

Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

This mac brings the heat with chopped jalapeños mixed into a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s rich, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture, making each bite better than the last. Perfect for potlucks or when you want to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

This pasta blends tender chicken, a tangy lemon-butter sauce, and a pop of capers for a bright, fresh flavor. It’s light enough for warmer months but still filling. Serve it with a bit of Parmesan or fresh herbs on top. A great way to break out of the usual pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Cheese-filled tortellini floating in a creamy broth with veggies and maybe a little sausage or chicken makes this soup feel like a full meal. It’s rich without being too heavy, and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. A warm bowl of this hits the spot on a cold night. Bonus: it reheats well too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tortellini Soup