Wholesome Meals For Busy Weeknights 45 Easy Pasta Ideas

These 45 dishes transform simple ingredients into satisfying meals, ready in minutes. Whether you are craving a hearty one–pot meal or a fresh pasta salad, you’ll find flavorful options that make weeknight cooking effortless. Best of all, they’re made with wholesome and easy–to–find ingredients, making them perfect for families and weeknight dinners.

1. Zucchini pasta

Grated zucchini, fusilli pasta, and parmesan cheese are the main ingredients in this light and quick zucchini pasta. This wholesome recipe is a great way to eat more vegetables without realizing it.

2. Pasta aglio e olio

One of the quickest pasta dishes with few ingredients is spaghetti Aglio e olio. The aroma of the garlic-infused flavor of this 15-minute pasta dish will transport you straight to Italy.

3. Pasta Pomodoro

Serve your pasta mozzarella balls, and spinach leaves for a complete meal (not authentic, but still delicious). It’s a family–friendly and moderately spicy dinner idea ready in just 20 minutes.

5. Broccoli pasta

Do you want to add more greens to your pasta while achieving a creamy pasta sauce? Try this 20-minute broccoli pasta with mashed broccoli sauce and orecchiette pasta; it’s creamy and fun and will please your entire family.

6. Lemon ricotta pasta with spinach

Try this no–cook sauce with ricotta and parmesan, which takes about 20 minutes to make. This lemon ricotta pasta is super quick and creamy. It’s mixed with cooked rigatoni and spinach and can easily be adapted for vegetarians and vegans. Serve with a quick tomato salad for a colorful and complete meal.

8. Vegan mushroom pasta

Here’s a mushroom pasta with authentic Italian flavor and plenty of bite and chewiness: vegan mushroom pasta. You can eat it on its own or serve it with a fennel salad for a restaurant–like meal packed with flavor and greens.

9. Roasted red pepper pasta

Mix the red pepper sauce in 20 minutes with al dente paccheri or rigatoni pasta. Upgrade this pasta with roasted cauliflower for added greens and crispiness; it’s a wholesome and satiating dinner idea.

10. Spaghetti Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca is a Neapolitan pasta dish with olives, capers, and canned tomatoes that you can make in 20 minutes. Despite its simple ingredients, it’s rich, tangy, and incredibly satisfying. With the addition of parmesan cheese and good-quality pasta, you will enjoy a protein–rich vegetarian meal.

Pasta in 30 minutes

Take your pick from velvety, creamy, and easy pasta meals ready in 30 minutes or less. All pasta recipes include vegetarian and vegan cooking instructions.

12. Rigatoni arrabbiata

Try this arrabbiata sauce with al dente rigatoni pasta. This light dinner idea takes 25 minutes to make and adds a creamy and irresistible flavor to any pasta type.

13. Kabocha squash pasta

Easy kabocha squash pasta is a fall and winter–friendly pasta with a creamy–dreamy sauce. Mix the roasted kabocha squash with ricotta and parmesan for a quick Italian–inspired pasta sauce that everyone will love. This is a must-try pasta if you love eggplant parmigiana or Sicilian caponata.

18. Mushroom bolognese

24. Lentil bolognese

28. Vegetarian carbonara

Easy pasta salad recipes

With these easy pasta salad ideas, making pasta for lunch is no problem. They’re ideal for lunchbox meals and bringing to the office. This recipe is inspired by the pasta traditions of Liguria, Italy, and it is excellent when served with fresh basil.

16. Cauliflower Alfredo pasta

Creamy Alfredo sauce, but lighter and healthier: Here’s a cauliflower alfredo pasta with loads of creaminess and flavor. It takes 25 minutes to make and pairs well with your favorite protein.

17. Cauliflower pasta

If you love cauliflower and pasta, you’ll love this garlic and lemon-infused cauliflower pasta. Add parmesan cheese and roasted pine nuts for added flavor, and serve with your favorite vegetable side dish to complete your meal. We quick-blend mushrooms for texture; it’s an easy way to make a meat–free yet super tasty pasta dinner.

