When you’re racing against the clock on a busy weeknight, having a few pasta recipes up your sleeve can be a game changer. That’s why we’ve put together 13 easy, comforting pasta dishes perfect for those hectic evenings. These recipes are quick to prepare and guarantee a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Sausage Mac and Cheese
This homemade sausage mac and cheese is creamy, comforting, and quick to make. Its cheesy goodness and velvety texture make it a hit with both kids and adults. Great for a comforting meal on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic, simple dish that’s great for a quick dinner. Just five ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for those times you need a fast, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Lamb Bolognese
Lamb bolognese is a hearty and comforting choice that cooks up fast using simple ingredients like carrots, onions, and tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy meal that feels special without all the work. Serve it over your favorite pasta and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese uses Greek yogurt to keep things light yet creamy. It’s ready quickly, making it a great pick for a simple weeknight meal. You’ll love how it maintains all the classic flavors without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
This red lentil pasta with sautéed garlicky kale is hearty and wholesome. Quick to prepare, it’s topped with a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. A great solution for a speedy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
This dish brings together lemon, spinach, and feta for a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a light, nutritious dinner any night of the week. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Dive into this creamy sweet potato mac and cheese for a healthier take on the classic. With pureed sweet potato, almond milk, and two types of cheese, it’s not only indulgent but also quick to make. Added spinach makes it a perfect, cozy meal for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Whip up this creamy tomato farfalle in just 20 minutes. It’s a simple and quick choice, featuring peas and crispy prosciutto for a filling meal. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something both comforting and fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
This pesto pasta features a fresh Trapanese sauce made from tomatoes, nuts, and basil. It’s quick to blend and toss with your favorite pasta, making it a perfect dish for a busy night. Fresh, light, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Creamy Almond Butter Pasta
Enjoy the flavors of autumn with this creamy almond butter pasta. Roasted butternut squash and broccoli rabe mix with a lush sauce for a hearty meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting dish that’s ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Almond Butter Pasta
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This ground beef pasta skillet is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s on the table in under 30 minutes. Using any pasta you have on hand, it tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Try this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. It combines rigatoni with a rich tomato sauce and fresh spinach, topped with shredded parmesan. It’s great for those evenings when you need something comforting but fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
This Brussels sprouts pasta is ready in 25 minutes and uses just six ingredients. With additions like bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, it’s a great meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
