When dinner needs to be quick, filling, and something everyone actually wants to eat, pasta always comes through. These 13 recipes take the easiest ingredient in the kitchen and turn it into meals that make sense on any night. No complicated prep, no guessing—just straightforward dishes that get the job done. If dinner should be easy without feeling boring, this is where to start.
Salmon Pasta Salad
Finding a dish that’s equal parts simple and elegant can sometimes feel like a tall order. But when you’ve got salmon as the star, it’s not that hard. Salmon Pasta Salad is your answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you need something straightforward yet impressive. Ideal for those who want to serve something a bit special without overcomplicating mealtime. And because it’s so quick to put together, you have more time to spend at the table with your family.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
You don’t need to be a chef to whip up something that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup brings home the flavors you love without the need for a reservation. It’s about enjoying those rich tastes while keeping dinner casual. Best of all, it’s a recipe that allows you to recreate an evening out right in your own home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Ever thought you could make something fancy with minimal effort? Midweek dinners just got more interesting with Cajun Pasta with Shrimp—it’s like a restaurant experience without the dress code. Sharing a meal with friends but don’t have the time to go all out? This dish will save the day and leave everyone impressed with your kitchen skills.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Kick it up a notch with some pasta and chicken, and you have yourself a hearty meal. With Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken, you get the comfort of soup and the heartiness of a pasta dish in one. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking to prep your meals for the week, this recipe’s got your back. One pot is all you need, so you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes afterwards.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean without leaving your house. With Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes, you can bring a touch of exotic flair to your family dinner. It’s perfect for those times when you want something different but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a stand-alone meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Craving that creamy pasta from your favorite Italian chain? You can replicate that same rich taste at home with a recipe that’s straightforward and less pricey. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo might sound fancy, but it’s actually quite simple to make. It’s the ideal way to treat your family to a special dinner any day of the week. And don’t you worry; it’s definitely less complicated than booking a table on a busy Friday night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Pizza Pasta Salad
Now imagine that crowd-pleaser but in a pasta dish that’s perfect for potlucks or picnics. Pizza Pasta Salad takes all those flavors everyone loves and packs them into something you can eat with a fork. It’s great for those days when turning on the oven is not on your to-do list. This pasta salad could easily become your go-to for laid-back lunches or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Sometimes, you just want that one dish you had at an Italian restaurant and can’t stop thinking about. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings a touch of gourmet to your dining table without the fuss. It’s okay to spoil yourself and your loved ones with something that sounds gourmet but is actually easy to pull off. Added bonus: you can tailor it to your liking right at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Want to fancy up dinner without signing up for an episode of a cooking show? A classic dish is reimagined into a casserole form, combining familiar flavors in a new format. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the essence of the traditional recipe and simplifies it into a one-dish wonder. It’s got all the elements of a comforting meal but with less effort. And when everyone asks for seconds, you’ll know this one’s a keeper for your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Pesto Orzo Salad
You’re in for a treat with a blend of pesto and tiny pasta that can be served up in no time. Pesto Orzo Salad could easily become your shortcut to a quick and fulfilling meal on any hectic weekday. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side, this one’s a pleaser for both kids and adults. And for all you meal preppers, this dish holds up well in the fridge for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
If you’ve got leftovers from a rotisserie chicken, turning them into a pasta salad is a no-brainer. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is practical for a weeknight dinner but also classy enough for a weekend gathering. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen; this one’s all about simplicity and convenience. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, meaning you can relax after dinner instead of scrubbing pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Are you ready to indulge in a bit of cheesy goodness that’s sure to be a hit with everyone? Think huge pasta shells filled to the brim, baking to perfection. With Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells, you can guarantee happy faces around the dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a weekend chef, even on a Tuesday. And despite its impressive look, it’s far from painstaking to make.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Looking for a twist on your usual pasta night? Here’s a dish that’s a bit rustic, packed with flavor, and brings a gratifying balance to your meal. Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a blend of tasty and slightly bitter, creating a full-bodied dining experience. It’s a robust meal that’s substantial enough to feed your hungry crew. This recipe has the added perk of being a fantastic way to sneak in some greens for those who are a bit veggie-shy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
