31 Easy Pasta Recipes | Fast and Family-Friendly

These easy pasta recipes are the perfect choice for weeknight family dinners, quick lunch options, or whenever you’re craving a big bowl of delicious comfort food.

Pasta recipes image collage. Text overlay reads, "30+ Easy Budget Pasta Recipes".

Pasta is one of my favorite comfort foods.

There’s just something about sitting down to a bowl full of noodles drenched in a creamy sauce that feels all warm and cozy.

From mac and cheese to spaghetti to lasagna, I love that there are so many yummy pasta recipes!

THE BEST PASTA RECIPES

What makes these the best pasta dishes?

They’re easy to put together. Many of these easy pasta recipes are as simple as boiling pasta and stirring up a sauce to go with it!
Wholesome ingredients. You’ll find simple, real food ingredients in all of these healthy pasta meal ideas.
Include vegetables. In my book, even the easiest dinner recipes need veggies.
Great flavor. The whole family requests pasta night again and again any night of the week!
Easy to substitute different noodles. Whether you prefer linguine, rotini, elbow macaroni, angel hair pasta, shells, or good old spaghetti noodles, pasta is pretty easy to swap.

31 AMAZING PASTA RECIPES

From soups to salad with pasta recipes, chicken pasta recipes, or meatless meals, you’re sure to find a new favorite comforting meal here.

MEATLESS PASTA RECIPES

These easy pasta dinner ideas are hearty enough that you won’t miss the meat!

PASTA DISHES RECIPES WITH MEAT

Try these classic pasta dishes recipes with some of your favorite flavors.

RECIPES – PASTA SALAD

Pasta doesn’t need to be served warm. Try one of these recipes – pasta salads that are served cold!

SOUP RECIPE – PASTA

I also love noodles in my soup. Try a flavorful soup recipe – pasta included!

Chinese Noodle Soup
Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic Minestrone Soup
Hearty Minestrone Italian Soup (with or without sausage)
Homemade Ramen Soup
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili (with macaroni!)

RECIPES PASTA BAKES

Try one of the yummy baked pasta recipes for a warm, bubbly pasta casserole. The leftovers taste even better the next day!

SPAGHETTI AND ALFREDO SIMPLE PASTA RECIPES

When I think of easy pasta recipes, spaghetti for dinner is what comes to mind first! Try one of these yummy pasta meal ideas with your favorite spaghetti or fettuccine noodles. Don’t forget the Parmesan!

CAN I EAT PASTA RECIPES?

As a nutrition coach, I get questions like:

Can I eat pasta recipes and still lose weight?
Can I eat noodles while watching my carbs?
Pasta is out if I’m trying to eat better, right?

And to all of those, I say loud and clear:

You can still enjoy your favorite pasta recipes even with specific food goals in mind!

You can trade some or all of your noodles with either higher-protein pasta (like Banza) or lower-carb pasta substitutes (zucchini, cauliflower).
Watch the macros for your meal. I like to pair high-carb meals with lower fats and lower-carb veggies to keep calories consistent across the meal. Try pasta with red sauce, which is veggie-based, vs. white sauce, which has more fat. Lower-carb veggies include mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Watch the macros for your day. If you want to indulge in your favorite pasta dinner, that’s fine! Figure out how it fits into your day as a whole.
Don’t forget the protein! Always pair a carb like pasta with protein to stabilize your blood sugar.
Keep an eye on your portions. Take the time to weigh 2 oz of dry pasta so you understand what a serving actually is. Cook it up in a pot of pasta water and compare it to what you might normally serve yourself. The amount might surprise you!

RECIPE IN PASTA FAQS

What are some good pasta alternatives?

If you want to enjoy your pasta recipes with something besides standard semolina flour noodles, you have lots of options: zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, protein pasta, and gluten-free pasta. It depends on your goal.

Can you freeze pasta dishes?

Yes and no. You can absolutely freeze cooked pasta (here’s how!), and you can freeze many pasta sauces, but I wouldn’t necessarily freeze them together. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid as it thaws, and it can turn out mushy. Thaw separately before mixing and reheating, and you’re good to go!