19. Butternut squash pasta

This endlessly creamy butternut squash pasta is a must-try. Roasted and caramelized butternut squash is blended with ricotta, parmesan, and Italian herbs, creating a restaurant–worthy and quick pasta dish for the whole family.

20. Hummus pasta

Creamy hummus, tasty sauteed mushrooms, and al dente rigatoni make a quick, wholesome, nutritious hummus pasta for a fantastic weeknight dinner. This delicious, easy meal is ready in less than 30 minutes. You can make it with homemade hummus or your favorite store-bought hummus.

Italian pasta recipes

Add authentic Italian flavor to your cooking repertoire with these family-friendly pasta favorites.

21. Pasta e fagioli

Pasta a fagioli is a soup and main dish and an easy and comforting meal with few ingredients. This dish’s rich and rustic flavors will please everyone around your table, kids and adults alike.

22. Lentil pasta

This lentil pasta recipe with cherry tomatoes will take you to the Italian countryside. Simple ingredients and brown lentils paired with fresh Italian herbs result in a comforting and decadent pasta dish.

23. Pasta e ceci

You’ll love this wholesome pasta e ceci (pasta with chickpeas) because it’s easy to make in one pot and ready in 30 minutes. It’s made with simple and affordable pantry staples, and you’ll feel amazing after eating this nourishing, legume-rich dish. Make it for dinner, and freeze the leftovers for a meal-prep-friendly and easy pasta sauce for the weekdays.

25. Kale pesto pasta

Here is a perfect pasta for when you’re short on time; you can make the kale pesto sauce in 20 minutes. The pesto keeps well for up to a week in the fridge and several months in the freezer, so it’s fantastic for last–minute meals.

26. Artichoke pasta

Here is an easy creamy artichoke sauce with ricotta and parmesan cheese that does not require cooking and is ready in 25 minutes. This pasta recipe uses canned artichoke hearts, allowing us to assemble the dish in about 15 to 20 minutes.

27. Minestrone

Minestrone is a beloved Italian soup studded with ditalini pasta and seasonal vegetables and has been warming family tables for generations. This endlessly adaptable one–pot meal transforms humble ingredients such as beans, pasta, and whatever vegetables are on hand into a rich, comforting bowl. Our carbonara sauce has an eggy, tangy flavor similar to an Italian carbonara recipe.

29. Lemon pasta

This lemon pasta is quick and easy to make with straightforward ingredients. Have a bite, and you’ll be transported to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, where lemons and pasta are staple ingredients.

30. Marinara sauce with spaghetti

This quick and no-fuss marinara sauce recipe is an easy way to give your meals a fresh kick. You can use it as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, on top of veggies, or as a delicious and versatile dip.

31. Chestnut pasta with mushrooms

This chestnut pasta is cozy, creamy, cheesy, and earthy with sauteed mushrooms and blended chestnut pesto. It’s made with simple ingredients and is a restaurant-worthy dish perfect for weekends and Sunday dinners.

32. Asparagus pasta

Try bowtie pasta in a velvety combination with asparagus. This creamy, scrumptious, and easy asparagus pasta is an excellent dinner idea for the whole family. It is packed with taste and spring vibes.

33. Paccheri pasta

Here is how to cook paccheri in a quick, tasty, and fulfilling cherry tomato sauce enriched with chickpeas for extra protein. Paccheri are shaped like oversized rigatoni and keep an irresistible al dente texture unrivaled by most other dry pasta shapes.

34. Fregola pasta

Fregola sarda or frègula is a small pearl-shaped pasta similar to pearl couscous. It has a satisfying al-dente bite and chewy texture that pairs well with vegetables and feta.

35. Tortellini soup

The soup recipe is easy to make in one pot, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and stuffed pasta.

