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The Passport Kitchen

24 Pasta Dinner Recipes That Will Make Weeknight Dinners A Breeze

June 30, 2025 by Amanda Tyler Leave a Comment

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Weeknights can feel like a whirlwind, leaving little time to cook something satisfying and delicious. But what if you could enjoy a comforting, homemade pasta dinner without spending hours in the kitchen?

Here’s a collection of quick and easy pasta recipes that are perfect for busy evenings. These pasta dinners are a go-to whenever you want something yummy but easy!

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in no time, so you can spend more time unwinding and less time cooking!

Farofa-Topped Brazilian Mac and Cheese

Farofa-Topped Brazilian Mac and Cheese.

Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.

This American-Brazilian mac and cheese mashup combines Southern-style mac and cheese with the quintessential Brazilian side dish, farofa, on top in place of the breadcrumbs.

Get The Recipe: Farofa-Topped Brazilian Mac and Cheese

Pesto Tortellini Salad

Pesto Tortellini Salad.

Image Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

This Pesto Tortellini Salad will quickly become your go-to recipe when you need a quick and easy summer dinner recipe or potluck dish. Of course, you can make it anytime of year. 

Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Salmon and Spinach Pasta

Salmon and Spinach Pasta.

Image Credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

This incredibly delicious Salmon and Spinach Pasta recipe is perfect for you if you are looking for a fantastic family weekday meal that is ready in 25 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Salmon and Spinach Pasta

Easy Mushroom Pasta With Air-Fried Shiitake Chips

Easy Mushroom Pasta with Air-Fried Shiitake Chips.

Image Credit: Little Nomad’s Recipes.

This Creamy mushroom pasta is paired with crispy air-fried Shiitake chips, making for an easy, kid-friendly meal with an extra crunchy twist for the grown-ups to enjoy!

Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Pasta with Air-Fried Shiitake Chips

Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe.

Image Credit: Veggie World Recipes.

This lemon garlic pasta recipe is the perfect quick dinner recipe for the whole family if you want to make a home-cooked meal but don’t have a lot of time. It’s made with simple ingredients, and the final result is a light pasta dish with a creamy sauce and zesty flavor.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka.

Image Credit: Spend with Pennies.

This penne alla vodka recipe is a hearty Italian-American classic that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s just so good that you’ll be making it all the time. 

Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Arrabbiata With Chili Crisp

Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp.

Image Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This is the simplest but most delicious dinner you will ever make for your family. It is the ultimate in flavor and comfort with only a few ingredients. Arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian, so you know this one is spicy! 

Get the Recipe: Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese With Broccoli

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese w/ Broccoli.

Image Credit: Buttered Veg.

Everyone loves pasta because it’s quick to make—but pasta can be very difficult to digest—especially one made with cheese and tomatoes. That’s where this genius recipe is different. You’ll feel good and light after eating this vegan dish, especially if you select a gluten-free pasta option.

Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Casarecce Pasta Recipe With Buttery Herb Sauce

Casarecce Pasta Recipe with Buttery Herb Sauce.

Image Credit: Healing Tomato.

This Casarecce Pasta, made with Broccolini Rabe, has a rich herb butter pasta sauce with fresh garlic that adds so much flavor! It’s made with simple ingredients, and the whole family can enjoy this delicious Casarecce pasta recipe. It’s the best dinner for busy weeknights!

Get the Recipe: Casarecce Pasta Recipe with Buttery Herb Sauce

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta.

Image Credit: Joyful Eating Nutrition.

This is a simple vegetarian pesto pasta that you can serve hot or cold as a side dish or a complete meal with chicken or chickpeas.

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Healthy Green Greek Pasta Salad

Healthy green Greek pasta salad

Image Credit: Surprising Recipes.

This healthy green Greek pasta salad is a delicious and nutritious meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch, a quick midweek meal, a summer picnic, or a side dish for dinner, this dish can do it all. Plus, it’s ready in no time, so it’s super convenient to make!

