27 Fast & Flavorful Pasta Dishes for Busy Weeknights

By Alexandra Caspero on April 24, 2024

Weeknights – the land of last-minute scrambling and the ever-present question: “What’s for dinner?”

For pasta lovers, these recipes are a nice break from boring meals. All of these options are ready in 30 minutes, bursting with flavor, and easy to prepare.

From creamy classics (hello, mac and cheese!) to veggie-packed one-pot pastas, these are the fast and flavorful pasta dishes you need for busy weeknights.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

In just half an hour you can have this baked cream cheese spaghetti on the table. It’s meaty, cheesy and tasty comfort food everyone will love.

Make the Recipe: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Artichoke Pesto Pasta

Artichoke Pesto Pasta

A fun twist on regular pesto, this artichoke pesto pasta is made with frozen artichokes and walnuts! Tossed with pasta for a simple side dish or main.

Make the Recipe: Artichoke Pesto Pasta

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca In A Bowl

Pasta Puttanesca! Ready in less than 30 minutes, this briny, salty pasta is a must for olive lovers! With canned tomatoes, garlic, and capers– this simple vegetarian pasta puttanesca is great for busy weeknights.

Make the Recipe: Pasta Puttanesca

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Pasta In A Bowl

The best creamy mushroom pasta! Made with a secret ingredient, this creamy mushroom pasta is packed with savory umami flavor and ready in just 20 minutes! Save this for weeknight dinners. 

Make the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Pasta in Green Sauce

Green Pasta Recipe In Two Bowls

This green pasta is great for kids or anyone looking to add more greens to their diet! This vibrant pasta in green sauce is a great main or side all year long.

Make the Recipe: Pasta in Green Sauce

Simple 20 Minute Pasta

Easy, 20 Minute Vegan Pasta! You Are Going To Love This Healthy, Easy Vegan Pasta! With A Trick To Creating Glossy, Restaurant-Style Pasta, This Is A Must Save For Quick Dinners. | Www.delishknowledge.com

Easy, 20-Minute Pasta! You are going to love this healthy, easy pasta recipe, Aglio o Olio with Spinach! With a trick to creating glossy, restaurant-style pasta, this is a must-have for quick dinners. 

Make the Recipe: 20 Minute Pasta

Sun Gold Tomato Pasta with Summer Squash

Squash Bowls With Pasta And Tomatoes

A simple summer pasta with cherry tomatoes and yellow summer squash. Ready in minutes!

Make the Recipe: Sun Gold Tomato Pasta with Summer Squash

Pasta alla Norma

Bowl With Eggplant Pasta

Pasta alla Norma is a Sicilian pasta recipe featuring tender roasted eggplant, homemade tomato sauce, and ricotta salata. A healthier take on the traditional fried eggplant version, this recipe dinner for summer!

Make the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Healthy Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera

Celebrate spring with this classic pasta primavera recipe! Penne pasta with fresh asparagus, zucchini, shallots, peas, and tomatoes.

Make the Recipe: Healthy Pasta Primavera

Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Roasted Cauliflower Pasta Pasta

Roasted cauliflower pasta with lemon, garlic, parsley, and toasted garlic breadcrumbs. A delicious, healthy pasta meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

Make the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Eggplant Bolognese Pasta

Eggplant Bolognese Pasta Sauce

Eggplant Bolognese! You’ve gotta try this eggplant ragu, so hearty and full of flavor. Roasted eggplant bolognese with mushrooms served over pasta with plenty of basil.

Make the Recipe: Eggplant Bolognese Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes

Two Bowls Of Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes, Capers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes! Ready in less than 30 minutes, this pasta recipe is a must-save for busy weeknights. 

Make the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes

20-Minute Pasta With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Vegan Red Pepper Pasta Sauce In A Bowl

Need a quick pantry meal? Try this simple pasta with penne and a creamy, cheesy roasted red pepper sauce.

Make the Recipe: 20-Minute Pasta With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Pasta Fagioli

Bowl Of Pasta Fagioli

A healthy pasta fagioli recipe that’s been passed down for generations. My family’s simple recipe for white beans & ditalini pasta in red sauce, the ultimate comfort food! 

Make the Recipe: Pasta Fagioli

Cherry Tomato Pasta

Cherry Tomato Pasta

Cherry Tomato Pasta! A simple, homemade sauce using fresh cherry tomatoes, pasta and plenty of basil. A staple weeknight recipe. 

