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60 Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick, Comforting Weeknight Meals

Sometimes you just need a big bowl of pasta at the end of the day, right?

By Country Living Staff
bucatini pasta with pesto and sweet potatoespinterest
BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

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There are few things as comforting as heaping bowl of pasta at the end of a long day. With so many easy pasta recipes out there, there's something for every palate to love. That's why pasta makes such a quick, easy dinner for your family—it's likely to satisfy everyone's cravings, due to its versatility. We've picked out pasta dinner ideas that cover so many different varieties, from hearty winter soup recipes (and of course chicken noodle soup) to zucchini recipes that allow low carb ideas for dinner. Of course, there are some macaroni and cheese recipes scattered throughout for the ultimate comfort food fest, as well as several butternut squash recipes that will never fail to get you in a cozy mood. There's also a wide range of pastas used, including ravioli, ziti, linguini, and just about any other shape you desire. Not only is pasta guaranteed to warm the soul, but it also often makes for a cheap dinner idea, since you usually already have the ingredients lying around the kitchen. So don't think for a second longer about what to make for dinner tonight, because one of these best pasta recipes will definitely be the winner.

1

Pea-and-Mint Stuffed Shells

pasta recipes stuffed shells
Brian Woodcock

Creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses are stuffed into these jumbo shells and balanced out by the hint of mint in each bite.

Get the recipe.

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2

Potato Gnocchi with Pork Ragù

pasta recipes potato gnocchi pork ragu
Brian Woodcock

You can make this entire dish from scratch, including the pillowy potato gnocchi.

Get the recipe.

SHOP SKILLETS

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3

Roasted Lemon Artichoke and Browned Butter Pasta

pasta recipes artichoke browned butter
Half Baked Harvest

Adding the big scoops of burrata onto this tangy, nutty pasta dish might be our favorite part of making it.

Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.

SHOP SKILLETS

4

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Grilled Chicken

pasta recipes roasted red pepper chicken
Cooking Classy

A vibrant roasted red pepper sauce gives this dish a burst of bold flavor and color.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

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5

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

pasta recipes philly cheesesteak
Dinner at the Zoo

You won't find any Cheez Whiz on this pasta, but you will taste a decadent provolone sauce in every bite.

Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

SHOP SKILLETS

6

Creamy Chipotle Sweet Potato Penne Pasta

pasta recipes chipotle sweet potato
Ambitious

The creamy sauce is actually vegan and made out of sweet potatoes, cashews, and chipotle peppers.

Get the recipe at Ambitious Kitchen.

SHOP SKILLETS

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7

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

pasta recipes bangbang shrimp
Spicy Southern Kitchen

Spicy, sweet, savory—this dish has it all! The mayo, sweet chili, and Sriracha-tossed shrimp make this plate of pasta irresistible.

Get the recipe at Spicy Southern Kitchen.

SHOP SKILLETS

8

Pasta With Olives, Anchovies, Tomatoes, and Breadcrumbs

pasta recipes breadcrumbs olives
Coley Cooks

Use your leftover pantry and fridge ingredients for this pasta that's sure to warm you up right away.

Get the recipe at Coley Cooks.

SHOP SKILLETS

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9

Mexican Corn Pasta

pasta recipes mexican corn
Cooking and Beer

Crumbled Cojita cheese gives this pasta recipe a truly signature taste.

Get the recipe at Cooking and Beer.

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10

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

pasta recipes chicken
The Cookie Rookie

Made in just one pan, this easy, cheesy meal will become a weeknight staple.

Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.

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11

Taco Pasta

pasta recipes taco
Dinner at the Zoo

Finish off this kid-friendly recipe with your favorite taco toppings: sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

12

Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

pasta recipes chicken noodle
Brian Woodcock

Skip the canned stuff and whip up this homemade chicken noodle soup that will warm you up all winter long.

Get the recipe.

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13

Pumpkin Pasta with Balsamic Sage Brown Butter Sauce

pasta recipes pumpkin
Half Baked Harvest

These homemade noodles are made with just two ingredients—yes, really!—and the entire dish comes together in 30 minutes.

Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.

14

Chicken Meatball and Vegetable Noodle Soup

pasta recipes chicken meatball
Brian Woodcock

Go low-carb with this healthy recipe that calls for sprialized "zoodles."

Get the recipe.

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15

Butternut Squash-Apricot Chicken Noodle Curry

pasta recipes curry
Brian Woodcock

This hearty curry is the most delicious way to enjoy butternut squash this season.

Get the recipe.

16

Pancetta-and-Brussels Sprouts Linguini

pasta recipes linguini
Brian Woodcock

For even more protein, top each serving of this hearty winter pasta with a fried egg.

Get the recipe.

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17

Chicken and Fideo Posole

pasta recipes posole
Brian Woodcock

Top this Mexican meal with sour cream, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Get the recipe.

18

Chicken and Arugula Cacio e Pepe

chicken arugula cacio e pepe
Brian Woodcock

Arugula gives cheesy spaghetti and pulled chicken earthy freshness.

Get the recipe.

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19

Ginger Garlic Chicken Ramen

pasta recipes ramen
Brian Woodcock

This homemade ramen is filled with shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy, and snow peas.

Get the recipe.

20

Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes

bucatini with winter pesto and sweet potatoes
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Ready in under 30 minutes, this deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation come winter.

Get the recipe.

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