30 Pasta Recipes for Dinner That Will Become Family Favorites

Looking for pasta recipes for dinner that will quickly become household favorites? These dishes are the kind of comforting, easy-to-make meals that everyone will look forward to. Packed with flavor and guaranteed to fill up even the hungriest family members, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. From classic favorites to fun new combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With these pasta recipes for dinner, you’ll never have to worry about what’s for dinner again.

A plate of creamy mushroom pasta topped with chopped green onions and herbs, accompanied by a fork and spoon on a white napkin. Sliced mushrooms and herbs are scattered around. — Photo credit: Plates by Nat.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Creamy baked pasta with melted cheese and bacon bits garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish. — Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole makes dinner time easy and delicious with its comforting combo of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce. This hearty option is perfect for pasta recipes for dinner when you're craving something satisfying without too much fuss. Make this dish your go-to for a busy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley. — Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Pasta Alfredo delivers a rich, creamy experience packed with the savory goodness of salmon and perfectly cooked pasta. As one of the easiest pasta recipes for dinner, this dish is ideal for those nights when you want something indulgent yet effortless. Pair it with your favorite greens for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta brings the boldness of fresh tomatoes and tender shrimp together in a quick, flavor-packed dish. This is one of the simplest pasta recipes for dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste or freshness. Serve it up when time is tight but your appetite is big.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta combines creamy sauce with tender steak for a dish that's as indulgent as it is easy to whip up. It's one of those pasta recipes for dinner that feels fancy without any of the hassle. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special midweek.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese brings cheesy goodness to the table with minimal effort, thanks to its slow cooker magic. As one of the coziest pasta recipes for dinner, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping things easy on a weeknight. Everyone will be asking for seconds—guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese proves that creamy comfort can be plant-based without compromising on taste. Perfect for pasta recipes for dinner, this dish brings all the classic mac and cheese vibes with a modern twist. A great choice for cozy nights in or sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A plate of cheesy baked pasta and chicken casserole served with chopped scallions, accompanied by a baking dish and fork. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake adds a spicy kick to your dinner lineup with tender chicken, bold buffalo sauce, and cheesy pasta. It’s one of those pasta recipes for dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a winning meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Individual Lasagna

Two square ceramic dishes of baked lasagna with melted cheese on top, next to a red and white checkered napkin, on a light textured surface. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Individual Lasagna turns a classic favorite into a perfectly portioned masterpiece. It’s one of the most fun pasta recipes for dinner, ideal for casual evenings or feeding a small group. Each bite delivers layers of gooey cheese, savory sauce, and hearty pasta—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Fork lifting a shrimp and pasta dish, with more food in the background. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta offers a perfect mix of rich garlic flavor and succulent shrimp tossed with pasta. It’s an easy pick for pasta recipes for dinner when you want something quick, fresh, and utterly delicious. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Crab Pasta

Crab Pasta turns any evening into a seafood celebration with its easy, flavorful preparation. Among pasta recipes for dinner, this one stands out for its mix of luxurious crab meat and light, herby sauce. Keep it simple yet elegant for a dinner that feels special but doesn’t take all night.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

A white pan filled with shrimp pasta garnished with parsley, grated cheese, and a lemon slice. Forks and plates are nearby on a white surface. — Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine serves up tender shrimp in a garlicky, buttery sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. This dish hits all the right notes for quick pasta recipes for dinner with its fresh, citrusy flavor and effortless prep. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

Spicy Tuna and Tomato Pasta

A skillet of cooked penne pasta mixed with a rich tomato and meat sauce. Fresh herbs are scattered on top. Olives and chopped parsley are nearby on the table. — Spicy Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Spicy Tuna and Tomato Pasta keeps things simple and bold with pantry staples like canned tuna, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. This is one of those pasta recipes for dinner that comes together when the fridge is bare but your appetite isn’t. Toss in some olives and capers for extra flair, and you’ve got a dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Plate of creamy pasta with chicken pieces and parsley garnish on a white plate, with a similar dish in the background. — Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: The Default Cook.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta layers tender chicken with a dreamy, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. When it comes to pasta recipes for dinner, this one balances comfort and ease perfectly. With just 30 minutes, it’s a meal that’s ready to impress on any night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Spaghetti with Canned Clams and Fresh Tomato Sauce

A bowl of spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, herbs, and chopped garlic. Surrounded by lemon slices, garlic cloves, parsley, and a slice of bread. — Spaghetti with Canned Clams and Fresh Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Maplewood Road.

Spaghetti with Canned Clams and Fresh Tomato Sauce transforms humble ingredients into a briny, fresh-tasting masterpiece. If you’re searching for pasta recipes for dinner that feel effortless but taste elevated, this one fits the bill. Add some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Canned Clams and Fresh Tomato Sauce

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Bowl of pasta with broccoli and peas next to a dish of sauce and a plate of grated cheese on a table. — Vegetarian Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Joyful Eating Nutrition.

