Pasta is one of the most accessible, universally loved, and adaptable foods — ideal for quick weeknight dinners. If you have a box or bag of dried pasta in the pantry, you practically have dinner. Even without a plan or a trip to the market, you can assemble a satisfying meal from ingredients in the fridge and pantry. Most pasta recipes are forgiving, so feel free to swap ingredients and adjust quantities to match your taste and what you have on hand. The recipes below highlight that flexibility and ease.
Best Simple Pasta Recipes: A simple pasta recipe will save the day any night of the week – these are some of the greatest hits and many can be made from pantry staples!
Pasta appears in cuisines around the world — from couscous in the Middle East to buckwheat and rice noodles across Asia — but the recipes below primarily use Italian-style dried pasta made from wheat and semolina. There are many brands available, from reliable supermarket options to artisanal bronze-die cuts; use what you like and follow the package cooking times.
Pasta isn’t just for main courses. It makes a great side dish, can star in soups and casseroles, and works as a small first course for a multi-course meal. You’ll also find many pasta salads and variations that are perfect for warm-weather meals. Below are 21 simple, dependable pasta dishes that are easy to make and easy to customize.
Best Simple Pasta Recipes: A simple pasta recipe will save the day any night of the week – these are some of the greatest hits and many can be made from pantry staples!
21 Best Simple Pasta Recipes
Cacio e Pepe
One of the simplest and quickest pasta dishes: cheese and black pepper combine with pasta cooking water to create a silky, creamy sauce. A perfect pantry-friendly weeknight meal.
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Pasta with Broccoli Rabe
Bitter-sweet broccoli rabe pairs beautifully with pasta. Traditionally served with sausage, it’s equally satisfying without meat — omit the cheese and anchovies to make it vegan.
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Pasta with Marinara Sauce
A classic tomato sauce that works with any pasta shape. Enjoy it simply with spaghetti or use it as a base for baked pastas, sandwiches, or dipping sauces.
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Chicken Sausage Pasta
A flavorful five-ingredient pasta featuring chicken sausage and kale. Choose a chunky pasta shape to hold the sauce and ingredients.
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Simple Baked Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
A cozy baked pasta casserole, similar to a deconstructed lasagna. You can substitute any meat or a vegetarian tomato sauce and serve with a green salad.
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Pasta with Sautéed Kale and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Kale and pasta are elevated by Parmesan-infused toasted breadcrumbs. A long, skinny pasta is especially nice here.
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Ground Turkey Stuffed Shells
Cheesy stuffed shells filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Swap proteins or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
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Pasta Aglio e Olio
Olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and a splash of pasta water create a bright, satisfying sauce in about 15 minutes.
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Pancetta Pasta with Tomatoes
Pancetta, ripe tomatoes, and pasta combine for a colorful, flavorful dish best made when tomatoes are at their peak.
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East Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Hearty sausage and peppers in a rich tomato sauce served with chunky pasta — inspired by the Italian-American sandwich classic.
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Penne alla Vodka
Cream and a splash of vodka add richness and depth to a tomato sauce. Penne, ziti, or rigatoni work well with this lush sauce.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
A timeless favorite: tender meatballs simmered in tomato sauce served over spaghetti. Pair with garlic bread and a simple salad for a classic meal.
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Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine
Spicy tomato sauce and big shrimp make this Italian-American classic irresistible. Serve with linguine for a bold, satisfying dinner.
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Vegetarian Greek Pasta
Feta, zucchini, and tomato come together for a Mediterranean-style pasta that’s great hot, warm, or at room temperature — perfect for summer produce.
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Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Umami-rich noodles that blend East and West flavors — savory, garlicky, and deeply comforting. A beloved San Francisco creation.
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Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
Chicken Parmesan translated into a pasta casserole — comforting, cheesy, and easy when you use cooked chicken or a rotisserie bird.
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Easy Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
A rich, silky Alfredo sauce that can be made while the pasta cooks. Add garlic, parsley, or red pepper flakes to balance the richness.
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Penne all’Arrabbiata
A 30-minute tomato-based sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes that is assertive, simple, and perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
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Simple Ramp Pasta
When ramps are in season, this straightforward pasta lets their wild, garlicky flavor shine. A long, skinny noodle pairs particularly well with ramps.
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Homemade White Macaroni and Cheese
A flexible, creamy mac and cheese you can customize with different cheeses, add-ins like bacon or broccoli, and seasonings. Once you make it a couple of times, it comes together quickly.
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Linguine with White Clam Sauce
A quick 30-minute recipe using canned clams and a garlicky, brothy sauce that yields restaurant-worthy clam pasta at home.