36. Tomato pasta “Siciliana”

You’ll love the comforting Italian flavors of this tomato pesto pasta. The sauce is creamy, and the ricotta and tomatoes make a light but satiating Italian meal.

37. Casarecce pasta

You can make this casarecce recipe in less than 30 minutes, top it with feta, ricotta, or a non-dairy cheese alternative, and have it as a delicious lunch or dinner.

38. Cannelloni

Cannelloni (Manicotti) is a comforting, simple, and elegant Italian recipe everyone loves. They are tender pasta tubes filled with a perfect blend of ricotta and spinach, covered with marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella cheese.

42. Spaghetti salad

48. Butternut ravioli

51. Trofie pasta with homemade pesto

For many more pasta ideas, check out our pasta category page. A sweet and tangy mustard vinaigrette makes this salad a real crowd-pleaser.

40. Chickpea pasta salad

This chickpea pasta salad is ready in 20 minutes and is a happy and colorful lunch and dinner idea. Make it with your favorite veggies, a short pasta type, and canned chickpeas – a wholesome and satiating meal.

41. Macaroni salad

Next on our list is a delicious summer salad with a cooling crunch and luscious creaminess. You can make this creamy macaroni salad ahead and serve it as a main or side dish for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It’s excellent for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues but also perfect for meal prep, bringing to work, and family dinners.

43. Eggplant salad

Eggplant salad is an easy and quick recipe with roasted eggplant, chickpeas, and crunchy seasonal vegetables. It’s perfect as a make-ahead meal for potlucks and picnics.

44. Artichoke pasta salad

This creamy and elegant artichoke pasta is ready in just 20 minutes. Make it with fresh lemon juice, olives, and pine nuts, then serve it to friends and family—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

45. Orzo salad

Next on our list is a light and bright orzo pasta salad. It’s a quick and easy solution for a tasty, satisfying, healthy meal. You can make it with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty mustard dressing.

46. Creamy pasta salad

This creamy pasta salad recipe is excellent for potlucks, barbeques, summer cookouts, and picnics. It’s versatile, and you can serve it as a starter, side dish, or light and refreshing main.

47. Pesto pasta salad

Pesto pasta salad is a quick and delicious meal with your favorite pesto or dairy-free pesto and fresh veggies. It’s packed with fresh flavors and excellent for potlucks or a delightful dinner with your family.

Homemade pasta (not easy, but delicious)

These homemade pasta recipes are family-friendly, fun to prepare, and delicious. Take your pick from these easy-to-follow recipes with step-by-step instructions. Serve it with butter and sage sauce for an Italian homemade meal.

49. Potato gnocchi

Making gnocchi is an excellent family activity; equip yourselves with forks and a clean worktop. Our homemade gnocchi recipe makes soft and delicious potato pillows with three simple ingredients; it is surprisingly easy to make.

50. Sweet potato gnocchi

Sweet potato gnocchi is made with microwaved sweet potato and just two other ingredients. You can make this simple and tasty recipe in about 30 minutes and have it for a lovely dinner with your family. They are more accessible than you think!

White sauce with five ingredients for a quick and creamy pasta sauce 5-min pesto with parsley, artichokes, or arugula. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, eggplant, cauliflower, or bell pepper, and add extra jazz and color to your pasta plate. Caramelized onions are a sweet and tangy addition to your pasta meal. Slow-baked tomatoes with garlic and herbs – a sweet, creamy, and tenderly roasted tomato topping. Steamed artichokes with fork-tender artichoke texture and a rich, mild, nutty flavor Chili oil for added zest and spiciness. Sauteed mushrooms are a chewy pairing with al dente pasta and creamy hummus; try this combination in our hummus pasta recipe.

Tomato Confit

Caramelized Onions

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Vegan White Sauce

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Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients. Easy right? Comment * Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me when Louise or Nico reply to my comment.

Δ Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.