Get the Recipe: Healthy green Greek pasta salad

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Image Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

This ultra-creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the perfect easy comfort food dinner. It’s a meatless meal, but you can add chicken or shrimp, both which pair well with this pasta. Picture a silky smooth Alfredo pasta but with some depth of flavor from garlic and a hint of fresh parsley.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Healthy Vegan Spinach & Peas One-Pot Pasta 

Healthy Vegan Spinach & Peas One-Pot Pasta (With Nutritional Yeast).

Image Credit: Beet of the Wild.

This Healthy Vegan Spinach and peas One-Pot Pasta is light, refreshing, and full of zesty flavour. Instead of heavy cream, it’s tossed in a simple mix of healthy oil, apple cider vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon, and nutritional yeast—a perfect springtime lunch, summer BBQ side, or quick weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Vegan Spinach & Peas One-Pot Pasta 

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

Image Credit: Like Mother Like Daughter.

This one-pot chicken alfredo pasta is a delicious pasta dish with a rich and creamy sauce that is ready in only about 30 minutes!

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Peanut Sauce Stir-Fry Noodles

Peanut Sauce Stir Fry Noodles.

Image Credit: The Sassy Foodie.

If you have ever had Thai peanut noodles, you know their addictive quality. If you’ve been searching for an easy peanut sauce for noodles at home, these peanut sauce stir-fry noodles will probably be your next addiction.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Sauce Stir-Fry Noodles

Creamy Rigatoni Gorgonzola With Crispy Coppa Chips

Creamy Rigatoni Gorgonzola with Crispy Coppa Chips.

Image Credit: Petit Porcini.

Rigatoni Gorgonzola is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, rich, and irresistibly cheesy! Al dente pasta is coated in a luscious, creamy Gorgonzola sauce and then topped with crispy coppa chips for a perfect balance of salty crunch. A touch of black pepper enhances the bold flavours, while parmesan cheese adds extra depth.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Rigatoni Gorgonzola with Crispy Coppa Chips

Creamy One-Pot Ricotta Pasta With Spinach & Kale

Creamy One-Pot Ricotta Pasta with Spinach & Kale.

Image Credit: Foodess.

This easy ricotta pasta recipe is packed with greens. It’s a delicious, quick, one-pot recipe featuring ricotta, spinach, kale, and broccoli rabe.

Get the Recipe: Creamy One-Pot Ricotta Pasta with Spinach & Kale

Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta

Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta.

Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

This creamy Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta is a one-skillet meal the entire family will enjoy! With a slight kick from the salsa verde, this cheesy pasta is a quick and easy recipe perfect for any night of the week! Yum!

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta

Easy and Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Easy and Creamy Mushroom Pasta.

Image Credit: Cakework Orange.

This creamy mushroom pasta with an addition of sweet corn and a twist of tomato base is an absolutely easy and delicious recipe that’s also a favourite for my kids. Imagine cooked, tender pasta wrapped in a velvety homemade sauce with mushrooms and sweet corn, adding texture and taste in every bite. 

Get the Recipe: Easy and Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Chicken Alfredo Casserole.

Image Credit: Crayons and Cravings.

This cheesy chicken Alfredo pasta bake is a savory and filling dish that combines creamy, cheesy Alfredo with shredded chicken and tasty bacon, making it a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Rigatoni Fiorentina

Rigatoni Fiorentina.
Image Credit:corriecooks.com.

Rigatoni Fiorentina is a yummy pasta dish that’s full of flavors and textures. It’s made with big, tube-shaped pasta called rigatoni, mixed with chicken, spinach, and cheese, all baked together in a tasty tomato sauce. This dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for when you want something hearty and comforting.

Get The Recipe: Rigatoni Fiorentina

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe.

Image Credit: Mommy Evolution.

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic lasagna recipe. Layers of tender chicken, cream cheese, and rich tomato sauce are nestled between tender lasagna noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta.

Image Credit: JCP Eats.

If you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight pasta chicken recipe, you’ll love this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta! Easy and delicious, it will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta.

Image Credit: Life as a Strawberry.

This easy chicken spinach pasta recipe is ready in 30 minutes with a box of pasta and a rotisserie chicken! In just one pot, you can make a cheesy Alfredo-inspired sauce from scratch.

Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

 

 

 

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