10 Weeknight Pasta Dinners Made Easy

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Busy nights call for big bowls of comfort—and these 10 weeknight pasta recipes are the kind of dishes that keep the fridge (and your patience) from running on empty. From classics like Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese and Chicken Penne Pasta, to fresh twists like Avocado & Lemon Zest Spaghetti and Simple Lemony Feta and Mascarpone Pasta, there’s something here for every craving. Also on the list: One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta, Creamy Bacon Spaghetti, and the ultimate low-effort hero—5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe!

One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta

One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is the perfect comforting dish for a busy weeknight. It’s simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor with its cheesy, herby goodness. This recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious and easy pasta bake.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta

Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese (Boiled in Milk)

Creamy mac and cheese in a pot stirred with a wooden spoon
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese recipe is comfort food at its finest and is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe utilizes a unique method of boiling the pasta in milk, resulting in an ultra-creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting side dish. Get ready to enjoy a homemade mac and cheese that’s way better than the boxed stuff!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese (Boiled in Milk)

BBQ Chicken Pasta

BBQ chicken pasta in two white bowls
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Got leftover chicken? This BBQ chicken pasta is a quick and easy way to use it up! Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a cheesy and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Pasta

Courtney’s Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

curry chicken noodle soup in a bowl with chopsticks
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Curry Chicken Noodle Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor and immune-boosting ingredients. It features tender chicken, veggies, and rice noodles simmered in a delicious coconut milk broth. Perfect for a cozy and healthy meal!
Get the Recipe: Courtney’s Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Penne Pasta

creamy chicken penne pasta in two bowls
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is a quick and easy restaurant-worthy meal you can make in just 30 minutes. Using everyday ingredients, this dish combines chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce for a comforting and impressive dinner. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese to elevate the flavors!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy Lemon and Fresh Tomato Salmon Pasta

close-up of white bowl with creamy lemon and fresh tomato salmon pasta
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This creamy tomato salmon pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The bright and flavorful sauce is made with lemon, parmesan, and garlic, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes! You’ll feel like you’re eating at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon and Fresh Tomato Salmon Pasta

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti

close-up of creamy bacon spaghetti with a fork
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This creamy bacon spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The decadent combination of bacon, garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream is sure to satisfy your cravings! Garnish with parsley and serve!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Spaghetti

Simple Lemony Feta and Mascarpone Pasta with Grilled Asparagus

Simple Lemony Feta and Mascarpone Pasta with Grilled Asparagus | Simple Lemony Feta and Mascarpone Pasta with Grilled Asparagus | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This simple lemony feta and mascarpone pasta dish is the perfect way to celebrate Spring. It’s a quick and easy vegetarian meal that’s packed with flavor from the feta, mascarpone, and lemon. Plus, the grilled asparagus adds a nice touch of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Simple Lemony Feta and Mascarpone Pasta with Grilled Asparagus

Avocado & Lemon Zest Spaghetti

Avocado & Lemon Zest Spaghetti / loveandlemons.com
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This Avocado & Lemon Zest Spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for avocado lovers! Ready in under 30 minutes, it can easily be made gluten and dairy free. With fresh herbs and bright citrus, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Avocado & Lemon Zest Spaghetti

5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe

A plate of spaghetti coated in a creamy sauce, topped with black pepper and herbs, with a fork twisting some of the noodles.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This 5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe recipe by Foodie Crush is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights! It’s the Italian version of mac and cheese and uses pantry staples to create a flavorful dish that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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