Mamá Maggie's Kitchen
menu icon
search icon

15 Pasta Dinners That Always Hit the Spot

Published: by

Looking for a simple and tasty dinner idea? These pasta recipes are perfect for a busy weeknight. They come together quickly and are full of great flavor. From classic dishes to fun new twists, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. You can have a delicious meal on the table with very little fuss.

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Teriyaki Pasta (20 minutes)

Close-up of a fork lifting penne pasta with mushroom slices and green onions from a bowl filled with more pasta and mushrooms. The background is a soft beige fabric.
Teriyaki Pasta (20 minutes). Photo by Greedy Girl Gourmet

This dish mixes pasta with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Teriyaki Pasta is a fast dinner with an Asian-inspired twist that’s really tasty.
Get the recipe: Teriyaki Pasta (20 minutes)

Mexican Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a rectangular baking dish with a spoon. The dish features a golden-brown breadcrumb topping and gooey, melted cheese. A plate with a portion of the macaroni is visible in the background.
Mexican Mac and Cheese. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This creamy mac and cheese gets a spicy kick from jalapeños and other flavors. Mexican Mac and Cheese is a delicious and comforting twist on a classic.
Get the recipe: Mexican Mac n Cheese

4 Ingredient Cheater Lasagna

Close-up of a baked lasagna in a white dish. The top is golden brown with melted cheese and small pieces of parsley scattered over it, giving a slightly crispy texture. The dish appears hot, with visible cheese bubbling on the surface.
4 Ingredient Cheater Lasagna. Photo by Eazy Grub

This easy version uses just a few ingredients to make a classic-tasting lasagna. The 4 Ingredient Cheater Lasagna is a family-friendly dinner that saves you time.
Get the recipe: 4 Ingredient Cheater Lasagna

Espagueti Blanco (white spaghetti)

Espagueti Blanco served on a large white plate.
Esspagueti Blanco. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This creamy pasta dish gets its flavor from a smooth white sauce. Espagueti Blanco is a comforting Mexican meal that’s ready in under thirty minutes.
Get the Recipe: Espagueti Blanco

Birria Ramen

A close-up photo of a fork holding a bite of spicy noodle soup above a bowl. The noodles are thin, curly, and coated in a rich, red broth with visible herbs. In the background, there are bowls of various garnishes and ingredients on a wooden table.
Birria Ramen. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This dish combines tender beef with a rich, spicy broth served over ramen noodles. Birria Ramen is a hearty and bold meal that’s very satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Vegan Bolognese Recipe (Vegetarian Meat Sauce)

A plate of spaghetti topped with chunky bolognese sauce and fresh herbs, presented on a checkered red-and-white tablecloth. A spoon and a partially seen dish of extra sauce are nearby.
Vegan Bolognese Recipe. Photo by Cinnamon Snail

This is a rich, meatless sauce made with lentils and vegetables. The Vegan Bolognese is so flavorful you won’t miss the meat at all.
Get the recipe: Vegan Bolognese Recipe (Vegetarian Meat Sauce)

Espagueti Rojo (red spaghetti)

A plate of red spaghetti topped with a dollop of cream, crumbled cotija cheese, and a parsley garnish. Next to the plate are a small bowl of cream, a few utensils, and a sprig of fresh herbs on a light tablecloth.
Espagueti Rojo. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This is spaghetti in a simple, flavorful red sauce that’s not too complicated. Espagueti Rojo is a quick and tasty Mexican-style pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Espagueti Rojo

Chicken Parmesan Bacon Pasta

A cast iron skillet filled with creamy pasta topped with chopped bacon, herbs, and grated cheese. A spoon rests inside. A striped red and white towel and a head of garlic lie beside the skillet on a textured surface.
Chicken Parmesan Bacon Pasta. Photo by Bensa Bacon Lovers

This combines crispy chicken, bacon, and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. Chicken Parmesan Bacon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food all in one bowl.
Get the recipe: Chicken Parmesan Bacon Pasta

Sopa de Pollo con Fideos (Chicken Fideo Soup)

A bowl of soup containing chicken, spaghetti, lime slices, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. The soup is garnished with chopped herbs and placed on a striped cloth. A small bowl of chopped herbs with a wooden spoon is beside it.
Sopa de Pollo con Fideos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This is a hearty soup with chicken and thin noodles in a savory broth. Sopa de Pollo con Fideos is a simple, comforting meal for any night.
Get Recipe: Sopa de Pollo con Fideos

Espagueti Verde (Mexican green spaghetti)

Espagueti Verde is a creamy and savory dish that will make you beg for seconds. Spaghetti tossed in a delicious poblano sauce. This Mexican recipe is great for Meatless Mondays or any day of the week. Watch the Video. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Espagueti Verde. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This green spaghetti gets its color and flavor from roasted poblano peppers. Espagueti Verde is a creamy and delicious Mexican pasta everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Espagueti Verde

Pasta al Pesto (15 minute recipe)

A plate of spaghetti coated in pesto sauce, topped with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. The dish is served on a colorful striped plate.
Pasta al Pesto. Photo by My Good Food World

Fresh basil, garlic, and cheese blend into a quick, flavorful sauce. Pasta al Pesto is a classic dish you can make in just fifteen minutes.
Get the recipe: Pasta al Pesto (15 minute recipe)

Ensalada de Coditos (mexican elbow pasta salad)

A ceramic bowl filled with creamy Mexican pasta salad, featuring elbow macaroni, diced ham, green onions, corn, peas, and carrots, sits on a wooden table. A fork is partially visible in the background.
Ensalada de Coditos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This is a creamy pasta salad made with elbow macaroni and vegetables. Ensalada de Coditos is a cool, tasty side dish perfect for a party or picnic.
Get the recipe: Ensalada de Coditos

Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta

A close-up of a plate of curly pasta mixed with creamy mushroom sauce, topped with chopped parsley. The dish features a rich texture and earthy colors, creating an appetizing appearance.
Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta. Photo Avocado Skillet

Creamy goat cheese and earthy mushrooms bake together in this simple dish. The Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta is an easy yet special vegetarian dinner.
Get the recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta

Sopa de Fideo (Mexican noodle soup)

A blue bowl with noodle soup topped with green onion.
Sopa de Fideo. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This is a simple Mexican soup with toasted noodles in a tomato broth. Sopa de Fideo is a light, flavorful soup that’s very easy to make.
Get the recipe: Sopa de Fideo

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Close-up of creamy chicken pasta featuring grilled chicken strips and pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs.
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Photo by Golden Grace Kitchen

Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

More Recipe Roundups