18 Pasta Recipes I Rely on When I Don’t Know What’s for Dinner

Some nights deciding what to cook feels harder than the cooking itself. That’s when pasta comes to the rescue and it’s quick, flexible, and works with whatever you already have in your kitchen. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, dinner can come together in no time.

From classic comfort meals to lighter, fresher options, pasta covers all the bases. You can keep it simple with garlic and olive oil or go hearty with creamy sauces and meaty add-ins. There’s something here to fit whatever mood or craving comes up at the end of a busy day.

These 18 pasta recipes are the ones I reach for again and again when I don’t want to think too hard about dinner. They’re easy to follow, don’t take hours to make, and always deliver on flavor. You’ll probably find yourself coming back to them just as often too.

Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Pierogi

This hearty meal comes together easily with smoky sausage, pillowy pierogi, and roasted vegetables all cooked on one sheet pan. The high heat caramelizes everything beautifully while keeping cleanup simple. It’s a comforting option for weeknights when you want a warm dinner without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Pierogi

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Tender chicken, sweet corn, and pasta come together in a creamy sauce that feels cozy but quick. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in half an hour, perfect for busy nights. A sprinkle of herbs and cheese rounds it out with extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Taco Pasta Salad

This dish combines the crunch and spice of tacos with the heartiness of pasta in one colorful bowl. Fresh vegetables, seasoned meat, and a creamy dressing make it picnic ready. It’s equally good as a side dish or a fun main.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Flaky salmon pairs with pasta and crisp veggies for a fresh and filling salad. It’s light yet hearty enough for lunch or dinner, especially on warmer days. A tangy dressing ties everything together in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

This classic salad mixes smoky bacon, creamy ranch, and tender macaroni for a crowd-pleasing bowl. It’s a staple for potlucks and cookouts since it’s quick to prepare and always goes fast. The combination of flavors makes it stand out from standard pasta salads.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Loaded with vegetables and protein, these chewy noodles are quickly tossed in a savory sauce. The high-heat stir fry gives a slightly smoky flavor while keeping the texture just right. It’s a satisfying dish that tastes like a takeout favorite made at home.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Pierogi and Kielbasa Skillet

Pierogi and kielbasa cook together in one skillet, creating a meal that’s rich and hearty. The crispy edges on the pierogi and sausage make it extra enjoyable. It’s simple comfort food with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pierogi and Kielbasa Skillet

Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Zucchini blends into a silky sauce with Parmesan that coats pasta beautifully. It’s a lighter alternative to heavier cream sauces but still feels indulgent. Great for sneaking in more vegetables without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Baked Rigatoni

Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese bake until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a comforting dish that can feed a crowd and reheats well the next day. Perfect for Sunday dinner or meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rigatoni

Cantonese Style Chow Mein: Easy Pan-Fried Noodles

These crispy pan-fried noodles are topped with a savory sauce and vegetables. The contrast between crunchy noodles and saucy toppings makes every bite interesting. It’s a takeout-style dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Get the Recipe: Cantonese Style Chow Mein: Easy Pan-Fried Noodles

Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

This recipe blends the flavors of a cheesesteak with cheesy tortellini in a slow cooker meal. It’s hands-off cooking that results in a creamy, hearty dinner. Perfect for busy days when you want something filling with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Briny olives, capers, and tomatoes create a bold sauce that comes together quickly. This pasta is full of flavor yet requires just pantry staples. It’s a great choice when you need dinner fast but still want something vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Three Cheese Manicotti

Pasta shells stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses bake in marinara until bubbling. It’s a comforting, classic dish that always feels special. Perfect for a family dinner or when hosting guests.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Ravioli Lasagna

This shortcut lasagna uses ravioli instead of layering noodles, saving time without losing flavor. The baked dish still delivers cheesy, saucy layers everyone loves. It’s a clever way to get the comfort of lasagna with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Lasagna

Stuffed Shells

Large pasta shells filled with ricotta and herbs nestle into a dish of tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, traditional meal that’s great for gatherings. The presentation also makes it look like you spent extra time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells

Loaded Mac and Cheese

Creamy mac and cheese gets an upgrade with extra toppings like bacon, breadcrumbs, or vegetables. It’s rich, indulgent, and customizable depending on what you like. Great as a main dish or an impressive side.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

Sausage Tortellini Soup

This soup is hearty with sausage, tender tortellini, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s warm and filling without being too heavy. Ideal for chilly evenings when you want something cozy in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Cheese-stuffed tortellini simmer in a creamy broth with vegetables and herbs. It’s both rich and comforting, yet still easy to make in one pot. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tortellini Soup