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16 x Easy Pasta Recipes

Pasta is one of those ingredients I always have in my kitchen and for good reason. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like spending hours cooking. In this roundup of 16 easy pasta recipes, you’ll find simple dishes that are ideal for everyday meals. From a creamy pasta with gorgonzola to a comforting one pot lasagna and a classic pasta bolognese, there’s something here for every mood. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, these recipes make getting dinner on the table a whole lot easier.

16 x Easy pasta recipes. If there was one dish that always makes me smile, it has got to be a good pasta recipe. So I make it a lot. Easy pasta recipes are a life saver for all those times when I want something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Most of the time the recipe is on the table and ready to go within something like 20 to 30 minutes. And sometimes even a lot faster.

Pasta Recipes for Every Day Use

From creamy sauces to fresh and light options, this roundup includes something for every craving. Think pasta with halloumi, a rich and savory pasta with gorgonzola, a comforting one pot lasagna, and of course a classic pasta bolognese. And that’s just the beginning.

Tip from Simone

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Pasta is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your kitchen. These recipes are designed to be:

  • Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights
  • Made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home
  • Family-friendly and great for all ages
  • Flexible – easy to adapt with what’s in your fridge

Whether you prefer creamy pasta, tomato-based sauces, or vegetarian options, this list has it all.

Perfect for busy weeknights

If you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal, these easy pasta dinner ideas will save your evening. Most recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less, require minimal prep, and use pantry staples.

Tips for making the best pasta

Want to get the most out of your pasta dishes? Keep these simple tips in mind:

  • Use good quality olive oil and cheese for extra flavor
  • Always cook your pasta in well-salted water
  • Reserve a bit of pasta cooking water to adjust your sauce
  • Don’t overcook – al dente pasta has the best texture
orzo salad with halloumi
5 from 1 vote

Orzo salad with halloumi and green peas

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
This delicious pasta salad can be eaten warm or cold
Pasta with mushrooms

Pasta with mushrooms and chorizo

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
A nice creamy pasta with goat cheese, mushrooms, chorizo and broccoli
Pasta salad with chicken and pesto

Pasta salad with chicken and pesto

Prep time 5 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
The ideal lunch to take on the road. And it can be eaten hot or cold.
Pasta gorgonzola

Pasta gorgonzola with mushrooms

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes? This creamy pasta gorgonzola with mushrooms and walnuts is your perfect weeknight indulgence. The rich, velvety gorgonzola sauce features tender pasta, while earthy mushrooms and crunchy walnuts add depth and texture. It’s a satisfying meal that feels both luxurious and effortless—ideal for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Blue cheese pasta salad

Blue cheese pasta salad with tomatoes

Prep time 5 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Delicious and super easy pasta salad with gorgonzola and tomatoes
pasta salad with tuna
5 from 1 vote

Pasta salad with tuna

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 5 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
Perfect for warm summer days is this easy pasta salad with tuna
halloumi pasta salad

Halloumi pasta salad

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 5 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
A nice fresh summer pasta salad with tomato pesto, halloumi, broccoli and fennel. The addition of the crunchy halloumi makes this extra delicious and easy.
Pasta with Swiss chard
5 from 1 vote

Pasta with Swiss chards

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time 25 minutes
This delicious and easy pasta dish with Swiss chard is the perfect weeknight meal
slow cooker spaghetti bolognese

Slow cooker spaghetti bolognese

Prep time 25 minutes
Cooking time 12 hours
Total time 12 hours 25 minutes
A delicious and easy recipe for making spaghetti bolognese sauce in the slow cooker
Baked penne

Baked penne with eggplant, tomatoes and cheese

Prep time 15 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
This delicious and easy dish with baked penne, ground meat and lots of cheese is the perfect easy weeknight meal!
Pasta primavera

Pasta primavera

Prep time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
At what point you cook the pasta for this recipe depends a bit on the type of pasta you use. For penne, I put the pasta on about halfway through the recipe.
one pot lasagna

One-pan lasagna (vega)

Prep time 20 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
This one-pan lasagna is deliciously simple. It's a vegetarian main, is easy to make and it's saves washing the dishes. The recipes features loads of cheese, a bechamel sauce and lots of green vegetables. You could almost (but not quite) call it healthy.
One pot pasta with parmesan

One pot garlic parmesan pasta

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 6 minutes
Total time 16 minutes
Super easy and super delicious is this quick one pot garlic parmesan pasta
Gnocchi with goat cheese and mushrooms

Gnocchi with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
One of my favorite ways to prepare gnocchi is with this delicious and easy gnocchi dish with goat cheese and mushrooms. Quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Greek pasta salad

Greek pasta salad

Prep time 10 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Delicious and easy Greek pasta salad with feta, orechiette pasta and cucumber
Pasta with turnip greens, garlic and chili

Pasta with turnip greens stir-fried in garlic and chili

Prep time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
Delicious vegetarian pasta with turnip greens, garlic and chili

FAQ – Easy Pasta Recipes

Simple recipes like pasta with tomato sauce, garlic and olive oil, or creamy cheese-based sauces are among the easiest and quickest to prepare.

Yes! Many pasta dishes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or extra sauce.

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle cook quickly and work well with a variety of sauces.

Several recipes in this roundup are vegetarian, such as pasta with halloumi or simple cheese-based sauces. Plus most of them are easily adaptable to your preferences.

Use whole wheat pasta, add plenty of vegetables, and balance creamy sauces with lighter options like tomato or olive oil-based recipes.

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About Simone van den Berg

Food photographer | Food- and travel blogger | Recipe development | Loves to cook, experiment with vegetables and most of all, loves to eat. Whenever I travel (and I do try to do that as often as possible) it's always about food too! Love exploring flavors around the world. Lives together with cats Humphrey and Buffy in the Netherlands.