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta keeps things fresh with fragrant basil, creamy pine nuts, and just the right amount of Parmesan. This is one of those pasta recipes for dinner that doubles as lunch the next day—hot or cold, it never disappoints. Add chickpeas or cherry tomatoes to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

A bowl of creamy pasta with chicken pieces and garnished with parsley. — Bang Bang Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that brings serious heat and flavor. This dish shines as one of those pasta recipes for dinner that feels indulgent but takes minimal effort. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy pasta dish with rotini, shredded chicken, and pieces of tomato, garnished with chopped parsley, in a white serving dish with a wooden spoon. — Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta makes dinner a breeze with slow-cooked chicken and a sauce bursting with garlic and cheesy goodness. For pasta recipes for dinner that practically cook themselves, this one delivers every time. Serve it straight from the pot for maximum comfort-food vibes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Plate of spaghetti with creamy sauce and shrimp, garnished with parsley. Fork and spoon beside the plate. A slice of crusty bread and a block of cheese are on a cloth napkin. — Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Maplewood Road.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs sautéed shrimp with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite noodles. It’s a standout among pasta recipes for dinner when you need something fast and flavor-packed. Garnish with fresh parsley, and dinner is served in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Pasta with Red Crab Sauce

A bowl of pasta topped with shredded chicken in a red tomato sauce, garnished with chopped herbs. — Pasta with Red Crab Sauce. Photo credit: Chef Dennis.

Pasta with Red Crab Sauce brings sweet, tender crab together with a tangy tomato base for a dinner that feels fancy but is easy to whip up. For pasta recipes for dinner that impress without stress, this one’s a go-to. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a glass of wine complete the picture.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Red Crab Sauce

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta mixes earthy mushrooms and baby spinach into a silky sauce that’s as comforting as it is quick. If you’re in need of pasta recipes for dinner that feel rich but not too heavy, this one delivers. Serve it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta

French Onion Soup Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy mushroom sauce, topped with finely chopped chives and grated cheese. — French Onion Soup Pasta. Photo credit: Mission Food Adventure.

French Onion Soup Pasta wraps cozy flavors into one comforting dish. With caramelized onions and mushrooms in a garlic-thyme sauce, it’s ideal for pasta recipes for dinner. A sprinkle of Gruyère adds a rich touch to finish off this crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup Pasta

White Bolognese Sauce

A plate of wide pasta noodles with a creamy sauce topped with grated cheese and seasonings, served in a bowl on a marble surface. — White Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Seasoned and Salted.

White Bolognese Sauce takes pasta recipes for dinner to the next level with creamy mascarpone and savory ground pork. It’s a rich, indulgent choice when you're craving a comforting meal. Every bite feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: White Bolognese Sauce

Chicken Piccata Pasta

Bowls of spaghetti with chunks of chicken and peas on a wooden surface. — Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

Chicken Piccata Pasta combines tender chicken with a creamy lemon sauce for a tangy kick that’s hard to resist. It’s a speedy fix for pasta recipes for dinner when you’re short on time. This dish brings bold flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Pasta

Creamy Tuna Pasta

A pan of creamy pasta garnished with lemon slices, fresh herbs, and green onions, with forks and a napkin nearby on a textured surface. — Creamy Tuna Pasta. Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Creamy Tuna Pasta turns pantry staples into a fuss-free dinner that hits all the right notes. The garlic-infused sauce and hint of lemon make it perfect for quick pasta recipes for dinner. It’s an easy win for a no-stress meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuna Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Plate of creamy pasta with corn and basil garnished on a burlap mat, set on a blue surface. — Creamy Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Cakeworkorange.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta layers a tomato-based sauce with earthy mushrooms and bursts of sweet corn for a satisfying finish. It’s great for pasta recipes for dinner when you want something rich yet approachable. Every forkful offers texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Ricotta Lemon Pasta

A pot of creamy penne pasta with arugula, topped with grated cheese and red pepper flakes, displayed on a light-colored surface with a lemon. — Ricotta Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

Ricotta Lemon Pasta keeps it simple yet vibrant with creamy ricotta, fresh arugula, and parmesan. This dish is a stellar pick for pasta recipes for dinner when light flavors are on your mind. It’s zippy, fresh, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Lemon Pasta

Thai Peanut Noodles

A bowl of spaghetti mixed with chopped vegetables, garnished with peanuts and herbs, sits on a wooden surface next to a spoon and fork. — Thai Peanut Noodles. Photo credit: My Suburban Kitchen.

Thai Peanut Noodles bring bold flavors together in just minutes, making it an easy go-to for busy nights. Perfect for pasta recipes for dinner with a twist, the creamy peanut sauce pairs beautifully with chewy noodles.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Noodles

Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake

Baked pasta with shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and a breadcrumb topping in a white dish, garnished with parsley. — Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Plates by Nat.

Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake layers crispy bacon and creamy béchamel for a rich dinner option. Ideal for pasta recipes for dinner when comfort is key, it bakes up golden and irresistible. This dish serves up warm and hearty satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake

Chicken Orzo

A skillet and a bowl of orzo pasta with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and greens. A fork is placed in the bowl, and fresh tomatoes are next to the skillet. A striped cloth is nearby. — Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

Chicken Orzo brings tender chicken and velvety orzo pasta together in a sun-dried tomato sauce. As one of the best choices for pasta recipes for dinner, it’s creamy, garlicky, and perfect for cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Orzo

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

A plate of spaghetti with diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a basil garnish, drizzled with balsamic glaze, on a wooden table next to fresh basil leaves. — Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta delivers fresh tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic punch in every bite. Perfect for pasta recipes for dinner with a fresh spin, this dish balances brightness and heartiness effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta