15 easy and delicious weeknight pasta ideas the whole family will love

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Weeknight dinners can be tough, especially when trying to please everyone at the table. Pasta is a favorite for many families because it’s simple to cook and can be made in so many ways. Pick any one of these 15 easy and delicious weeknight pasta ideas, and the whole family will be happy. Pasta is a great way to make dinner time a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaky tuna and juicy tomatoes create a delicious pasta dish that’s easy to make. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley give it a special touch, without the fuss. This simple recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that picky eaters will enjoy, making it a great option for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini come together in a flavorful broth with fresh veggies. It’s an easy pasta recipe that brings comfort to the table without much effort. This family-friendly dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, offering a warm and satisfying option everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Simple ingredients like Pecorino Romano and black pepper make this pasta dish both easy and delicious. It’s a quick recipe that delivers big flavor with little effort, making it ideal for busy nights. This creamy pasta is one the whole family will enjoy, especially when dinner needs to be on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Large pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture make for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish offers cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s a family favorite that’s simple to prepare but still feels like a special meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe brings tender chicken and fluffy dumplings together in a savory broth. It’s a hearty pasta dish that’s great for a family dinner, offering comfort and satisfaction. With simple steps, it’s an ideal option for a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Potato Gnocchi

Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft potato dumplings make this an easy and comforting pasta dish the whole family will love. Paired with sauces like sage butter or pesto, this gnocchi is packed with flavor. It’s a simple, delicious recipe that doesn’t take much time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when dinner needs to come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These easy lasagna roll-ups give you all the flavor of traditional lasagna without the extra work. Ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned meat make them a tasty and convenient weeknight meal. Baked until bubbly and golden, this is one of those delicious pasta recipes the whole family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Veggie Pasta Salad

Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.
Veggie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This colorful pasta salad is a fresh and easy recipe filled with crisp veggies like peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Tossed with feta and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a light and satisfying dish the whole family will love. It’s a delicious pasta dish that works for weeknight dinners or as a side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Hearty meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce make for a delicious and comforting pasta recipe. It’s an easy weeknight meal that’s satisfying for the whole family. This classic dish is simple to prepare but brings plenty of flavor to the table, making it a go-to option everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet peas and a rich, creamy sauce make this an easy and delicious pasta recipe. Parmesan adds extra flavor to every bite, making it a family favorite. This simple weeknight meal is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a quick option that’s still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken and creamy feta pair perfectly with orzo in this easy-to-make pasta dish. It’s a flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and simple to prepare. This is one of those pasta recipes that brings fresh, bold flavors to the table while keeping things easy for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Spinach Orzo Salad

This photo shows a spinach orzo salad in a square glass bowl sitting on a black granite countertop.
Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Orzo and spinach tossed in a lemon vinaigrette make for a light and easy pasta dish. Feta and red onion add a burst of flavor, making it a tasty side or weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to add veggies to the table, while still being a delicious pasta recipe the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This rich, creamy cheddar mac and cheese offers an easy twist on a classic pasta dish. It’s a delicious weeknight dinner that’s a little more sophisticated but still comforting. With its cheesy goodness, it’s a pasta recipe the whole family will enjoy, turning an everyday meal into something special.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna

Veggie lasagna on a plate with a salad and fork.
Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Spinach, artichokes, and feta bring a fresh twist to classic lasagna in this easy pasta recipe. It’s a great way to combine veggies with pasta in a dish that kids will love. This simple weeknight meal is both delicious and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna

Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Bowl of Pumpkin Sage Pasta.
Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

This creamy, plant-based pasta dish combines pumpkin and sage for a rich, satisfying flavor. It’s an easy and delicious recipe that adds variety to weeknight pasta dinners. The smooth texture and bold flavors make it a family-friendly dish that even kids will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta

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