15 Simple Pasta Dishes That Deserve the Spotlight (and a Second Helping)

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Pasta has a way of making any meal feel cozy and satisfying. It is easy to cook, filling, and full of flavor, which is why it shows up on so many weeknight tables. From quick skillet meals to simple baked dishes, pasta can be a comforting choice that everyone enjoys. These 13 simple pasta dishes deserve the spotlight and your fork because they are easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.

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

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

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

There is no need to spend hours making a full pan of lasagna when these roll ups give you the same comfort in less time. Each portion is filled with tender pasta, rich sauce, and plenty of melty cheese for a pasta dinner that feels special any night of the week. This is an easy pasta dish that is perfectly portioned, simple to make, and always a satisfying choice when you want a meal without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Creamy Pea Pasta

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

A bowl of this pasta is rich, smooth, and filled with the gentle sweetness of peas that add both color and flavor. It is a simple pasta dish that can be made in minutes, making it a smart pick for busy weeknights when you still want something comforting. Every bite is creamy and satisfying, showing that easy pasta recipes can still be full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

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.

This pasta combines tender noodles with mild tuna and fresh tomato for a meal that comes together quickly. It is an easy pasta dish that works for both fast lunches and simple dinners, giving you a reliable recipe to make any day of the week. The light but flavorful combination makes it a great choice when you want something tasty without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Potato Gnocchi

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

Soft and pillowy gnocchi is a pasta favorite that melts in your mouth and leaves you feeling satisfied. This is a simple pasta dish that is easier to make than many expect, yet it still delivers that homemade comfort people love. Pair it with any sauce and you have a hearty, filling dinner that feels special without a lot of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Homemade Orecchiette

Image shows a hand shapes gnocchi dough pieces against a ridged wooden board.
Homemade Orecchiette. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This pasta has a chewy texture and holds sauce beautifully, making every bite more enjoyable. It is a delicious pasta dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but can be made with far less effort. The result is a comforting and satisfying dinner that is perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Orecchiette

Chicken and Dumplings

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

Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings create a hearty meal that is as comforting as any pasta dinner. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a great choice when you want something filling and flavorful without extra steps. Each serving delivers warmth and satisfaction, proving that easy pasta-style meals can still be rich in taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a savory broth come together for a dish that is both hearty and comforting. This is a delicious pasta recipe that works well as a complete dinner any night of the week. The rich flavors and filling ingredients make it a meal you will want to enjoy again and again.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

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.

Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce make a pasta dish that never loses its appeal. It is an easy recipe that delivers big flavor and pairs perfectly with your favorite noodles. This is a classic, hearty pasta dinner that is both simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

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.

Cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and savory broth create a pasta soup that is hearty yet not too heavy. This is an easy pasta dish that works for quick weeknight meals and is filling enough to serve on its own. Every spoonful offers a mix of rich flavors and comforting textures that make it a recipe worth keeping.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Lemon Butter Pasta

Image shows close-up of a fork holding a serving of spaghetti with black pepper, resting above a plate of more spaghetti in a light blue dish.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

The mix of tangy lemon and rich butter makes this pasta bright, flavorful, and comforting at the same time. It is a quick and simple pasta recipe that comes together with just a few ingredients, perfect for nights when you need dinner fast. The balanced flavor and smooth texture make it a dish you will want to make over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

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

Crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes give this mac and cheese more flavor and texture than the classic version. It is a hearty and easy pasta dinner that still delivers the creamy comfort everyone loves. Baked until golden and bubbly, it is a satisfying meal that feels special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

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.

Tender chicken, seasoned orzo, and salty feta cheese combine for a flavorful pasta meal that is easy to make. This is a simple pasta dish that offers a balance of hearty and fresh ingredients in every bite. The mix of textures and savory flavors makes it a satisfying choice for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta

Image shows a clear glass plate of spaghetti with yellow and red tomatoes, lightly coated in sauce and sprinkled with black pepper, on a wooden surface.
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh grape tomatoes and creamy ricotta create a pasta dish that is light yet filling. This is an easy recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Every forkful delivers simple, fresh flavors that make it a dish worth putting in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta

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.

This classic pasta uses just a few ingredients to create a dish that is bold, cheesy, and full of flavor. It is one of the easiest pasta recipes you can make, yet it still feels special enough for any dinner. In just minutes, you can enjoy a warm and comforting meal that always satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel.
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and tender pasta come together for a dish that is rich and flavorful. It is a simple pasta salad that can work as either a side or a main dish, depending on what you need. The bold flavors and hearty ingredients make it a recipe worth keeping in your mealtime lineup.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

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