When it comes to simple, quick and affordable weeknight dinners, nothing beats a good bowl of pasta. I absolutely love sharing easy pasta recipes here on the blog. It’s comfort food at its finest – warm, satisfying and endlessly versatile. There’s always at least one (okay, usually more than five) packets of dried pasta in my pantry and a stash of homemade sauces in the freezer. On busy days, or when I’m feeling tired or a little under the weather, pasta is my go-to. My favourite dishes comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta, and are definitely faster than Uber Eats!
A quick Google tells me there are over 350 pasta shapes from Italy alone, and that’s before we even talk about the sauces! Pasta dishes can span from time-honoured regional classics to slightly less traditional “use what you have” creations inspired by whatever’s in the fridge. I wanted to round up all of my favourite easy pasta recipes in one place, because I have shared quite a lot of them over the years! Below you’ll find a pasta perfect for every night of the week and almost every mood.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Pumpkin, Prosciutto and Feta
My favourite hands-off dinner! The oven does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you free to clean the kitchen, help with homework or have a glass of wine. It’s got crispy gnocchi, roasted pumpkin, prosciutto, feta and fresh greens, all finished with a zingy homemade honey-mustard dressing. One pan. Big flavour. Minimal washing up. Win, win, win!
Pesto Pasta Salad
Now that the weather is warming up, I’m so looking forward to making this delicious pasta salad again! It’s the perfect thing to serve at a BBQ or casual dinner, or to bring to a pot luck. It’s a major crowd-pleaser! I personally think a homemade pesto makes all the difference and it only takes a couple of extra minutes. The bacon, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini and baby spinach bring it all together. I love that this pasta salad still tastes super fresh, not heavy with too much oil or mayo.
Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma)
I’ve been making this dish for almost two decades!! It’s become one of my ultimate favourite comfort meals, and the one I make just for myself (because I seem to be in the minority of eggplant lovers!). In the last few years I’ve enjoyed making it with the eggplants, cherry tomatoes and herbs I’ve grown in the garden. It’s so satisfying and I swear it tastes even better! This is another absolutely delicious vegetarian option that also freezes really well!
One Pot Chunky Chicken Risoni Soup
This is another recipe from the early days of the blog, and one I still get intense cravings for. It sits somewhere between a hearty soup and a risotto, made with risoni/orzo that soaks up every bit of flavour. I’ll happily eat it all year round, but it really shines in winter when you want something warm, cozy and satisfying. There’s a little chopping upfront, but after that it all comes together in one pan, and the leftovers the next day are chef’s kiss.
Baked Feta Pasta with Eggplant
Remember when this one was trending on TikTok? Well you guys loved it because it’s still getting a ton of traffic even now! My little twist is adding roasted eggplant to the tomatoes and feta for a hearty vegetarian dinner that’s full of flavour! The feta and roasted veggies turn into a slightly salty, creamy ‘sauce’ for your pasta. Just add a splash of balsamic and fresh basil for a delicious and quick dinner!
Easy Salami Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Burrata
This Salami Pasta started as a true “use-what-you-have” experiment! A quick fridge-scavenge dinner that became a family favourite. It comes together fast! Start frying your ingredients as the pasta boils and dinner is ready in about 10 minutes. The cherry tomatoes turn juicy and saucy, the salami gets a little crispy around the edges and the burrata adds delicious creaminess. And when summer hits the garden and I’m drowning in homegrown cherry tomatoes? I’m making this at least once a week without fail.
Slow Cooked Brisket Ragu
This is one of my favourite easy pasta recipes that truly impresses! This rich, velvety brisket ragu is slow-cooked for nine hours with tomatoes, red wine, beef stock, and herbs until the meat is fall-apart tender. It’s perfect for a crowd, serving 8-10 people, and it always gets rave reviews. Or you can freeze the leftovers for a night when you want something luxurious with zero effort.
Pumpkin Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
I’m a huge mac and cheese girlie! I’ll always order it if it’s on the menu, but most restaurant versions just don’t compare to the one I make at home! This version sneaks in some hidden veggies while staying decadently creamy and delicious. It’s perfect for a picky toddler, a cozy weeknight, or even as a show-stopping Thanksgiving side.
One Pan Meatball Risoni
This Meatball Risoni is a more recent favourite but I have already made it several times since posting it in March. Hearty and wholesome, it uses affordable ingredients like beef mince and packet risoni to make a crowd pleasing one-pan meal the whole family will love. And once again, the leftovers are fantastic. Your co-workers will be jealous that your lunch smells so good!
Creamy Chicken Pesto
While I might reach for pre-made pasta on a weeknight, I’ll always advocate for homemade pesto. Sure, using a food processor isn’t traditional, but it still blows store-bought jars out of the water. This version gets a little upgrade with a touch of cream, pan-fried chicken breast, and roasted tomatoes for a simple yet fancy-feeling dinner. Add a side salad or some garlic bread and you’re all set!
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Cherry Tomatoes
Finally, here’s a super simple, throw-together, one-pan meal to have on hand for your busiest days. This dinner carried me through a really hard time last year. I saw it as a way to nourish myself and get some veggies in when everything felt impossible. Minimal chopping, no boiling, and ready in just 30 minutes!
I hope you’ll try some of these delicious pasta recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram if you love them!