Pasta Dinners the Whole Family Will Actually Agree On

Pasta is the perfect answer for a fast and delicious meal that everyone at the table will like. You can find so many different kinds, from smooth and creamy sauces to ones with a fresh, zesty taste. These recipes are great for simple weeknights and many only need a few ingredients to make. They cover everything from light dishes to rich, cheesy ones, so you will always have a tasty idea for dinner.

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Table of Contents

1 Ricotta Lemon Pasta
2 Espagueti a la Crema (Ham and Cream Spaghetti)
3 Mexican Mac n Cheese
4 20 Min Healthy Pesto Pasta With Peas
5 Espagueti rojo (Red Spaghetti)
6 Aglio e Olio
7 Ensalada de Coditos (elbow pasta salad)
8 Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
9 Espagueti Blanco (White Spaghetti)
10 Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
11 Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
12 Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)
13 Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
14 Vegan Avocado Pasta
15 Pastalaya (Jambalaya Pasta)

Ricotta Lemon Pasta

Creamy pasta with penne, arugula, grated cheese, and red pepper flakes in a white pot. Fresh lemon and a small bowl of red pepper flakes are nearby on a marble surface. — Ricotta Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

The sauce is a light mix of creamy ricotta cheese and fresh lemon. Ricotta Lemon Pasta is a bright and tasty dish that feels fancy.
Get the recipe: Ricotta Lemon Pasta

Espagueti a la Crema (Ham and Cream Spaghetti)

Espagueti a la Crema with a cilantro leaf in the center — Espagueti a la Crema. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

A smooth and creamy sauce with ham makes this spaghetti extra special. Espagueti a la Crema is a rich and satisfying family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Espagueti a la Crema

Mexican Mac n 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 macaroni and cheese has a little spicy kick from jalapeños. Mexican Mac n Cheese is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic.
Get the recipe: Mexican Mac n Cheese

20 Min Healthy Pesto Pasta With Peas

A pot filled with penne pasta mixed with green peas, chopped carrots, and stirred with a creamy pesto sauce. A wooden spatula rests in the pasta, and the pot is placed on a marbled countertop with a cloth nearby. — 20 Min Healthy Pesto Pasta With Peas. Photo credit: Watch what u eat.

Fresh pesto sauce coats the pasta along with sweet green peas. The 20 Min Healthy Pesto Pasta With Peas is a quick and tasty complete meal.
Get the recipe: 20 Min Healthy Pesto Pasta With Peas

Espagueti rojo (Red Spaghetti)

Espagueti Rojo served with a dollop of Mexican sauce and a parsley leaf. — Espagueti Rojo. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This is a Mexican-style spaghetti with a bright and flavorful red sauce. Espagueti rojo is an easy and comforting dish for any night.
Get the recipe: Espagueti rojo

Aglio e Olio

It is a classic pasta dish made with just garlic and olive oil. Aglio e Olio is ready in minutes and full of simple, delicious flavor.
Get the recipe: Aglio e Olio

Ensalada de Coditos (elbow pasta salad)

Ensalada de Coditos served in a clay bowl. — Ensalada de Coditos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This is a creamy pasta salad made with small elbow macaroni. Ensalada de Coditos is a cool and refreshing side dish for parties.
Get the recipe: Ensalada de Coditos

Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta featuring cooked rotini noodles and shredded chicken mixed with a creamy white sauce. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top. The dish is set on a light background with a sprig of herbs beside the bowl. — Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Bless This Meal.

Chicken and pasta cook together in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy, hands-off meal.
Get Recipe: Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Espagueti Blanco (White Spaghetti)

A plate of espagueti blanco topped with fresh parsley. — Espagueti Blanco. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

It is a white spaghetti dish with a rich and cheesy cream sauce. Espagueti Blanco is a comforting Mexican pasta that is ready fast.
Get the recipe: Espagueti Blanco

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A bowl of creamy pasta with shredded chicken, garnished with chopped herbs. The pasta is a spiral shape, and a wooden spoon is placed to the side. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Great Chicken Recipes.

Tender chicken and pasta are covered in a tangy buffalo sauce. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy and spicy dinner made quickly.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken chipotle pasta topped with chopped herbs is placed on a wooden cutting board. Nearby, a small bowl filled with more chopped herbs and a white and blue checkered cloth napkin are visible. — Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The sauce gets its heat and smoky flavor from chipotle peppers. Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish for spice lovers.
Get the recipe: Spicy Chicken Chipotle 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 and comforting Mexican noodle soup in a tomato broth. Sopa de Fideo is often topped with avocado and crumbled cheese.
Get the recipe: Sopa de Fideo

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

A delicious plate of spaghetti is topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil leaves, served in a white bowl. The pasta is seasoned with black pepper, making it an appetizing meal. — Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Lindsey Eats.

Sweet cherry tomatoes are cooked until they pop in the pan. This Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta is a fresh and simple sauce for your noodles.
Get Recipe: Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

Vegan Avocado Pasta

A bowl of spaghetti is covered in creamy green avocado sauce, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. A fork is twirling the pasta, and the dish is presented on a white plate. — Vegan Avocado Pasta. Photo credit: kiipfit.

A creamy sauce is made from blended avocado instead of dairy. Vegan Avocado Pasta is a fresh, healthy, and quick dinner option.
Get the recipe: Vegan Avocado Pasta

Pastalaya (Jambalaya Pasta)

A close-up of a creamy pasta dish with shrimp, sliced sausage, and bell peppers. Penne pasta is mixed with a rich, seasoned sauce, creating a colorful and hearty meal. — Pastalaya (Jambalaya Pasta). Photo credit: Gypsyplate.

This one-pot meal combines pasta with shrimp, chicken, and spicy sausage. Pastalaya has all the great flavors of jambalaya in a pasta dish.
Get the recipe: Pastalaya (Jambalaya Pasta)