Make the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta

Pesto Pasta

Vegan Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta! The perfect pasta for summer. Homemade pesto tossed with roasted vegetables and rigatoni. A must-make!

Make the Recipe: Pesto Pasta

Spicy Pasta with Sausage

The Best Easy Vegan Pasta Recipe

Spicy Pasta with Sausage! This easy date-night pasta is so incredible! If you love healthy Italian food, then you’ve gotta try this easy pasta.

Make the Recipe: Spicy Pasta with Sausage

Sicilian Caponata Pasta

Sicilian Caponata Pasta

Sicilian Caponata Pasta! Tender eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and basil tossed with rigatoni. The perfect late-summer dinner!

Make the Recipe: Sicilian Caponata Pasta

One Pot Pasta Puttanesca

Bowl Of Puttanesca Pasta With Olives And Capers

One Pot Pasta Puttanesca! If you love spicy puttanesca sauce, you’ve gotta try this quick and easy recipe. Made entirely in one pot, with lots of capers, olives and red pepper flakes.

Make the Recipe: One Pot Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta Checca With Burrata! This Recipe Is Ready In Less Than 20 Minutes. Quick, No-Cook Sauce Tossed With Hot Angelhair Pasta And Topped With Creamy Burrata. Vegetarian. | Www.delishknowledge.com

Pasta Checca with Burrata! This recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes. Quick, no-cook sauce tossed with hot angel hair pasta and topped with creamy burrata. 

Make the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In just 25 mins, transform your dinner with Brussels sprouts pasta! Bacon, artichokes & sun-dried tomatoes pack a flavor punch. Try it tonight!

Make the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini Pasta With Garlic Shrimp
Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This easy bucatini pasta recipe tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is made in under 30 minutes making it a great weeknight meal.

Make the Recipe: Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Lemon Spinach Feta Pasta

Lemon Spinach Feta Pasta
Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An easy, quick and delicious Mediterranean inspired pasta filled with lemon, spinach and feta. Enjoy as is or top with your favorite protein.

Make the Recipe: Lemon Spinach Feta Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
Photo Credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Our Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s going to have everyone clamoring for seconds!

Make the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

You won’t believe this creamy tomato pasta! It’s rich and creamy, incredibly easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and totally yummy.

Make the Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

One Pot Mac and Cheese

One Pot Gluten-Free Mac And Cheese
Photo Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

This creamy, cheesy homemade stovetop gluten-free mac and cheese is almost as quick and just as easy as the boxed stuff, but SO much better. Made in one pot and just 20 minutes from start to finish!

Make the Recipe: One Pot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

French Onion Pasta

French Onion Pasta
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our One-Pot French Onion Pasta is pure comfort! Pasta and onions meld together in a deliciously savory and creamy dish.

Make the Recipe: French Onion Pasta

36 Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinners That Are Ready in 30 Minutes

Alfredo Pasta Dinner With Creamy White Sauce And Herbs
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

These recipes are ideal for hectic weeknights. Whether you prefer pasta dishes or stir-fries, these flavorful and effortless-to-prepare meals will allow you to unwind and relish your evenings without sacrificing taste.

Read More: Family Friendly Dinners

Copycat Cravings: Recreate Your Favorite Restaurant Orders in Your Own Kitchen

Asian Chicken
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

With these clever copycat recipes, you can recreate beloved menu items from major restaurant chains in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price. From cult-favorite fast food to fancy sit-down restaurant entrees, these copycat recipes will help satisfy your food cravings and save you money at the same time.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with restaurant-quality meals that you can make at home. These are your favorite copycat recipes from Chipotle, Panda Express, Chili’s, Starbucks and more!

Get the Recipes: Favorite Copycat Recipes

Cozy Up with These 14 Soothing Comfort Food Recipes

Shepherd'S,Pie,,Traditional,British,Dish,With,Minced,Meat,And,Mashed
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Food is more than just sustenance. Beyond providing the nutrients and energy we need to survive, food can also provide us comfort, joy, and feelings of nostalgia. With cooler weather around the corner, these comfort foods are perfect for chilly, cozy dinners.

From slow cooker soups to creamy pasta to hearty stews, these are our favorite comfort food classics.

Get the Recipes: Comfort Food Classics

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

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