20 Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes

Who doesn’t love a wholesome pasta dinner dish?

I know I do! 

Pasta has been one of my favorite foods, alongside anything with potatoes, but I haven’t had pasta in a while as I am writing this post. 

I need to fix that, which brings us to today’s post. 

When I decided to do a deep dive into different pasta dinner recipes, I didn’t expect what I found. 

There was so much information about pasta from the different types, how to make it, the ingredients used, the origin of pasta, and much more. 

One of the things that confused me a bit was the difference between a simple pasta recipe and pasta salads. 

Based on what I’ve learned, there isn’t a difference but more about how it is prepared and served.

Recommended: 15 Easy Dinner Recipes and 20 Vegan Dinner Recipes

Let’s talk a little about this versatile unleavened dough before we get into the best pasta dinners. 

What is Pasta?

Pasta is unleavened dough made of wheat flour mixed with eggs or water and then shaped into sheets or other shapes. 

These pasta shapes/sheets are then boiled or baked. 

Originating from Italy and made with durum wheat, pasta has continued to evolve, where gluten-free options and other alternatives are used to make pasta. 

There are many types of pasta, which I’ll include below, but overall, there are at least 300 varieties and shapes of pasta.

The varieties of pasta come in two main (2) topics – dried and fresh pasta. 

Fresh pasta, as the name suggests, is freshly made and usually with eggs. They also have a shorter shelf life compared to their counterpart. 

Dried or factory-made pasta is produced within the factories on a large-scale basis. 

Types of Pasta

Here is a list of some different shapes/types of pasta:

• Long length pasta 
• Short pasta
• Stretched pasta 
• Soup pasta 
• Gnocchi pasta 
• Ravioli pasta

You can indulge in any of these pasta and see how well they can shake things up at your dinner table. 

List of Recipes:

1. Taco Pasta
2. Spinach Pasta
3. Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara
4. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
5. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
6. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta
7. Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta
8. Creamy Cajun Pasta
9. Creamy Fettuccine and Vegetable Primavera
10. White Bean Balsamic Pasta Salad
11. Bacon Pasta
12. Creamy Mushroom Marsala Pasta
13. Fettuccine Aglio e Olio
14. Cheesy Protein Pasta
15. One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
16. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
17. Marry Me Chicken Pasta
18. Chicken Angel Hair Pasta
19. Cavatappi Pasta with Creamy Pesto
20. Vegan Italian Pasta Salad

1. Taco Pasta

Taco Pasta is made with pasta shells, ground beef, cheese, and taco seasonings, so you get an absolutely delicious dinner in minutes! It is a runaway winner in my household, and it only takes 30 minutes to make! Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips, your whole family will love taco pasta night. ~ Sweet and Savory Meals

2. Spinach Pasta

This simple pasta with spinach sauce is fast, easy and delicious. It’s ready in less than 15 minutes and makes a weeknight meal the whole family will love. ~ The Clever Meal

3. Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara

A classic pasta carbonara recipe with tender shrimp and spring fresh asparagus. This creamy pasta dish is quick and easy, making it perfect for those busy weekday dinners. ~ Art and the Kitchen

4. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This chicken and broccoli pasta is something you will want to add to the menu! This dinner gets kicked up a notch with a simple, yet flavorful, butter sauce. Made with just a few simple ingredients. ~ Smart School House

5. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ideal dish for those who are a fan of Buffalo Wild Wings, but desire a homemade casserole that can be whipped up easily. ~ Be Centsational

6. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

This bacon and mushroom pasta recipe has crispy bacon and plenty of mushrooms in a delicious garlic herb cream sauce. It only takes about 30 minutes to make! ~ Salt and Lavender

7. Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta

If you’re a fan of quick 10-minute dinners, this Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta has you covered. It’s full of flavor, but you really only need a handful of ingredients to make it. Including canned tuna, a little lemon and garlic, and, of course, pasta!  I love how tasty it is, practical for weeknights, and overall, Tuna pasta is a pretty cheap meal to feed the family when you don’t have many fresh ingredients on hand. ~ Feel Good Foodie

8. Creamy Cajun Pasta

This Cajun pasta recipe is such a flavorful dish! The combination of the sausage, shrimp, veggies, creamy sauce, and Cajun spice mix is truly satisfying. ~ This Healthy Table

9. Creamy Fettuccine and Vegetable Primavera

The summer is coming to a close and it’s time to use up all those fresh vegetables. Fettuccine Primavera is a great dish to highlight healthy vegetables with a creamy, irresistible sauce. ~ Heidi’s Home Cooking

10. White Bean Balsamic Pasta Salad

This White Bean Balsamic Pasta Salad is a summer must make! Made with vegan feta, cherry tomatoes, herbs, white beans & balsamic dressing! ~ This Savory Vegan

11. Bacon pasta

This Creamy Bacon Pasta recipe has an indulgent tomato cream sauce with garlic, Parmesan cheese, simple seasonings, and crispy bacon! Your family will love this restaurant-quality dinner with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese. ~ The Cozy Cook

12. Creamy Mushroom Marsala Pasta

This creamy mushroom Marsala pasta is a delicious vegetarian dish that’s luxurious and simple to make at the same time. A rich, flavorful marsala sauce makes this pasta the kind of gourmet meal that you’ll want to make over and over again. ~ Skinny Spatula

13. Fettuccine Aglio e Olio

It’s a dish that brings together the flavorful tastes of Italian cuisine. Let’s explore this recipe that highlights the combination of garlic, olive oil, and a hint of spiciness – the essence of an authentic Italian kitchen. ~ No Dash of Gluten

14. Cheesy Protein Pasta

This healthy cheesy protein pasta is vegan and gluten free. One serving contains 41 grams of protein, and this recipe serves two. It’s also high in calcium from the sesame seeds and beans. As nutritional yeast contains all nine essential ammo acids, it provides complete plant protein. ~ Nest and Glow

15. One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Simple creamy and so refreshing, this one pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a 20 minute meal that is so effortless. Dinner comes together in just one dish and is full of flavor and even veggies. Serve with fresh bread and a salad and dinner is complete! ~ Lemons and Zest

16. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is rich, creamy, and so tasty! It’s a delightful combination of all of the flavors of deviled eggs, added to a pasta salad with big chunks of hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery, and crisp red onions.  This unexpected dish will be a hit at any party or gathering. Made with a healthy swap of using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. ~ Running in a Skirt

17. Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a combination of tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces that are smothered in a creamy garlic sundried tomato sauce. This 30 Minute Pasta is Quick, easy and SO good and will have everyone running to the dinner table! ~ Gimme Delicious

18. Chicken Angel Hair Pasta

This Chicken Angel Hair Pasta is a savory delight. Made with chicken, and tomatoes, and smothered in a creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. ~ Cooktoria

19. Cavatappi Pasta with Creamy Pesto

Inspired by Noodles & Company pesto pasta, this cavatappi pasta recipe has the same delicious taste but is so easy to make. Even using homemade pesto for extra bright and bold flavor, the dish comes together in 20 minutes. It packs in lots of vegetables with a smooth cream sauce making it a vegetarian pasta lover’s dream! ~ Live Eat Learn

20. Vegan Italian Pasta Salad

This vegan pasta salad recipe with Italian dressing is super delicious. It is a vegan and dairy-free pasta salad that is the perfect choice for you if you are vegan. And even if you are not, it is still full of nutritional benefits and utterly delicious. ~ Healthier Steps

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~ TheShyFoodBlogger